At a Glance
- Tasks: Support HR operations and employee relations while gaining hands-on experience.
- Company: Cafcass, dedicated to making a difference for children and families.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, strong wellbeing initiatives, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to equality and representation.
- Why this job: Kickstart your HR career in a meaningful role that truly impacts lives.
- Qualifications: Degree level qualification or working towards CIPD Level 3; HR admin experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ 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.
Below we have given you an indication of a timetable we are hoping to work towards, although dates are subject to change.
- 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.
Whilst we will always try and respond as soon as possible, we wouldn’t want you to miss the closing date before we are able to. If this is the case, we recommend you apply and as part of your application you can ask questions and this may allow us to contact you and provide you with the required information that will help you decide if you still wish to be considered.
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: People Management magazine
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 ample opportunities for professional growth and development within our HR team. Join us in a role that not only supports your career aspirations but also contributes to high-impact organisational change in a vital sector.
Contact Details:
People Management magazine Recruitment Team
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 breaking into the field. You never know who might have a lead on a job!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Cafcass and its mission. Understand how your role as a Trainee HR Officer can contribute to making a difference in children's lives. Tailor your answers to show you’re not just looking for any job, but this job!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills with a friend or mentor. Get comfortable discussing your experiences and how they relate to the HR activities mentioned in the job description. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the quickest way to get your application in and ensures it goes straight to the right people. Plus, you can easily update your CV and responses if you need to!
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee HR Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Trainee HR Officer role. Highlight any relevant administrative or HR experience, and don’t forget to mention your ambition to progress in HR!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for HR and how you can contribute to Cafcass's mission. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since excellent written communication is key for this role, ensure your application is clear and free of errors. Use concise language and structure your thoughts logically to make a great impression.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smooth application process. It’s quick and easy, and you can save your progress if you need to come back later. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at People Management magazine
✨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 Communication Skills
As a Trainee HR Officer, strong communication is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated in previous roles or during your studies. Be ready to discuss how you would handle sensitive situations, like grievances or conduct issues.
✨Demonstrate Your Analytical Mindset
Cafcass values data-driven decision-making. Think of instances where you've analysed data or trends, whether in an academic project or a previous job. Be prepared to explain how you can use data to support workforce planning and organisational change.
✨Express Your Passion for HR
Let your enthusiasm for a career in HR shine through. Share your long-term goals and how you see yourself growing within Cafcass. Highlight any relevant qualifications or experiences that show your commitment to making a difference in the field.
