At a Glance
- Tasks: Support schools with expert HR advice and guidance while managing a diverse portfolio.
- Company: Join an award-winning education services business with 30 years of experience and a people-first approach.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days leave, flexible working, a generous pension, and tailored development programmes.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive culture focused on career progression and making a real impact in education.
- Qualifications: Must have CIPD membership and 18 months HR advisory experience; strong relationship-building skills required.
- Other info: Remote work with essential client visits; occasional overnight stays may be needed.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
We are recruiting for a HR Adviser to join our HR Services Team based in Huntingdon. This is a field role based in and around the Midlands (Stafford/Birmingham).
We are an award-winning and accredited education services business with 30 years of expertise.
We are a technology-enabled business, but people are at the heart of what we do. We believe in developing long-lasting relationships with our customers and employees.
We are 100% dedicated to education and our expert team of 200 highly qualified employees support more than 2,500 schools nationwide.
Purpose of the role
Working in partnership with our schools and their leaders to ensure outstanding customer service across the organisation by delivering, and supporting colleagues to deliver, expert advice and guidance on all aspects of people management in a timely and effective manner, whilst maintaining the highest levels of confidentiality and integrity.
You will be constantly striving to improve the efficiency and professionalism of working practices to meet the company\’s objective of “clarity and consistency” and working “smarter not harder” to facilitate an increase in customer base whilst maintaining and improving customer service.
Roles & Responsibilities
- To manage and support a portfolio of schools on all aspects of People management.
- Coach and mentor junior team members to support their development and to ensure that all customers receive timely, accurate and professional advice.
- Respond to a wide range of customer enquiries, via telephone, e-mail, or other correspondence, relating to People issues in a professional manner, to ensure that customers receive timely, accurate and valuable advice.
- Offer accurate interpretation, advice, application, and representation to customers on employment legislation, best practice and policies and procedures in relation to and in the context of customers\’ policies and procedures on a range of People matters. This includes complex casework on recruitment and selection, remuneration, terms, and conditions of service, disciplinary and capability (performance and health) cases, grievance, redundancy and whole school restructures, academy conversions and TUPE etc., liaising senior colleagues where appropriate.
- Visit schools and customers to provide support and advice on People concerns to allow them to drive their business forward.
- To attend and advise, at formal hearings/appeals, and advise at union consultation meetings.
Requirements
- Current membership of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development
- Minimum of 18 months experience in an advisory position within a HR environment, which will include advice and support for managers, training, responsibility for issues such as the appointment and dismissal of staff, grievance, disciplinary procedures, absence management, redundancy, etc.
- Competency in establishing good working relationships with a range of customers e.g. headteachers, governors, and senior managers, or similar.
- Competency in working within the constraints of predefined employment policies and procedures
- Good attention to detail
- Ability to prioritise and work well under pressure to strict deadlines
Supporting information and working conditions
- Homework base with working visits to Huntingdon.
- Client site visits essential for on-site meetings.
- Full UK driving license.
- Occasional overnight stays are necessary for this role.
Other information
There are several reasons people have stayed with EPM for a number of years, we offer a wide range of benefits:
- 26 days annual leave + 8 days public holiday
- A generous pension package
- BUPA Cash Payment
- Flexible working arrangements
- Cycle Scheme
- Company events
- Tailored learning and development programmes
- We offer an inclusive and open workplace
At EPM we have great career progression and learning and development courses along the way. We are all about supporting our staff and promoting people from within.
HR Adviser in Birmingham employer: Education Personnel Management
Contact Detail:
Education Personnel Management Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Adviser in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific HR challenges faced by schools in the Midlands. Understanding local issues will help you tailor your approach during interviews and demonstrate your commitment to supporting educational institutions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current HR professionals in the education sector, especially those who work in or around Birmingham. Engaging with them can provide insights into the role and may even lead to referrals or recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with complex casework in HR, particularly in areas like recruitment, grievance handling, and disciplinary procedures. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to maintain confidentiality.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your commitment to continuous professional development by mentioning any relevant training or certifications you have pursued. This aligns well with our focus on learning and development, making you a more attractive candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Adviser in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant HR experience, particularly in advisory roles. Emphasise your ability to manage relationships with schools and your understanding of employment legislation.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for education and how your skills align with the company's mission. Mention specific examples of how you've provided expert advice in previous roles.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Ensure you mention your current membership with the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and any other relevant qualifications or training that demonstrate your expertise in HR.
Showcase Your Soft Skills: Since this role involves coaching and mentoring, highlight your communication and interpersonal skills. Provide examples of how you've successfully built relationships with clients or colleagues in the past.
How to prepare for a job interview at Education Personnel Management
✨Know Your HR Legislation
Make sure you brush up on current employment legislation and best practices. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you are well-prepared and knowledgeable, which is crucial for an HR Adviser role.
✨Demonstrate Relationship-Building Skills
Since the role involves managing relationships with schools and their leaders, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully built and maintained professional relationships in your previous roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that require you to think on your feet, such as handling complex casework or advising on disciplinary procedures. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Coaching Experience
As mentoring junior team members is part of the job, be prepared to discuss your experience in coaching or training others. Highlight specific instances where your guidance led to positive outcomes.