HR Adviser in Gateshead

Important Notice - Please Read Before Applying: NLG is committed to safeguarding learners and operates strict safer recruitment practices that include full employment history vetting, disclosure and barring checks, and obtaining and verifying references. We also reserve the right to contact any of your previous employers as a condition of any offer. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and requires an enhanced disclosure. If you are barred from working in regulated activity with children, it is an offence to apply for this role.

The HR Adviser is a key member of the People Team and is responsible for providing a high-quality, proactive HR advisory service with a joint focus on talent acquisition of employees and self-employed tutors together with day-to-day employee relations. Ensuring compliance with UK employment law, safer recruitment practices, safeguarding standards, and organisational policies. The postholder will support managers in handling people matters effectively, contributing to a positive, fair and inclusive working environment within an education-focused organisation, and be a first port of call for employee enquiries.

Working closely with the HR Manager, and 2 recruitment/HR administrators the HR adviser will join a developing People team in a rapidly scaling and diversifying business. The post would especially suit an experienced HR Officer looking to step up to an Adviser level role, with responsibility for day-to-day operational HR and exposure to strategic project work. The role requires strong organisation, sound judgement, and the ability to work effectively under pressure and ambiguity. This is a full-time position, with a strong in-office presence required. Our premises are moving to Metro Centre Business Park in June/July, until which time the role will be based in Prudhoe, North East England.

• Recruitment & Onboarding
  • Lead employee and tutor recruitment campaigns, including drafting job descriptions and adverts, shortlisting and interview coordination, offer management and pre-employment checks.
  • Support recruitment administrators with the safer recruitment of quality tutors and staff.
  • Ensure safer recruitment practices are followed, including RTW, DBS and referencing checks.
  • Improve candidate experience and employer branding.
  • Support onboarding and probation processes, ensuring smooth integration of new staff.
• Employee Relations
  • Act as an initial point of contact for employee and tutor relations matters, providing advice on welfare, engagement, absence management, performance and capability, disciplinary and grievance.
  • Support and, where appropriate, lead on investigations, hearings and appeals in line with policies, procedures and best practice.
  • Support consistent application of HR policies and procedures across the organisation.
  • Maintain accurate, confidential records and provide data on ER trends.
  • Coach and support managers to build confidence in handling people issues.
• Policy & Compliance
  • Support the development, implementation and review of HR policies in line with UK legislation and best practice.
  • Ensure compliance with employment law, GDPR, and safeguarding requirements.
  • Contribute to HR audits and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Data, Reporting & Systems
  • Maintain HRIS and employee records accurately.
  • Produce HR metrics (e.g. absence, turnover, recruitment data) to inform decision-making.
  • Identify trends and recommend proactive interventions.
• General HR Support
  • Support training delivery for managers on HR topics.
  • Promote a positive organisational culture aligned to company values.

Qualifications:

• CIPD Level 5 qualification or equivalent experience.
• 2+ years generalist HR experience.
• Right to work in the UK.
• Satisfactory Enhanced DBS check.
• Experience in an HR advisory role with strong recruitment and employee relations exposure.
• Knowledge of safer recruitment and compliance requirements.
• Ability to interpret policy and provide practical, risk-aware advice.
• Sound understanding of UK employment law and HR best practice.
• Familiarity with HR systems and reporting tools.
• Education sector experience.
• Coaching skills to support line managers.
• Data analysis and reporting capability.

Personal Attributes:

• Proactive and solution-focused.
• Resilient and able to manage competing priorities.
• High level of integrity and discretion.
• Strong interpersonal and influencing skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive situations with professionalism and confidentiality.
• Excellent organisational skills.
• Clear written and verbal communication.
• Problem-solving and sound judgement.
• Alignment with safeguarding and child protection values.
• Commitment to ongoing CPD.

Why You’ll Love Working With Us:

• Competitive Salary - negotiable, depending on experience and fit.
• Strategic Exposure - build your HR toolkit.
• Collaborative environment – Be part of a small, close-knit team where your voice is heard and your impact is real.
• Generous holiday allowance – 31 days including bank holidays to relax and recharge.
• Wellbeing first – We don’t do long hours. Your time outside work matters too.
• Occasional treats! – Enjoy occasional treats and team lunches on us.
• Feel-good office vibes – Take part in workplace wellbeing activities designed to keep minds fresh and spirits high.
• Casual dress code – Come as you are!
• Free & on-site parking – No more parking headaches.
• Strong transport links – Easy to get to, however you commute.
• Employee assistance programme - Providing support 24/7/365.
• Company pension – Plan for the future with peace of mind.
• Medical cover – Private health support to give you extra peace of mind after successful completion of probation.

Schedule: 37.5 hour week Monday to Friday.

Additional Information: This is a full-time, employed role. The position is based at our office near the metro centre.