At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert HR advice to schools and academies, managing your own client portfolio.
- Company: Heads HR, a specialist consultancy supporting the education sector across the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, 23 days holiday plus bank holidays, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with opportunities for career growth in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in education by advising on impactful HR matters.
- Qualifications: Experience in education HR, strong communication skills, and knowledge of relevant frameworks.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 35000 £ per year.
Heads HR is a specialist HR consultancy, supporting schools, academies and multi‑academy trusts across the UK. We are looking for an experienced HR Advisor with education sector expertise to join our team, providing practical, high‑quality HR advice to school‑based clients. This role is suited to an HR professional with hands‑on schools experience who enjoys advising a range of education clients and delivering clear, compliant HR support within a consultancy environment.
Salary: £35,000 (depending on skills and experience). Hours: 35 hours per week. Holiday: 23 + 8 Bank Holidays.
About the Role
You will provide HR advice across the full employee lifecycle via our Helpdesk and retained HR services, working predominantly with schools, academies and trusts. The role requires strong practical knowledge of education‑specific employment frameworks and confidence in handling sensitive and safeguarding‑related matters appropriately. You will manage your own portfolio of clients, maintain accurate case records and support Heads HR in delivering a consistent, high‑quality service.
Why Join Heads HR?
- Work with a dedicated portfolio of education‑sector clients.
- A varied HR advisory role with meaningful, hands‑on work.
- Hybrid working with flexibility and autonomy.
- Supportive team environment with clear standards and processes.
- Opportunity to develop further specialist expertise in education HR.
- Competitive Reward/Benefits Package for a SME.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide responsive, accurate HR advice to schools, academies and multi‑academy trusts.
- Advise on education‑specific terms and conditions, including:
- School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document (STPCD)
- Green Book terms and conditions (support staff)
- Burgundy Book provisions, including sick pay
- Support schools with safeguarding‑related HR issues, including allegations against staff, suspensions and investigations, working alongside senior leaders and DSLs.
- Draft and review education‑specific HR documents, including contracts, letters and investigation documentation.
- Advise on school‑specific processes such as teacher capability, appraisal, pay progression, disciplinary and grievance procedures.
- Maintain accurate, audit‑ready case records in line with Heads HR standards.
- Identify and escalate complex or high‑risk cases in accordance with internal procedures.
- Support client onboarding, retention and general service delivery across assigned accounts.
About You
You will already have practical HR experience within the education sector and be comfortable advising on school‑specific HR matters.
Essential:
- HR experience supporting schools, academies or MATs.
- Strong working knowledge of STPCD, Green Book and Burgundy Book, with practical application experience.
- Experience handling safeguarding‑related HR cases in an education environment.
- Confident communicator, able to advise school leaders clearly and professionally.
- Strong written skills, with experience drafting HR documentation.
- CIPD Level 5 (or equivalent) or relevant experience.
Desirable:
- Experience working in an HR consultancy or multi‑client environment.
- Familiarity with DfE guidance and education‑specific best practice.
Human Resources Advisor in Bolton employer: Heads HR
Heads HR is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment where HR professionals can thrive while making a meaningful impact in the education sector. With a focus on hybrid working, competitive benefits, and opportunities for professional development, employees are empowered to grow their expertise in education-specific HR matters while managing a dedicated portfolio of clients. Join us to be part of a team that values flexibility, autonomy, and high-quality service delivery.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Human Resources Advisor in Bolton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector and let them know you're on the lookout for HR roles. You never know who might have a lead or be able to refer you to someone at Heads HR.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of education-specific employment frameworks. Be ready to discuss how you've handled safeguarding-related HR issues in the past, as this will show your expertise and confidence in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
When applying, make sure to highlight your hands-on experience with schools, academies, and trusts. Tailor your conversation to reflect how your background aligns with the needs of Heads HR and the clients you'll be supporting.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to check out our website for the latest job openings! Applying directly through us not only shows your interest but also gives you a better chance of landing that HR Advisor role with Heads HR.
We think you need these skills to ace Human Resources Advisor in Bolton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the HR Advisor role. Highlight your experience in the education sector and any specific knowledge of STPCD, Green Book, and Burgundy Book. We want to see how your background fits with what we do at Heads HR!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about HR in the education sector and how you can provide high-quality advice to our clients. Keep it professional but let your personality come through – we love a bit of character!
Showcase Your Written Skills:Since strong written skills are essential for this role, make sure your application is clear, concise, and free of errors. Consider including examples of HR documentation you've drafted in the past to demonstrate your expertise. We appreciate attention to detail!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Heads HR!
How to prepare for a job interview at Heads HR
✨Know Your Education Frameworks
Make sure you brush up on the School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document, Green Book, and Burgundy Book. Being able to discuss these frameworks confidently will show that you have the practical knowledge needed for the role.
✨Prepare Real-Life Scenarios
Think of specific examples from your past experience where you've handled safeguarding issues or provided HR advice in schools. This will help you demonstrate your hands-on experience and problem-solving skills during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Human Resources Advisor, clear communication is key. Practice articulating your thoughts on complex HR matters in a straightforward way. This will help you convey your expertise effectively to school leaders.
✨Understand the Consultancy Environment
Familiarise yourself with the dynamics of working in an HR consultancy. Be ready to discuss how you would manage multiple clients and maintain high-quality service delivery, as this is crucial for success in the role.
