At a Glance
- Tasks: Support schools with HR advice, recruitment, and employee relations to enhance education outcomes.
- Company: Join a dynamic Trust focused on improving education through effective HR support.
- Benefits: Generous pension scheme, 25 days annual leave, professional development, and discounts.
- Other info: Flexible office-based work with opportunities for career growth across multiple school sites.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education while developing your HR skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 3 or 5, HR experience, and knowledge of employment law required.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Hours: 37 hours per week, 52 weeks per year
Working Pattern: Monday to Thursday 8am - 4pm, Friday 8am - 3.30pm
Contract Type: Permanent
Location: The post holder will be office-based 2-3 days per week and based primarily at their assigned secondary school with regular travel to their assigned primary school (where applicable). In addition, they will be expected to work across the Trust and to travel between sites where necessary including but not limited to the Trust HR base at Marleigh Primary Academy.
About the Role
We are looking for an experienced HR Officer to join our Trust HR Shared Services Team, working closely with Headteachers and school leaders to provide high-quality, people-focused HR support across Anglian Learning Trust schools. This is a varied, hands-on role combining HR business partnering, employee relations, recruitment, workforce planning, and change management, with the opportunity to make a real impact on education outcomes by supporting our people.
You will be based primarily at your assigned secondary school, Joyce Frankland Academy, with regular travel to primary schools and Trust sites, including Marleigh Primary Academy.
Key Responsibilities
- Business Partnering & Advisory
- Provide timely HR advice and guidance to Headteachers and senior leaders
- Champion HR best practice and support effective people management
- Support school improvement by delivering and monitoring people standards
- Recruitment & Resourcing
- Manage end-to-end recruitment campaigns and safer recruitment processes
- Oversee onboarding, contracts, induction, and Single Central Record compliance
- Manage Workforce Census submissions and workforce planning
- Employee Relations
- Support and manage absence, attendance, performance management, and appraisals
- Advise on employment law, HR policies, and procedures
- Support formal casework, documentation, and trade union engagement
- Change, Engagement & Development
- Support Trust-wide engagement initiatives and staff surveys
- Help implement HR systems with a “digital first” approach
- Support learning & development and delivery of manager training
- Reward & Payroll
- Support payroll processes, contract changes, pay reviews, and benefits promotion
Person Specification
- CIPD Associate membership (Level 3 or 5) or willingness to study
- Previous HR experience in a generalist or specialist role
- Strong knowledge of employment law and HR case management
- Experience advising managers and managing recruitment processes
- Experience in the education sector
- Experience working with Trade Unions
Employee Benefits:
- Generous Pension Scheme (LGPS or Teachers’ Pension Scheme depending on the role)
- Annual leave starts at 25 days plus Bank Holidays, more for those with local government continuous service
- Cycle to Work Salary Sacrifice Scheme
- Free membership to Anglian Learning Sports Centres
- Professional Development Scheme Policy
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Boots Flu Vouchers
- Perkbox – access a range of discounts in-store and online at nationwide shops.
Closing Date: Sunday 22nd February 2026
Interview date: Week commencing 23rd February 2026
Start date: As soon as possible, subject to safeguarding checks.
Please note we reserve the right to close the advert and interview prior to the advertised closing date. Apply now to avoid disappointment!
To find out even more, have an informal discussion or arrange a visit to the Trust, please contact Kylie Major, HR Business Partner, via kmajor@anglianlearning.org
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and we expect all staff to share this commitment and undergo appropriate checks. Therefore, all posts within the Trust are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. The Trust welcomes applications from all, irrespective of gender, marital status, disability, race, age or sexual orientation.
Human Resources Officer in Saffron Walden employer: Anglian Learning
Anglian Learning is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its staff, offering a supportive work culture where HR professionals can thrive. With a commitment to impactful education, employees benefit from a clear career progression path, including a CIPD Level 5 development opportunity, while enjoying the dynamic environment of working across various Trust sites. Join us to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students and staff alike.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Human Resources Officer in Saffron Walden
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Anglian Learning!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Anglian Learning.
We think you need these skills to ace Human Resources Officer in Saffron Walden
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Anglian Learning. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Anglian Learning and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Anglian Learning. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Anglian Learning's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Anglian Learning
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Anglian Learning.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Anglian Learning will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Anglian Learning and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
