HR Assistant Apprentice in Abingdon

Eurofins Forensic Services (EFS) is the largest forensic service provider in the UK and Europe. We are part of Eurofins Scientific, which is an international life sciences company, providing a unique range of analytical testing services to clients across multiple industries, to make life and our environment safer, healthier and more sustainable.

We’re looking for a motivated and detail-oriented HR Assistant Apprentice to join our UK Forensics HR team. This is an excellent opportunity to start or develop your HR career while gaining hands-on experience and a recognised professional qualification. You’ll support a wide range of HR activities across the employee lifecycle, helping to deliver an efficient, accurate and compliant HR service.

Your Development

You’ll benefit from a fully funded apprenticeship programme, providing both practical experience and professional qualifications. Depending on your experience and current education level, you will complete one of the following:

• HR Support Level 3 Apprenticeship leading to the CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice and eligibility for CIPD Foundation membership upon completion
• People Professional Level 5 Apprenticeship leading to the CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management and eligibility for CIPD Associate membership upon completion

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities

General HR Administration

• Provide day-to-day administrative support to the HR team across the UK Forensics Business Line.
• Act as a first point of contact for HR queries via the shared HR inbox, providing accurate and timely responses or escalating as appropriate.
• Maintain accurate employee records across HR systems, ensuring data integrity and GDPR compliance.
• Support HR reporting and data administration as required.
• Assist with continuous improvement of HR processes and administrative practices.

Recruitment & Onboarding

• Support end-to-end recruitment administration, including job postings and interview coordination.
• Prepare offer letters and contracts of employment.
• Coordinate pre-employment checks including Right to Work, referencing (BPSS standards) and screening requirements.
• Support onboarding activities to ensure a smooth and professional new starter experience.
• Assist with setting up new starters on HR and benefits systems.
• Assist hiring managers with onboarding-related queries.

Employee Lifecycle Administration

• Process employee changes such as contract amendments, internal moves and salary changes.
• Manage leaver processes, including system updates and documentation.
• Maintain employee absence records, escalating any triggers or concerns in line with company policy.
• Support HR processes including probation tracking, family leave administration and general employee records management.

Compliance & Systems

• Ensure all HR activities are carried out in line with company policies, procedures and employment legislation.
• Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.
• Support audits and compliance checks where required.

Qualifications

• Highly organised with strong attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritise effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Professional, proactive and customer-focused approach.
• Ability to handle confidential information sensitively.
• Interest in developing a career in Human Resources.
• Understanding of HR processes or employment legislation.
• Previous administration or customer service experience.

Person Specification

• Strong organisational skills with good attention to detail.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritise workload.
• Professional, reliable and customer-focused approach.
• Willingness to learn and develop within HR.
• Demonstrates the Eurofins Forensic Services company values: Customer Focus, Quality, Competence & Team Spirit and Integrity.

Additional Information

Due to the sensitive nature of our work, this role will require the successful candidate to achieve NPPV3 + Security Clearance (SC). To be eligible, you must have 5 years’ continuous UK residency. As part of the vetting process, you’ll be asked to provide information about your background, including your employment and address history, financial circumstances and details of close family or partners. These checks are carried out to ensure individuals accessing police data, systems and sites are trustworthy and suitable for the role.

Factors such as criminal convictions, financial difficulties or associations that may pose a risk could affect your ability to gain clearance. However, each application is assessed on an individual basis, and honesty throughout the process is essential.

Please note: Vetting is carried out by an external police vetting service. Drug and alcohol testing may be required before you start and during your employment. Ongoing employment is subject to maintaining the required level of clearance.

What We Offer

We offer a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Fully funded apprenticeship and study support
• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays (rising to 30 days with length of service)
• Company pension scheme with up to 6% employer contribution
• Life assurance (3x salary)
• Health Cash Plan & Employee Assistance Programme
• Enhanced family leave and sick pay
• Perkbox benefits, discounts and wellbeing support