At a Glance
- Tasks: Support HR operations and make a real difference for children and families.
- Company: Join Cafcass, an organisation dedicated to advocating for children in family courts.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, strong wellbeing initiatives, and a diverse work environment.
- Other info: Gain hands-on experience across the full employee lifecycle in a supportive team.
- Why this job: Kickstart your HR career while contributing to meaningful organisational change.
- Qualifications: Degree level qualification or CIPD Level 3, with ambition to progress.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 32000 £ per year.
Start Your HR Career Where It Truly Matters. At Cafcass, we are united by one purpose – to be the voice of children and young people in the family court. We are looking for a motivated and ambitious Trainee HR Officer to join our HR Business Partnering team. This is an excellent opportunity to build a meaningful career in HR while supporting an organisation that makes a genuine difference to children and families.
About the Role
As a Trainee HR Officer, you will join a national HR Operations / People Services function, supporting managers across a complex organisation. This structured development role will provide hands-on experience across the full employee lifecycle and prepare you to progress into a HR Officer role. You will work under the supervision of an HR Manager and HR Business Partner / Officer, gaining exposure to both operational HR activity and project-based work.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Support the delivery of a high-quality HR service across employee relations and HR operations.
- Assist with employee relations casework, including sickness absence, conduct, capability and grievances.
- Attend meetings, support investigations, take notes and assist with drafting HR correspondence.
- Maintain HR systems and analyse data to produce reports and insights.
- Support workforce planning through the analysis and presentation of HR management information.
- Contribute to restructuring and organisational change activity.
- Undertake project-based work including research, data analysis and stakeholder engagement.
- Support organisational initiatives including wellbeing, engagement and learning and development.
About You
- Degree level qualification and/or working towards a CIPD qualification (minimum Level 3 with ambition to progress further).
- Experience in an administrative or HR environment, ideally supporting a range of HR activities.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to analyse and interpret data to identify trends and make recommendations.
- Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office and databases.
- Resilience, strong interpersonal skills and a proactive, professional approach.
- A clear commitment to developing a long-term career in HR.
Location & Travel Requirements (Important)
This role is Midlands-based, with hybrid working. Nationwide travel will be required to support operational and development needs. Applications will only be considered from candidates located within the West or East Midlands due to travel and training requirements.
Why Join Cafcass?
Be part of an organisation that makes a real difference to children and families, offering flexible hybrid working supported by strong wellbeing initiatives, an inclusive and diverse working environment committed to equality and representation, and the opportunity to work on high-impact organisational change and workforce challenges.
Apply Now
If you are ready to start your career in HR and want to make a meaningful impact, we would love to hear from you.
Next steps / timelines
If and when you are ready to apply, our application process is straightforward and quick to complete. You don’t need to complete your application in a single visit, you can start it and come back and amend your responses / update your CV, just make sure you come back before the closing date to submit.
Closing date: 7th June
Telephone interview: Ongoing
Work-related assessment via Teams: TBC
Final Interview and work-based assessment in person: TBC
We understand you may benefit from finding out more to help you decide to apply. There is a lot of information available at Cafcass Careers but if there is something else you need to find out more about, you can either contact Priya Kadara from our Resourcing team if your query is to do with the recruitment process or is HR-related, or Kathryn Alston if your questions relate more to the role, providing your contact information and best times / methods to get hold of you.
Finally, in anticipation of your application being successful, you might want to read about the offer and pre-employment checks process. As part of your application you can highlight any concerns or questions about the pre-employment checks and we encourage all applicants to do so, safe in the knowledge such information will not be shared with individuals involved in the selection process.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Trainee HR Officer employer: Penna
Cafcass is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, flexible hybrid working arrangements, and a diverse and inclusive culture, we provide our Trainee HR Officers with invaluable hands-on experience and opportunities for professional growth within a supportive environment. Join us in a role that not only fosters your career development but also contributes to high-impact organisational change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee HR Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current HR professionals on LinkedIn or at local events. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing a role like the Trainee HR Officer at Cafcass.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Cafcass and its mission. Understand how your skills can contribute to their goal of supporting children and families. This will show your genuine interest and commitment during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common HR interview questions with a friend or mentor. Focus on your ability to handle employee relations and data analysis, as these are key aspects of the Trainee HR Officer role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s quick and easy, and you can save your progress. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining Cafcass and making a difference in the lives of children and families.
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee HR Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Trainee HR Officer role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with what we’re looking for, especially in HR operations and employee relations.
Show Your Passion for HR:Let us know why you’re excited about starting a career in HR! Share your commitment to making a difference in the lives of children and families, as this is at the heart of what we do at Cafcass.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and structure your thoughts well. This will help us see your excellent communication skills right from the start!
Don’t Rush – Review Before Submitting:Take your time to review your application before hitting send. Check for any typos or errors, and ensure all your information is accurate. Remember, you can save your application and come back to it later on our website!
How to prepare for a job interview at Penna
✨Know Your HR Basics
Before the interview, brush up on key HR concepts and practices. Familiarise yourself with employee relations, HR operations, and the employee lifecycle. This will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to Cafcass's mission.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Prepare examples that demonstrate your strong organisational skills. Think of times when you managed competing priorities or handled administrative tasks efficiently. Being able to articulate these experiences will show that you're ready for the fast-paced environment at Cafcass.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice your verbal and written communication skills. You might be asked to explain complex HR topics or draft correspondence during the interview. Clear communication is crucial in HR, so make sure you convey your thoughts effectively.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to HR
Express your passion for a long-term career in HR. Share your aspirations, such as pursuing further CIPD qualifications, and how you plan to grow within the role. This will show Cafcass that you're not just looking for any job, but are genuinely interested in making a difference.
