At a Glance
- Tasks: Support HR operations, recruitment, and compliance across our Croydon hub schools.
- Company: Join a collaborative Trust dedicated to transforming children's lives through education.
- Benefits: Enjoy 29 days annual leave, pension scheme, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Exciting career growth opportunities in a dynamic and expanding environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive team making a real impact in education.
- Qualifications: A-levels or equivalent, with HR administration experience and a commitment to CIPD Level 5.
The predicted salary is between 36582 - 36582 £ per year.
The Inspire Partnership is looking for an exceptional individual to join our supportive, collaborative HR team. This position provides a superb career development path for an established HR professional, an aspiring officer, or a senior administrator with a background in schools. You will be responsible for essential HR operational delivery across our Croydon hub, including West Thornton Primary School, Woodside Primary School, and Forest Academy. Dedicated to serving the diverse communities of Greenwich, Medway, and Croydon, our thriving education Trust is committed to its core mission: providing children with a life-changing education. We achieve this through close collaboration between our schools to transform the lives of our pupils and their families. As a key member of our growing Central Team, the HR Officer will drive this mission forward by delivering critical services to our Croydon schools and supporting Trust-wide HR projects.
With our ongoing expansion of professional support across ten primary schools, this is a pivotal moment to join us and access significant opportunities for professional growth. Following a recent reorganisation, we are entering an exciting new chapter and require a highly organised, resilient Human Resources Officer. The role requires regular travel to all hub schools throughout the week, alongside attendance at our London office for Central Team meetings. This opportunity is perfectly suited for a professional with a background in HR Administration who is confident in providing first‑line support to staff and school leaders, and who is ready to take the next step in their career.
What You Will Do:
- Recruitment & Compliance: Support Headteachers with adverts, interviews, and employment checks, ensuring all Single Central Records (SCRs) meet strict KCSIE legal requirements.
- Systems & Payroll: Contribute to developing and effectively utilising our new HR, recruitment, and compliance systems (MyNewTerm, Reed MSP, National Colleges and SAMpeople). Work closely with Finance colleagues to process timely payroll for starters, leavers, contract variations, absences, and overtime.
- HR Operations: Serve as the crucial first point of contact for routine HR queries, provide vital support during formal HR meetings, prepare records for audits, administer staff benefits, and cover for other HR colleagues during periods of absence.
We Are Looking For Someone Who is:
- Capable, confident, and experienced in a school setting, ready to hit the ground running from day one.
- Proactive and thrives on managing their own workload effectively.
- Highly computer‑literate professional with strong, demonstrable HR administration experience.
- Qualified to A-level (or equivalent) with a strong commitment to completing a CIPD Level 5 qualification.
- A diplomatic problem‑solver with excellent attention to detail, capable of working autonomously, staying calm under pressure, and managing conflicting priorities.
- Driven to continually improve working practices.
- Deeply vigilant about safeguarding who shares our passion for education, equality, and diversity.
- Passionate about helping people and brings an approachable, positive attitude to every question, request, and tackles daily challenges with optimism.
- Positive with a ‘no task too small’ attitude and a genuine eagerness to support the team.
- Proud in their maintenance of airtight HR records and data accuracy.
- Deeply committed to the role and being a reliable, trusted and supportive team member.
- Fully committed to our trust core values.
What We Offer in Return:
- 29 days of annual leave (rising to 31 days) plus bank holidays
- Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme
- Enhanced provisions for special leave
- A strong commitment to your continuous professional growth and development
The Inspire Partnership Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check. The Inspire Partnership is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from men and women of all ages from any background and from candidates with disabilities.
HR Officer employer: Inspire Partnership Academy Trust
The Inspire Partnership Academy Trust is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and supportive work environment, prioritising the well-being and professional growth of its employees. With a comprehensive benefits package, including generous annual leave and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, this role offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the education sector while working closely with diverse communities in Croydon. Join us as we embark on an exciting new chapter, where your contributions will help transform the lives of pupils and their families.
Contact Details:
Inspire Partnership Academy Trust Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Officer
✨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 Inspire Partnership Academy Trust!
✨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 Inspire Partnership Academy Trust.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Officer
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 Inspire Partnership Academy Trust. 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 Inspire Partnership Academy Trust 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 Inspire Partnership Academy Trust. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Inspire Partnership Academy Trust'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 Inspire Partnership Academy Trust
✨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 Inspire Partnership Academy Trust.
✨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 Inspire Partnership Academy Trust 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 Inspire Partnership Academy Trust and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
