HR Officer/HR Assistant Officer

HR Officer/HR Assistant Officer

Birmingham Full-Time 22600 - 28400 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join our HR team to support recruitment, training, and employee relations in a vibrant charity.
  • Company: Queen Alexandra College is dedicated to empowering students with special educational needs.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, health support, and discounts while making a real difference.
  • Why this job: Be part of a supportive community that values inclusion and personal development.
  • Qualifications: Level 2 in English and Maths; CIPD qualification preferred but not essential.
  • Other info: Opportunity for career growth and professional development within a dynamic environment.

The predicted salary is between 22600 - 28400 £ per year.

HR Officer/HR Assistant Officer

Application Deadline: 15 August 2025

Department: Human Resources

Employment Type: Permanent – Full Time

Location: Harborne, Birmingham, UK

Compensation: £26,647 – £31,476 / year

Description

We are seeking an individual for the role of either an Assistant HR Officer or a HR Officer, dependent on experience.

You will provide an excellent and efficient comprehensive and confidential generalist HR service to all staff, volunteers and stakeholders across the Charity. The post holder will contribute to the HR team by providing accurate advice and guidance on HR policy, and by leading or supporting on specialist activities e.g. recruitment and selection, induction, training, employee relations, attendance, management information, etc.

The post holder will actively promote equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of QAC life and ensure it is at the heart of all that we do.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible

Salary subject to qualification/experience (will consider development opportunity for suitable candidate to apply as AHRO and undertake CIPD qualification with support).

Salary:
HR Assistant Officer – £26,647.40
HR Officer – £ 28,398.24 – 31,476.64

Hours:
Full Time – 37 hours per week/52 weeks. This role is site based.

Key Responsibilities

Recruitment and Selection
· Manage/support the end-to-end process from identification of need through to appointment for agreed vacancies ensuring compliance with legal requirements at all times.
· Manage and administer the online recruitment system.
· Plan and schedule each stage of the selection and recruitment process, representing HR on interview panels, liaising with managers and candidates accordingly ensuring necessary controls and standards are in place.
· Monitor the effectiveness of each campaign and continuously improve the service.
· Administer pre and post interview communications ensuring the reputation of QAC is maintained and enhanced.
· Manage the clearance processes for new starters ensuring compliance with DBS/Safeguarding requirements.
· Maintain the recruitment tracker to enable overall reporting and analysis of performance.
Induction
· Carry out short induction meetings with new starters on a one to one or one to group basis.
· Contribute to larger induction training programmes as required.
Appraisal
· Co-ordinate and monitor the returns of the annual appraisal process to achieve 100% success rate.
· Co-ordinate the identification of individual training needs from responses to feed into wider planning processes.
Absence/Attendance
· Ensure staff adhere to policy by providing appropriate advice, guidance and challenge.
· Produce daily absence lists for QAC managers by 8.30am and facilitate cover arrangements if necessary, including liaising with Bank and/ or Agency provision.
· Produce regular absence reports and identify trends and issues.
· Undertake Return to Work interviews and attendance meetings (where required), in line with the policy. Provide coaching and support for line managers undertaking RTW meetings (subject to appropriate experience and training).
· Input absence data to record system on time and accurately to facilitate reporting
· Support in complex absence cases (subject to appropriate experience and training)
· Undertake home visits, absence reviews, as appropriate (subject to appropriate experience and training)
· Make recommendations for phased returns, liaising with Occupational Health and GP’s as required (subject to appropriate experience and training).
Employee Contract Management
· Produce new contracts within legal timescales.
· Provide timely advice to managers and employees on contractual entitlements, referring complex queries to HR Manager
· Administer all aspects of changes to employee contracts throughout the employee lifecycle eg promotion, pay review, maternity, paternity, resignation, job changes etc, efficiently and accurately
· Organise and support pay regrade panels by researching market data and documenting outcomes.
Disciplinary and Grievance
· Provide advice and guidance to managers to enable appropriate investigations to take place and sensible outcomes to be achieved, following College policy and legal requirements. Provide HR support during investigations (subject to appropriate experience and training).
· Organise meetings and relevant documentation, act as technical advisor in hearings, taking notes and supporting the Chair to reach decisions and communicating outcomes (subject to appropriate experience and training).
· Support employees to raise issues of concern appropriately.
HR Policy
· Provide accurately and timely advice and guidance on the full range of HR policies
· Keep up to date with changes in legislation and make recommendation for policy changes accordingly
Reporting
· Support with the provision of HR management information for reporting, as directed
Training
· Provide support within the team for annual or termly training days/weeks ensuring all events are appropriately scoped, organised, delivered, recorded and evaluated through liaison with relevant deliverers
· Source external training to meet identified needs of individuals or groups
· Support the HR Team to deliver training to staff on specialist HR topics as needed
HR/General administration
· Clerk/ minute formal HR related or confidential meetings as directed.
· Provide a professional customer service to internal and external stakeholders at all times
· Respond to ad hoc requests via email, letter or telephone within agreed timescales
· Ensure all filing is up to date and accurate
· Input all changes to employee records onto the HR/Payroll system accurately and efficiently
· Provide support, where reasonable adjustments are required, for access to work payments, holiday/TOIL booking, overtime claims or any other supportive documentation required.
· The post holder will be responsible for ensuring that all administration and record keeping associated with their areas of responsibility is kept up to date and accurate.
Change management
· Support the HR Team to implement new initiatives, changes to services or job roles as directed, ensuring compliance with employment legislation and good practice requirements
· Role model a positive approach to change at all times
· Participate in or lead HR projects from time to time as directed.
Personal Development
· Participate in learning and development activity relevant to performance in the post or to the Charity as a whole
Other Duties
· Undertake any other duties not listed above that are commensurate with the role, as directed by the HR Team.
The above list is not exhaustive, but is indicative of the general nature and level of responsibility of the work to be undertaken. The responsibilities and duties may vary from time to time without changing the nature of the post. The post holder will be expected to adopt a flexible approach to enable the efficient and effective running of the Charity.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

  • Minimum of Level 2 in English and Maths
  • Full or part CIPD qualified (or willingness to undertake for AHRO)
  • Ability to manage high volume workload in a busy office, maintaining a high level of personal organisation and meeting deadlines
  • Ability to demonstrate effective team working to deliver a comprehensive and consistent service
  • Ability to communicate sensitively and assertively to a wide range of people and students, some with significant impairments, using a range of methods
  • Ability to build effective relationships with managers and staff, inspiring trust and confidence
  • Attention to detail and high level of accuracy, ensuring tasks are completed on time to required standards
  • Ability to identify improvements and make changes based on best practice
  • Open to change, flexible, and to be able to support others through a change process
  • Actively undertakes personal development and seeks out opportunities to learn
  • Previous experience in a HR administration/ generalist role
  • Experience of providing advice on HR policies
  • Knowledge of current employment legislation
  • Strong Microsoft Office skills particularly excel and knowledge of Microsoft

Why work at Queen Alexandra Charity Birmingham

Join our team at Queen Alexandra College!
Are you passionate about making a difference to the lives of students with special educational needs? Do you thrive in an inclusive and supportive academic environment? If so, we want YOU to join our team. QAC has just gone through an exciting rebrand, dealt with a period of swift growth and academic improvement and this is your opportunity to become part of a vibrant College that is moving forward and making a real difference to the lives and futures of our students.
The newly structured Queen Alexandra Charity Birmingham offers you the chance to have a positive impact as you join a committed group of colleagues in ensuring that all students achieve their aims and aspirations. We are dedicated to providing exceptional education and support to students with diverse learning needs and life experiences. Our specialist setting fosters an inclusive community where every student is valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.
QAC offers a vibrant, varied and enriching educational experience for both residential and day students. Our curriculum aims to maximise adult life, independence and work opportunities for all students. Class sizes are designed to meet specific needs and support levels are high.
Joining our supportive team, you will have the opportunity to:
· Work closely with students with SEN to achieve their goals
· Make a difference to the educational experience of young people
· Be a voice for students and staff in specialist education
· Foster a positive and inclusive learning environment, promoting academic growth, self-development and self-confidence
· Develop your own skills, aspirations and progress your career.
Our benefits include;
Schedule 1 Benefits (reviewed annually and/or as appropriate)

Academic Year 2024/25

  • Access to on site car parking
  • Use of QAC Fitness Centre (subject to opening hours)
  • Cycle to Work Scheme (Salary Sacrifice)
  • 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme Helpline (BHSF)
  • Access to Education Support Free Helpline for Teachers & Education Staff
  • QAC Mental Health First Aiders & activities to support health and wellbeing
  • BHSF Benefits Package including Healthcare Plans, discounted shopping/services
  • Annual Flu vaccination/voucher
  • Access to other benefit/discount schemes (which may be subject to charge) e.g. Blue Light Card, TOTUM (NUS), Charity Worker Discounts, Discounts for Teachers
  • Dell Advantage programme – a free programme that offers savings to students, parents and all staff at QAC – up to 20% off. https://www.dell.com/en-uk/lp/dell-advantage
  • Health and Wellbeing Services (Occupational Health/Counselling)
  • Free Tea/Coffee and Staff Room facilities
  • Dining Room facilities with hot/cold food (free meal provided for those supporting students at mealtimes)
  • Additional discretionary concessionary/closure days as part of leave entitlement (including closure over Christmas/New Year period)
  • Reward and Recognition Policy – Living the Values Awards (team & individual) and long service
  • Enhanced/Occupational paid leave e.g. maternity/paternity (subject to qualifying criteria)
  • Occupational sick pay (based on length of service)
  • On site wellbeing activities (e.g. yoga, meditation)
  • Support for training/ CPD (either by way of study leave and/or funding)
  • Flexible working arrangements including Flexible Working Policy Agreements, Time Off in Lieu (TOIL) in prior agreement with line manager.
This list is not exhaustive and may be subject to review and/or change.

We look forward to receiving your application and knowing more about your qualifications, skills,
personal qualities and experience that you would bring to the role and to QAC. Please take time to
review the job description above.

Please upload a CV/Resume* with details of your full employment history (since leaving school,
including education, employment and voluntary work) including reasons for any gaps in
employment. This should also include a statement of the personal qualities and experience you
believe are relevant to your suitability for the post and how this meets the job description and
person specification requirements. Your CV/Resume* will be re-produced in a standard format by
the system (without personal identifiers) to assist us in our anonymised shortlisting process.
Under Section 7 of SVGA 2006 it is an offence to apply for the role if the applicant is barred from
engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. The College\’s Safeguarding Policies are
available here

As part of our commitment to safer recruitment, and in line with updated guidance published in
September 2022, we will carry out an online search of all shortlisted candidates. This search may
enable us to identify any incidents or issues that have happened, and publicly available for review
online, which we may wish to explore with you in further detail during the interview process. As part
of your application we have asked you to provide the account names, usernames and/or handles for
any social media platform that you use, as well as the names of any websites that you own, post on,
or contribute to. A Google search will also be conducted. These checks will only be conducted if you
are shortlisted for interview. Please see our safer recruitment and selection policy for further
information.

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HR Officer/HR Assistant Officer employer: Queen Alexandra College

At Queen Alexandra College, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment. Located in Harborne, Birmingham, our team enjoys a range of benefits including access to a fitness centre, flexible working arrangements, and opportunities for professional development, all while making a meaningful impact on the lives of students with special educational needs. Join us to be part of a vibrant community that values every individual and promotes personal growth and well-being.
Q

Contact Detail:

Queen Alexandra College Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land HR Officer/HR Assistant Officer

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the specific HR policies and procedures relevant to the role. Understanding these will not only help you during the interview but also demonstrate your commitment to the position and the organisation's values.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with current or former employees of Queen Alexandra College. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach and questions during the interview.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your experience with recruitment and selection processes. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed these processes in the past, as this is a key responsibility of the role.

✨Tip Number 4

Showcase your understanding of equality, diversity, and inclusion in your discussions. Highlight any relevant experiences or initiatives you've been involved in, as this aligns closely with the values of Queen Alexandra College.

We think you need these skills to ace HR Officer/HR Assistant Officer

HR Policy Knowledge
Recruitment and Selection
Employee Relations
Attention to Detail
Communication Skills
Confidentiality
Time Management
Microsoft Office Proficiency
Data Analysis
Problem-Solving Skills
Teamwork
Adaptability
Knowledge of Employment Legislation
Induction and Training Coordination
Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the HR Officer/HR Assistant Officer role. Focus on your previous HR administration experience, knowledge of employment legislation, and any specific achievements in recruitment or employee relations.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only introduces yourself but also explains why you are passionate about working at Queen Alexandra Charity. Mention how your values align with their commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, and provide examples of how you've promoted these in your past roles.

Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise key skills such as communication, organisation, and attention to detail. Provide specific examples of how you've successfully managed high-volume workloads or supported teams in HR functions, as these are crucial for the role.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are essential qualities for an HR position.

How to prepare for a job interview at Queen Alexandra College

✨Know Your HR Policies

Familiarise yourself with the key HR policies relevant to the role. Be prepared to discuss how you would apply these policies in real-life scenarios, especially around recruitment, employee relations, and absence management.

✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills

As an HR Officer, effective communication is crucial. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Be ready to showcase examples of how you've successfully communicated sensitive information or resolved conflicts in the past.

✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills

This role requires managing multiple tasks simultaneously. Prepare to discuss your methods for staying organised and meeting deadlines, particularly in high-pressure situations. Consider sharing specific tools or techniques you use to manage your workload.

✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Given the emphasis on equality and diversity in the job description, be ready to discuss your understanding of these concepts and how you would promote them within the organisation. Share any relevant experiences that demonstrate your commitment to fostering an inclusive environment.

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