At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage recruitment, onboarding, and employee lifecycle processes while supporting HR initiatives.
- Company: Join the National Housing Federation, a key voice for housing associations in England.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days of annual leave, flexible working, private healthcare, and professional development.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for career growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in HR while contributing to a diverse and inclusive workplace.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR administration with strong communication and organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 32300 - 32300 £ per year.
Salary: £32,300 per annum
Hours: Full-time
Contract: Fixed-term (until October 2027)
Benefits:
- 27 days’ annual leave + statutory holidays + three closure days over the Christmas period.
- Flexible working for all staff, including working from home/hybrid working and flexitime/TOIL scheme.
- Attractive family-friendly policies.
- Private healthcare cover.
- Season ticket loans.
- Employee awards, and training and development opportunities.
Office locations: London (Holborn) / Hybrid
Please note, the successful candidate will be expected to carry out two days of in-person working per week on average, which will include attendance at your office location. Flexible working arrangements can be discussed and agreed with the line manager subject to role and business needs.
An exciting opportunity has arisen at the National Housing Federation (NHF) for a People Officer to join our small people team on a fixed-term basis. You will play an important role in helping us deliver an effective and responsive People service across the organisation. The successful candidate will oversee the full employee lifecycle, have the opportunity to contribute to a range of People projects and initiatives and gain broad HR experience. This role will suit an experienced HR Administrator looking to take the next step to fulfil their career aspirations.
Key elements of the role:
- Manage the recruitment process and provide support to hiring managers.
- Coordinate onboarding and induction activities, ensuring new starters have a positive experience.
- Respond to HR enquiries and provide excellent people service to line managers and colleagues.
- Manage employee lifecycle processes, including contractual changes, family leave and leavers.
- Work collaboratively with the Finance team to ensure that payroll is processed accurately and on time.
- Act as the HR systems administrator and primary contact for queries, providing appropriate reports on employee data.
- Undertake a range of HR duties and support the People Manager with employee relations matters.
- Contribute to People projects and initiatives, helping to continuously improve our processes and the employee experience.
The successful candidate:
- A good understanding and knowledge of HR best practice.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Highly developed organising and prioritising skills, working within set deadlines.
- Good problem-solving skills and the ability to identify practical solutions.
- Ability to build strong working relationships with colleagues at all levels.
- Strong attention to detail and the ability to handle confidential and sensitive information appropriately.
- Confidence using HR systems and working with employee data.
- The ability to think creatively and deliver on defined project goals.
- A strong commitment to creating a work environment that is equal, diverse and inclusive.
Equality, diversity and inclusion:
The NHF has published its equality, diversity and inclusion strategy, which was co-created with staff. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace, and we value the contribution each individual makes to our work. We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and are working to increase the diversity profile of our workforce. We are currently under-represented by ethnic minorities, people with a disability or disabilities and LGBTQ+, and would particularly welcome applications from people in these groups.
Disability confident employer:
We are a disability confident employer, and if you are a disabled person who meets the skills and experience we consider essential for the role, we will offer you an interview. Please note: there may be occasions where it is not practicable or appropriate to interview all disabled people who meet the minimum criteria for the job. In certain recruitment situations such as a high volume of applications, we may be required to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. In these circumstances, the NHF will select the disabled candidates who best meet the minimum criteria for the job rather than all of those that meet the minimum criteria, as we would do for non-disabled applicants. This is in line with the Disability Confident guidelines. We are happy to consider reasonable adjustments to our recruitment process if you have a disability or have a condition that you feel may affect your performance during the recruitment process. Please email the People team with your request or to arrange a time to discuss in more detail. Our role profile and job advert can also be requested in large print or in an accessible format.
Right to work in the UK/UK VISA sponsorship:
You must have the right to work in the UK, and it is important to note that the NHF does not sponsor individuals to work in the UK.
Closing date for applications: 15 November 2026
Interview date: 25 and 26 November 2026
People Officer (fixed-term) employer: Housing Diversity Network
Housing Gateway is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to influence the housing landscape in Enfield while working alongside a collaborative Board. With a commitment to social purpose and innovative housing solutions, employees can expect a supportive work culture that values independent thinking and professional growth. This role not only allows for strategic input into a well-established organisation but also provides the chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of local residents.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land People Officer (fixed-term)
✨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 Housing Diversity Network!
✨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 Housing Diversity Network.
We think you need these skills to ace People Officer (fixed-term)
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 Housing Diversity Network. 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 Housing Diversity Network 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 Housing Diversity Network. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Housing Diversity Network'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 Housing Diversity Network
✨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 Housing Diversity Network.
✨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 Housing Diversity Network 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 Housing Diversity Network and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.