At a Glance
- Tasks: Support schools with HR advice, employee relations, and compliance in a dynamic education environment.
- Company: Join Polaris, a leading charity dedicated to improving children's lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30-35 days annual leave, pension scheme, life insurance, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Hybrid working with opportunities for travel and career growth in a nurturing community.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in education while developing your HR career in a purpose-led organisation.
- Qualifications: Proven HR experience, strong communication skills, and a passion for supporting education settings.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
HR Advisor - Full time, permanent
- 30 days' annual leave increasing to 35 days with length of service plus Bank Holidays
- Company pension scheme
- Life insurance x2
- Employee discount scheme
- Free on-site parking
Due to continued growth across our education provision, Polaris is recruiting an experienced and proactive HR Advisor to support our schools and education settings. This is a key role within a growing HR function, providing day-to-day HR and employee relations support to school leaders and managers, ensuring consistent, pragmatic and compliant HR advice aligned with education sector expectations.
Based in one of our hubs in Milton Keynes or Bromsgrove with hybrid working, the role will involve regular engagement with schools and occasional UK-wide travel, including overnight stays where required. This is an excellent opportunity for an HR professional who enjoys working closely with school leaders, understands the pace and complexity of education environments and wants to develop their career within a purpose-led organisation.
Responsibilities include:
- Provide first-line HR and employee relations support to headteachers, school leadership teams and managers across Polaris schools and the wider community.
- Take the lead on employee relations cases, including investigations, disciplinaries, grievances and capability processes in consultation with the HR Business Partner.
- Advise and support managers on absence management, performance concerns and employee wellbeing matters.
- Manage employee lifecycle activities, including maternity and family leave, flexible working requests, occupational health referrals and reasonable adjustments.
- Support organisational change within schools, including restructures, TUPE-related activity and consultation processes.
- Assist with HR compliance and due diligence, ensuring personnel files and documentation meet safeguarding and regulatory standards.
- Support the review and implementation of HR policies and procedures, ensuring they are appropriate for school environments.
- Manage HR projects within the schools' remit and contribute to continuous improvement across the HR service.
- Build strong, trusted relationships with school leaders, acting as a professional and approachable HR partner.
You will be an organised and confident HR professional who can balance compliance with a practical, people-centred approach. Proven HR and employee relations experience. Strong communication skills with the confidence to advise and influence school leaders. Confident using the Microsoft Office suite. Full driving licence and access to a vehicle. Experience supporting schools or education settings. Experience in a multi-site or regional HR role. Experience supporting complex or sensitive employee relations cases.
Polaris is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.
Senior HR Advisor- Charity employer: Polaris Community
Polaris is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and purpose-driven work environment for HR professionals passionate about making a difference in the education sector. With generous benefits including up to 35 days of annual leave, a comprehensive pension scheme, and opportunities for career development, employees are encouraged to thrive both personally and professionally. Located in Milton Keynes, the role provides a unique chance to engage with school leaders across the UK, fostering strong relationships while contributing to the welfare of children and young people.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior HR Advisor- Charity
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector and let them know you're on the lookout for HR roles. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company culture at Polaris. Understand their values and how they support children and young people. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your answers to common HR scenarios, especially around employee relations and compliance. Being able to demonstrate your experience with real-life examples will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team at Polaris.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior HR Advisor- Charity
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior HR Advisor role. Highlight your experience in HR and employee relations, especially within education settings. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at Polaris!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about working in HR for a charity like ours. Share specific examples of how you've supported school leaders or managed complex employee relations cases.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Strong communication is key in this role. In your application, demonstrate how you've effectively advised and influenced managers in previous positions. We love seeing candidates who can connect with people and build trusted relationships!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our community at Polaris!
How to prepare for a job interview at Polaris Community
✨Know Your HR Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your HR knowledge, especially around employee relations and compliance in education settings. Familiarise yourself with common issues like absence management and performance concerns, as you'll need to demonstrate your expertise during the interview.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
This role is all about building strong relationships with school leaders and managers. Prepare examples of how you've successfully navigated complex employee relations cases or supported teams in previous roles. Highlight your communication skills and your ability to influence others.
✨Understand the Education Sector
Since this position is within a charity focused on education, it’s crucial to understand the unique challenges schools face. Research Polaris and their mission, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals and values.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked how you would handle specific HR scenarios, such as managing a grievance or leading a disciplinary process. Think through your approach to these situations beforehand, and be prepared to explain your reasoning and the outcomes you achieved in similar past experiences.
