At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide proactive HR support across multiple academies, handling employee relations and policy advice.
- Company: Join Leigh Academies Trust, a forward-thinking multi-academy trust dedicated to educational excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous pension contributions, enhanced maternity pay, and access to training.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that values flexibility, expertise, and continuous learning in HR.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR is essential; CIPD qualification is preferred but not mandatory.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and a supportive environment await you in Strood, Rochester.
The predicted salary is between 21754 - 21754 £ per year.
Are you a HR Professional looking for a part-time, term-time role? Are you an experienced HR professional whose expertise will truly make a difference? Are you keen to be part of a dynamic and supportive People Services team within a forward-thinking multi-academy trust? The People Services Team at Leigh Academies Trust is excited to offer a rare opportunity for a part-time People Advisor. This is an ideal role for someone with solid HR experience who is looking to maintain career momentum while balancing other priorities. Whether you’ve previously worked in education or come from a different sector, we welcome your expertise and enthusiasm. You’ll play a key role in providing a proactive, professional, and confidential HR service to a group of academies. This includes: * Acting as the first point of contact for all HR matters across your designated schools. * Supporting managers and Principals with all employee relations matters including investigations, grievances, hearings, and capability processes. * Advising on HR policies and employment law issues with confidence and clarity. * Managing sickness absence and wellbeing-related issues in partnership with academy teams. * Handling contractual changes and ensuring data accuracy for payroll and HR systems. * Supporting more complex processes including redundancies, restructures, and TUPE transfers. This is a varied and rewarding role that offers exposure to the full employee lifecycle in a multi-site organisation. We\’re looking for a confident HR professional who is: * Personable, proactive, and solutions-focused * An excellent communicator who can build trust at all levels * Experienced in providing high-quality HR advice and dealing with their own portfolio of ER casework * Keen to grow and contribute to continuous improvement * Ideally CIPD-qualified or working towards it While experience in education is desirable, it’s your approach, professionalism, and HR expertise that matter most. The role is based in Strood, Rochester, with a hybrid work model that will also see you in the office with the team 2 days per week and travelling to our Academies based between Ebbsfleet and Greenwich, as well as working from home. Hours are 30 per week, term time plus one week basis, Monday- Friday. We are flexible in terms of working hours, and these can be discussed at interview. Our successful candidate will receive; * An actual starting salary of £21,754 (£31,194 full time equivalent) * Hybrid working * Local Government Pension Scheme – with a generous employer contribution * Enhanced Maternity Pay * Free on-site parking * Access to training and development * Employee Assistance Programme – Wellbeing and advice * Access to GP service Apply today and bring your HR experience to a team that values flexibility, expertise, and continuous learning. The hiring managers may call candidates for an informal chat prior to the shortlisting process. Interviews will take place on 13th/14th August 2025
People Advisor (HR) employer: LEIGH ACADEMIES TRUST
Contact Detail:
LEIGH ACADEMIES TRUST Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land People Advisor (HR)
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to research Leigh Academies Trust and their People Services Team. Understanding their values, mission, and the specific challenges they face will help you tailor your conversations and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Leigh Academies Trust on platforms like LinkedIn. Engaging with them can provide you with insider insights about the team culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during your discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific HR scenarios you've handled in the past, especially those related to employee relations and policy advice. Being able to share concrete examples will showcase your expertise and problem-solving skills effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Since the role involves hybrid working, be ready to talk about your experience with remote collaboration tools and how you manage communication across different locations. This will highlight your adaptability and readiness for the work model they offer.
We think you need these skills to ace People Advisor (HR)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your HR experience, particularly in employee relations and advisory roles. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to handle investigations, grievances, and other HR matters relevant to the job.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for HR and your understanding of the role within an educational context. Mention your proactive approach and how you can contribute to the People Services team at Leigh Academies Trust.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: If you are CIPD-qualified or working towards it, make sure to mention this prominently in your application. Also, include any other relevant certifications or training that demonstrate your commitment to professional development.
Prepare for Informal Chats: Since the hiring managers may reach out for informal chats, be ready to discuss your experience and how it aligns with the role. Think about questions they might ask and prepare thoughtful responses that reflect your expertise and enthusiasm for the position.
How to prepare for a job interview at LEIGH ACADEMIES TRUST
✨Know Your HR Fundamentals
Brush up on key HR policies and employment law issues relevant to the role. Being able to confidently discuss these topics will demonstrate your expertise and readiness to handle employee relations matters.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a People Advisor, you'll need to build trust at all levels. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated with managers and employees in previous roles, especially in sensitive situations.
✨Demonstrate Proactivity and Solutions-Focused Mindset
Think of instances where you took the initiative to resolve HR challenges or improve processes. Highlighting your proactive approach will resonate well with the hiring managers looking for someone who can contribute to continuous improvement.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle real-life HR scenarios, such as managing sickness absence or conducting investigations. Practising your responses to these types of questions will help you feel more confident during the interview.