At a Glance
- Tasks: Support HR functions across three schools, handling recruitment, payroll, and employee relations.
- Company: Join The Dean Trust, a forward-thinking educational charity making a difference in Knowsley.
- Benefits: Full-time role with competitive pay, training support, and opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives while developing your HR skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Previous HR experience and strong communication skills are essential.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to inclusion and safeguarding.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
We are looking for driven and passionate people to work with us to deliver real benefits for children and families in Knowsley.
Location: The Deans Trust, Lord Derby Academy, Seel Road, Huyton, Merseyside
NJC Pay Scale: Grade G Scale Point 19-22
36 hours per week 8am-4pm, Monday-Friday
Full time/All Year Round (52 weeks)
Employment end date: 31 August 2026
Location: Office based – Lord Derby Academy / the successful candidate must be able to travel to Blacklow Brow Primary and Park View Academy as and when required.
The Dean Trust is looking to appoint a suitably qualified, self-motivated and enthusiastic individual to work as a HR Assistant for one secondary and two primary schools located in the Knowsley borough; Lord Derby Academy, Park View Academy and Blacklow Brow Primary School.
You will be the sole HR specialist responsible for leading the operational HR function at the schools, therefore the ability to work independently and use own initiative to provide first line advice and solve queries is essential.
The role will cover a diverse range of proactive and reactive HR related responsibilities including:
- Maintenance of staff personnel data
- Recruitment & onboarding
- Payroll
- Attendance management
- Employee relations support
- Compliance & policy support
The successful candidate must be adaptable and proactive, with a good sense of humour and resilience. You must have excellent attention to detail and the ability to handle confidential matters sensitively. The ability to develop positive relationships across the school is key to success in this role.
This is a mid-level position, therefore to seamlessly adapt to the demands of this position, you will need to have previous experience of working in a similar position. Support in the role will be provided through Central HR resources who will be available to offer training and supervision on a regular basis.
You will be a key member of our school communities, including the wider HR Team who are distributed across the Trust. Your normal place of work will be Lord Derby Academy, however regular travel (once per week) between the three schools will be required as part of the role.
This is a great opportunity to contribute ideas, grow your skills and be part of a forward-thinking department. If you’re looking for a role where you can make a real impact and develop your HR career, we’d love to hear from you.
The Dean Trust is an educational charity established in April 2012, that currently comprises of 11 academies, 6 secondary, 4 primaries and 1 through school, operating in 3 hubs covering Trafford, Manchester, Knowsley and Wigan local authority areas, including some of the most deprived areas of the country. The Trust has seen steady growth since incorporation and aspires to grow further in the future.
APPLICATION CLOSE DATE: 9AM MONDAY 26 TH JANUARY 2026
We are an Equal Opportunities employer committed to ensuring inclusion, diversity and equality of opportunity. We welcome applications from a diverse range of candidates including those from underrepresented groups, and/or with protected characteristics.
The Dean Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All post holders are subject to pre-employment safeguarding checks, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Check.
Human Resource Assistant employer: Knowsley Libraries
Contact Detail:
Knowsley Libraries Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Human Resource Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees of The Dean Trust on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the HR Assistant role and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching common HR scenarios. Think about how you’d handle recruitment, employee relations, and compliance issues. We want to see your problem-solving skills in action!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your personality! The job description mentions a good sense of humour and resilience. Bring that vibe into your conversations and let your passion for helping children and families shine through.
✨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, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at The Dean Trust.
We think you need these skills to ace Human Resource Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the HR Assistant role. Highlight relevant experience and skills that match the job description, like your ability to handle confidential matters and your previous HR experience.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for working with children and families, and explain why you’re the perfect fit for our team at The Dean Trust.
Showcase Your Soft Skills: Don’t forget to mention your soft skills! Being adaptable, having a good sense of humour, and being resilient are key traits we’re looking for, so make sure to weave these into your application.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and stands out in the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at Knowsley Libraries
✨Know Your HR Basics
Brush up on key HR concepts and practices relevant to the role. Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in recruitment, onboarding, and employee relations, as these will likely come up during the interview.
✨Show Your Adaptability
Since the role requires you to work independently and handle various HR tasks, be ready to share examples of how you've adapted to changing situations in past roles. Highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
✨Build Rapport
Demonstrate your ability to develop positive relationships by being personable and approachable during the interview. Share experiences where you've successfully collaborated with colleagues or resolved conflicts, showcasing your interpersonal skills.
✨Emphasise Confidentiality
Given the sensitive nature of HR work, it's crucial to convey your understanding of confidentiality. Prepare to discuss how you've handled confidential information in the past and why it's important in an educational setting.