Senior HR Officer

Senior HR Officer (Central Trust Team)
Ascend Learning Trust

Contract: Permanent, 52 Weeks

Hours: 37 hours per week

Working Pattern: 08.00-16.00 Monday to Friday

Salary: NJC Grade I - NJC Grade I

Actual Salary: £34,434-£36,363 ( Pay award pending)

Interview Date: TBC

Appointment Date: As soon as possible

Job Overview

We are looking for a motivated and detail‑oriented HR professional who can deliver accurate and timely HR administration and support across the Trust. As a successful applicant, you will build strong relationships with our schools and act as a trusted point of contact, offering clear guidance on HR policies, employment legislation, pay, and terms and conditions, ensuring consistency and accuracy across all HR processes. Alongside excellent communication and organisational skills, you will confidently manage key administrative duties including onboarding, compliance, and supporting safer recruitment procedures such as preparing advertisements and overseeing new starter processes. You’ll be comfortable working independently to meet tight deadlines and committed to promoting staff wellbeing and strong HR practice across the Trust.

Full details can be found in the recruitment pack.

Why choose us?

At Ascend Learning Trust, our motto — Together we Belong, Believe, Become.— guides everything we do. We create a genuine sense of belonging and deliver a holistic, world‑class education that opens doors for every young person, no matter their starting point. Our shared values of Compassion, Aspiration, Respect, Dedication and Integrity shape our culture and inspire us to provide unmissable education and limitless horizons.

When you join us, you become part of a supportive, ambitious community that invests in its people and develops high‑calibre professionals. We foster kindness, inclusivity and high expectations, and we welcome colleagues who want to make a meaningful difference every day.

What We Offer

Health & Wellbeing

• Free annual flu vaccines
• Discounted gym memberships
• 24/7 counselling helpline
• Annual Wellbeing Day*
• Generous holiday allowance
• Flexible working solutions
• Optional health and fitness schemes*

Financial

• Discounts and cashback at hundreds of retailers
• Excellent Pension Schemes, including 21.3% employer contributions for support staff
• Cycle to Work and Tech Schemes*

Career Progression

• Instructional Coaching for teaching roles
• Supportive performance development
• Apprenticeship and training opportunities
• Internal progression pathways
• Recognition and long-service awards

*Please note some allowances are only applicable on completion of a successful probation.

Please note if we receive sufficient applications, we may close this job role earlier.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences. If you need adjustments to support your application, please contact the Recruitment Team on 01793 781485 or recruitment@ascendlearningtrust.org.uk

Safeguarding Statement

Ascend Learning Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Please note that this role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, which means that you are required to disclose any criminal convictions, cautions, warnings, or reprimands, even if they would normally be considered "spent” and a DBS check will be carried out before any employment commences.

In line with KCSIE 2026 and safer recruitment practices, the school will conduct an online search for all shortlisted candidates. The online search is part of our safeguarding checks and will seek publicly available information on candidates’ suitability to work with children. Shortlisted candidates will be provided with further guidance and will be asked to clarify their online presence.

References will be obtained before interview at shortlisting stage and may be used in the interview process. If previous employment has included working with children, then at least one referee must be from this employment regardless of whether this is the current or most recent employment Any gaps in employment must be detailed and an explanation provided in the relevant section.