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.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with opportunities for 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 CIPD Level 5 or equivalent.
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 employer: Heads HR
Heads HR is an exceptional employer for HR professionals seeking to make a meaningful impact in the education sector. With a supportive team environment, flexible hybrid working arrangements, and opportunities for professional development, you will thrive while providing high-quality HR advice to schools and academies. Join us to enhance your expertise in education HR and enjoy a competitive benefits package tailored for a small to medium-sized enterprise.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Human Resources Advisor
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector and let them know you're on the lookout for HR roles. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of education-specific HR frameworks. Make sure you can confidently discuss the STPCD, Green Book, and Burgundy Book. This will show potential employers that you’re not just knowledgeable but also genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As an HR Advisor, you'll need to convey complex information clearly. Try role-playing with a friend or family member to get comfortable explaining HR concepts in a straightforward way.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Human Resources Advisor
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 aligns 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 contribute to our team. Keep it professional but let your personality come through – we love a bit of character!
Showcase Your Writing Skills:Since strong written skills are essential for this role, make sure your application is clear, concise, and free of errors. We appreciate well-structured documents, so take the time to proofread and polish your application before hitting send.
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, you’ll get to see more about who we are and what we do at Heads HR!
How to prepare for a job interview at Heads HR
✨Know Your Education HR 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 for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions about handling sensitive HR issues, especially those related to safeguarding. Think of specific examples from your past experience where you successfully navigated such situations, as this will demonstrate your hands-on expertise.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a confident communicator, you’ll need to advise school leaders clearly. Practice articulating your thoughts on complex HR matters in a straightforward manner, so you can convey your ideas effectively during the interview.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Heads HR
Research Heads HR and understand their approach to supporting schools and academies. Being knowledgeable about their services and values will help you align your answers with what they’re looking for in a candidate.
