At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert HR advice and support to managers on employee relations matters.
- Company: Join The Bedford College Group, the largest education provider in the South East Midlands.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 27 days annual leave, and retail discounts.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with excellent professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on workplace culture and employee experience.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 5 qualified with strong Employee Relations experience.
The predicted salary is between 30915 - 41085 £ per year.
Location: Dunstable Campus, Bedfordshire
Salary: £30,915 - £41,085 per annum DOE and Qualifications
Benefits: 27 days annual leave plus Bank holidays, People’s Pension, Retail and Leisure Discounts, excellent professional and personal development opportunities, accessing college courses.
Hours/Weeks: 37 hours, 52 weeks
Contract Type: This is a UK based contract, and you are required to have the Right to Work in the UK. Unfortunately, we’re unable to offer sponsorship and any offer of employment will be subject to evidence of your Right to Work in the UK.
About The Role
We are currently seeking a Senior HR Advisor to join our HR department at The Bedford College Group. Responsibilities include:
- Partnering with managers to provide expert HR advice on employee relations matters, including probation, performance, disciplinary, grievance and absence management.
- Coaching and supporting managers to build capability, resolve workplace issues effectively, and promote a positive, inclusive and high-performing culture.
- Using people data and insights to identify trends, inform interventions, and improve workforce performance, retention and colleague experience.
- Collaborating across the People Team to deliver HR initiatives, knowledge-sharing, key operational processes and wider organisational culture projects.
- Ensuring HR activities are managed fairly, consistently and compliantly, while upholding safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion, health and safety, and professional development standards.
About You
CIPD Level 5 qualified (or working towards), with strong Employee Relations experience and a sound understanding of employment law, HR best practice and data protection principles. Proven experience in HR advisory/business partnering roles, supporting managers with complex ER casework and using data to drive workforce improvements and decision-making. Strong communication, coaching and relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders, deliver manager training and work collaboratively across teams. Excellent problem-solving, organisational and risk-management abilities, with a calm, empathetic approach to handling sensitive and complex people matters. Proficient in HR systems and Microsoft Office, committed to continuous improvement, and able to work flexibly across campuses while upholding safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion, and health and safety standards.
Interviews To Be Held W/c 14/09/2026
Successful candidates must also be able to demonstrate alignment to our organisational VISION values:
- Valuing Teamwork: We are one team who by working together can achieve great things, respecting the opinion and valuing the contribution each of us makes.
- Improving Continuously: We challenge ourselves to always do better by trying new things, sharing knowledge, reflecting on practice and learning from others.
- Student Centred: At our heart is always doing what is best for our students. We consider students in all of our decision making to create positive outcomes and memorable experiences for every student.
- Inclusive: We celebrate differences and diversity, recognising that we can learn from each other.
- Open and Caring: We care about the wellbeing of our staff, our students, our community and wider society, creating an environment built on trust where we listen, engage with and support each other.
- Nurturing Education Excellence: We promote educational excellence by delivering programmes that challenge our students to achieve their ambitions.
About The Bedford College Group
The Bedford College Group was formed in 2017 following the merger of Bedford College and Tresham College and is now the largest provider of education in the South East Midlands, with over 15,000 students passing through our doors each year. Today, the Group is made up of a family of colleges across Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire: Bedford College, Central Bedfordshire College and Tresham College in the towns of Bedford, Dunstable, Leighton Buzzard, Corby, Kettering and Wellingborough; Shuttleworth College, a specialist land-based college; The Bedford Sixth Form, (the only dedicated sixth form in Bedford); The Corby Sixth Form, (opened in September 2023); and the National College for Motorsport alongside Silverstone race circuit. To widen accessibility to education and training, the Group also has community-based Learning Centres in Bedford, Corby and Kettering which offer IT training.
Safeguarding our Students
The Bedford College Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to thorough vetting process which includes, an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Exceptions Order 1975, provides information about which convictions must be declared during job applications and related exceptions and further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS filtering guide. The Bedford College Group's policy on Employment of Ex-Offenders is attached to this vacancy. Candidates who are barred from working with children are reminded it is a criminal offence to apply for this post.
Terms and Conditions - BCPS
37 hours per week (1.0 FTE), 27 days annual leave per annum, plus bank holidays, Peoples Pension, Retail and leisure discounts.
Specialists in Dunstable employer: Central Bedfordshire College
Central Bedfordshire College is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises professional development and employee growth. Located at the Wellingborough Campus, staff benefit from a collaborative environment where they can make a meaningful impact in education while enjoying competitive salaries and job security.
Contact Details:
Central Bedfordshire College Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialists in Dunstable
✨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 Central Bedfordshire College!
✨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 Central Bedfordshire College.
We think you need these skills to ace Specialists in Dunstable
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 Central Bedfordshire College. 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 Central Bedfordshire College 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 Central Bedfordshire College. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Central Bedfordshire College'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 Central Bedfordshire College
✨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 Central Bedfordshire College.
✨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 Central Bedfordshire College 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 Central Bedfordshire College and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
