At a Glance
- Tasks: Support schools with HR issues, providing advice and practical support on-site.
- Company: Join a supportive HR team making a real impact in education.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary, generous leave, and various discounts.
- Other info: Regular travel required; part-time applications welcome.
- Why this job: Make a difference in schools while developing your HR skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR, strong communication skills, and a customer-focused approach.
The predicted salary is between 32348 - 37662 £ per year.
About the Role
Salary: Band D – £32,348 – £37,662 based on 37 hrs per week
Working pattern: Full time but applications for part-time hours will be considered (please indicate on your application whether you are applying on a full-time or part-time basis)
Contract: Permanent
Closing date: 12 July 2026
Interview date: 17th & 21st July 2026
Based in Herefordshire – schools, office and some home working
As an HR Advisor supporting schools and academies across Herefordshire, you will be working directly with school leaders on real, often sensitive people issues. You will be required to attend school sites as appropriate, trusted for your judgement, and supported to build confidence in handling increasingly complex casework. This is not a desk‑based advisory role. Our schools need HR advisors who are visible and who can attend site.
How the role works in practice
Some weeks, you may be required to spend a significant amount of time in schools and the office, with some flexibility for home working. On average, you can expect to be on site 2–3 days per week, but some weeks may require daily presence in schools or the office to meet customer demand. Other weeks will allow for more remote working. You will need to be local, flexible, and able to travel at short notice.
The role
Working as part of a supportive HR team, you will provide high‑quality advice and practical support across a broad range of HR matters, escalating more complex issues where appropriate and developing your capability through hands‑on experience. Your work will include:
- Advising schools and academies on day‑to‑day HR issues and employee relations matters
- Supporting disciplinary, grievance, capability, absence and redundancy casework
- Attending meetings in schools, including formal and preparatory meetings, with senior support where required
- Acting as an investigating officer on a range of employment matters, including report writing
- Supporting the development and implementation of school HR policies and procedures
- Working with trade union representatives as part of formal processes
- Contributing to change management and consultation processes
- Delivering or supporting HR training sessions for schools and other clients
- Providing advice by phone, Teams, email and in person, depending on what the situation requires
You will work with a degree of autonomy, while being supported by Senior HR Advisors and HR Managers.
About you
You are an experienced HR professional who enjoys variety, challenge and face‑to‑face advisory work. You will bring:
- Experience advising on employee relations matters, including disciplinary and grievance cases
- The ability to handle sensitive situations professionally and calmly
- A good working knowledge of employment law and HR best practice
- Strong communication skills and the confidence to work with senior stakeholders
- Good organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities
- A flexible, practical and customer‑focused approach
Experience working with schools or within the education sector is desirable, as is knowledge of education‑specific terms and conditions. However, we are also keen to hear from candidates who can demonstrate the ability to apply their HR experience effectively in a school environment. You will be CIPD qualified, working towards CIPD, or able to demonstrate equivalent practical experience and commitment to professional development.
Travel and flexibility
This role requires regular travel to school sites across Herefordshire, sometimes at short notice. You must be able to travel independently for business purposes.
What we offer
In return, we offer:
- A varied role with real impact on schools and communities
- A supportive HR team environment
- Flexible working arrangements that balance business need and home working
- A competitive benefits package including 26 days annual leave rising to 31 after 5 years’ service, plus bank holidays (including the option to buy or sell holidays)
- Aviva pension scheme, cycle to work scheme and access to a rewards platform offering various discounts with retailers and restaurants
Equalities
We welcome applicants whatever their personal characteristics or social identity. All requests for flexible working arrangements and reasonable adjustments will be considered.
Those who indicate that they have a disability. This is part of our commitment to the “Disability Confident” scheme; Those who indicate in their supporting statement that they are an Armed Forces Veteran or Reservist. This is part of our pledge to support the Armed Forces Covenant; Those who indicate in their supporting statement that they are a Herefordshire care leaver. This is part of our commitment to supporting young people leaving our care.
Please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification for more details of this role.
HR Advisor (Schools) in Hereford employer: Hoople Ltd
As an HR Advisor for schools in Herefordshire, you will join a dynamic and supportive HR team dedicated to making a real impact on local education. The company offers flexible working arrangements, a competitive benefits package, and opportunities for professional growth, all while fostering a culture of inclusivity and community support. With a focus on face-to-face advisory work, you will have the chance to engage directly with school leaders and contribute to meaningful change within the education sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Advisor (Schools) in Hereford
✨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 Hoople Ltd!
✨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 Hoople Ltd.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Advisor (Schools) in Hereford
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 Hoople Ltd. 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 Hoople Ltd 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 Hoople Ltd. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Hoople Ltd'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 Hoople Ltd
✨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 Hoople Ltd.
✨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 Hoople Ltd 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 Hoople Ltd and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
