HR Advisor

• Employee Relations & Advice: Build strong relationships across all levels to advise line managers on standard employee relations matters including sickness absence, capability, disciplinary, grievance, and probation reviews.
• Casework & Investigations: Assist managers in drafting investigation statements, preparing formal outcome letters, conducting investigations, and providing procedural HR support at formal hearings.
• Absence & Health Management: Partner with Business Services Partners to monitor absence trends, coordinate return-to-work actions, process Occupational Health referrals, and assist with employee risk assessments.
• Safeguarding & Compliance: Collaborate with central teams to verify pre-employment clearances (DBS, Barred List, Right to Work), maintain Single Central Record (SCR) requirements, and uphold safeguarding standards for children across the Trust.
• Onboarding & Probation Tracking: Ensure academy inductions and formal probation reviews are completed accurately and on time across allocated schools.
• HR Data & Governance: Maintain accurate electronic and manual HR systems, produce timely reports for the Head of HR & Safeguarding, and assist in the ongoing review of Trust policies and procedures.

• GCSE Grade C/4 or equivalent in English and Maths.
• Proven experience handling operational HR casework and building strong relationships across internal teams and unions.
• Sound working knowledge of employment law, safeguarding compliance, safer recruitment, and GDPR data protection regulations.
• Experience presenting case information or taking minutes at formal HR hearings.
• Strong verbal and active listening skills with high attention to detail.
• A flexible, ethically sound approach with a deep commitment to safeguarding and Harbour Learning Trust's DANCE values (Delight & Joy, Ambition, Nurture, Community, Empower).

• CIPD or HR qualification (or degree-level education/equivalent).
• Prior experience working within an educational or multi-site environment.
• Safer recruitment training.
• A valid driving licence and access to a vehicle for travel between trust sites.

We are proud to have the highest performing primary and secondary schools in our area and we are honored to have been shortlisted for the TES Inclusive Trust of the Year Award for two years running. Most importantly, we are proud that we are improving the life chances for our children and giving them the tools and the values to lead happy and successful lives.

• We will act with integrity, honesty and transparency in all that we do
• We will trust our fellow professionals and value their skills and knowledge
• We will work collaboratively and encourage others to do the same
• We will work inclusively, building and celebrating inclusive and diverse communities
• We will be kind to ourselves and in all our dealings with others, acting with
• compassion and empathy
• We will communicate regularly and with clarity with our stakeholders and with each other, welcoming and reflecting on constructive feedback from others
• We will be aspirational for all, wanting the best for ourselves and for everyone

Come and join our happy, values led trust that truly believes in “success and happiness for all”

Harbour Learning Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All posts are subject to satisfactory background checks and enhanced DBS.

If you would like to hear more about the role please do not hesitate to contact Katrina Noon, Head of HR & Safeguarding