At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert HR advice to schools and support complex people management matters.
- Company: Join a respected Schools HR team in vibrant Bexley, London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent pension, generous leave, and coaching opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in education while working flexibly in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: CIPD-qualified or working towards it, with strong employee relations experience.
The predicted salary is between 37288 - 45574 £ per year.
About The Role
12-Month Fixed Term Contract
Salary: Bexley 15
Location: Bexley (Hybrid Working Available)
Are you an experienced HR professional looking for an opportunity to make a real difference in education? We are seeking a talented and motivated Senior Schools HR Adviser to join our highly regarded Schools HR team on a 12-month fixed-term contract. This is an exciting opportunity to work with headteachers, school leaders, governors and academy trusts, providing expert HR advice and support across a wide range of complex people management matters.
As a Senior Schools HR Adviser, you will play a key role in delivering a professional, proactive and customer-focused HR advisory service to schools. You will support organisational change, employee relations, trade union consultation, policy development, workforce planning and leadership decision-making, helping school leaders achieve positive outcomes for their staff and pupils.
What You'll Be Doing
- Providing specialist HR advice on complex employee relations matters.
- Supporting headteachers and governing bodies with staffing, organisational change and workforce management issues.
- Developing and reviewing HR policies and procedures.
- Delivering practical, solutions-focused advice that balances legal compliance with operational needs.
- Working collaboratively with colleagues, schools and external partners to deliver excellent customer service.
- Contributing to the continuous improvement and development of the Schools HR service.
Why Join Us?
The Schools HR team has a strong reputation for providing high-quality support to schools across Bexley and neighbouring Boroughs. You'll join a collaborative and supportive team that values innovation, partnership working and professional development. We offer flexible working arrangements, a welcoming team environment and the opportunity to make a tangible difference to educational communities across the borough.
Candidate Profile
- You will be a CIPD-qualified HR professional (or working towards qualification) with significant experience of advising senior managers on complex HR issues.
- Experience within education or local government would be advantageous, although we welcome applications from candidates with strong employee relations and organisational change experience from other sectors.
- Strong employee relations expertise.
- Experience of organisational change and restructuring.
- Excellent communication, influencing and relationship-building skills.
- The confidence to advise senior stakeholders on sensitive and challenging matters.
- A commitment to customer service, collaboration and continuous improvement.
For the full list of essential and desirable criteria for this role then please refer to the Person Specification within the Job Description attached. Appointment to this post will be subject to the outcome of an Enhanced Disclosure obtained through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Interviews are scheduled to be held in August 2026.
About Us
Bexley is a vibrant and diverse outer London Borough nestled in the Thames Gateway between London and Kent which means it combines the perfect blend of city vibe and the tranquillity of Kent. It's got award-winning parks, open spaces, and heritage sites. The borough has excellent transport connections, including the Elizabeth Line and proximity to the M25. Bexley offers fantastic amenities such as libraries, leisure centres, and shopping areas. Our borough is also home to numerous primary and secondary schools, as well as further education institutions.
Our Offer to you
We will offer you in return a package that includes:
- Competitive salary
- Coaching and mentoring programmes
- An excellent pension scheme
- Generous annual leave
- Bank holidays
For more information on the benefits package on offer please refer to the Candidate Information document attached.
Recruitment Information
As a disability confident employer Bexley welcomes applications from people with all disabilities, including hidden disabilities and mental health conditions. We will interview any disabled applicant who meets the minimum criteria. If you require reasonable adjustments to be made to any part of the recruitment process due to your disability, please contact recruitment@bexley.gov.uk. This role may be available as a development opportunity through secondment for the Council's existing employees. The Council's Secondment Scheme can be found here. If this option is of interest, please contact the recruiting manager. We reserve the right to close adverts earlier than the closing date.
Senior HR Advisor in Bexleyheath employer: London Borough of Bexley
Bexley is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work environment that prioritises employee growth and development through coaching and mentoring programmes. With a strong commitment to inclusivity, we provide a competitive salary, excellent pension scheme, and generous annual leave, ensuring our Family Hub Practitioners can thrive both personally and professionally while making a meaningful impact in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior HR Advisor in Bexleyheath
✨Get Your Foot in the Door with Temp Agencies
Temporary roles in HR are often filled through agencies. Reach out to temp agencies that specialise in HR placements. They can help you find gigs quickly and give you a chance to demonstrate your skills in real-world scenarios.
✨Network at HR Events and Workshops
Dive into local HR events, workshops, and seminars. These are great opportunities to meet professionals already in the field and might lead to temporary positions. Be sure to have a chat, exchange contacts, and express your interest in on-the-spot opportunities!
✨Showcase Your Flexibility
In the temporary HR world, being adaptable is key. When you're networking or interviewing, highlight your ability to quickly learn and fill diverse roles, from recruitment to employee onboarding. Make it clear that you’re ready to dive in at any time!
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out the opportunities at London Borough of Bexley and apply directly via our website. This way, you can express your interest in temporary roles and get ahead in the application process!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior HR Advisor in Bexleyheath
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your People Skills:In HR, showcasing your interpersonal skills is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you have dealing with talent management, resolving conflicts, or facilitating workshops. We want to see your ability to connect with others!
Tailor Your CV to HR:Use HR-specific language in your CV and cover letter. Mention any specific HR tools, software, or methodologies you’re familiar with, like ATS systems or performance management frameworks. This will show that you’re not just a good fit, but you've got the know-how to back it up!
Emphasise Your Flexibility:Since this is a temporary role, emphasising your adaptability and willingness to learn quickly is crucial. Include examples of how you've successfully jumped into new environments before or handled sudden changes in previous jobs. We love a team player who can hit the ground running!
Availability Matters:In your application, make sure to clarify your availability and commitment to the temporary position. This will help us understand when you can start and how you fit into our plans at London Borough of Bexley. So, don’t be shy about laying it all out there!
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Bexley
✨Showcase Your Adaptability
Given that this is a temporary HR role at London Borough of Bexley, it's crucial to demonstrate your flexibility and ability to adapt quickly. You might be thrown into new projects or systems, so share examples of how you've successfully navigated changes in past roles.
✨Familiarise Yourself with HR Tools
Many HR positions require familiarity with tools like HRIS or ATS systems. Before the interview, brush up on the specific software that London Borough of Bexley uses—if you see any mentioned in the job posting, make sure you're ready to discuss them and your experience with similar tools.
✨Your Motivation Matters
As a temp, it's essential to convey your motivation for this role. Employers often look for candidates who are not just filling a position, but who are genuinely keen on contributing effectively in a short period. Consider sharing why you’re passionate about HR and how you see yourself adding value at London Borough of Bexley.
✨Prepare for Real-World Scenarios
HR interviews often include situational questions that test your problem-solving skills. Think about common HR challenges, like dealing with conflict or managing onboarding efficiently, and prepare to discuss how you would handle these situations at London Borough of Bexley.
