At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the HR team in recruitment processes and ensure a smooth hiring experience.
- Company: Join Solent Academies Trust, a community-focused Multi-Academy Trust.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, wellbeing support, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy a culture of respect, belonging, and excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Make a difference in education while growing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR or recruitment, strong communication skills, and ICT competency.
The predicted salary is between 30414 - 36989 £ per year.
Recruitment Assistant 37 hours per week, 52 weeks per year Band 5 £27,347 – £29,171. Solent Academies Trust is a Multi-Academy Trust comprised of five special schools across Portsmouth, Compton and Basingstoke. Our sixth school will be opening in September 2026 in Botley. We are committed to improving equity, social inclusion and closing disadvantage gaps. We believe that each school community is unique; therefore, we empower leaders to successfully implement a strategic plan that reflects the needs of their communities.
Solent Academies Trust is seeking a professional Recruitment Assistant to work within our busy HR Team based at Acorns Business Park, Cosham. Under the guidance of the Lead for People and Culture and Senior HR & Payroll Lead you will provide support to the Recruitment function of Solent Academies Trust. This is a fast-paced reactive role; therefore, the successful candidate must be methodical, enthusiastic and highly organised, with excellent time management skills and the ability to work well under pressure. You will have a demonstrable understanding of robust and rigorous safer recruitment processes. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate a high level of ICT competency and be a strong communicator, with proven experience of working in an HR or Recruitment environment.
At Solent Academies Trust, we are proud to be a community built on connection, respect, and belonging. Our Relational Culture Charter guides us to work together and support each other through:
- Valuing Difference
- Effective Communication
- High Challenge & High Support to Empower
- Respect for All
- Solution-Focused Approaches
We believe that when relationships thrive, people thrive – and so do the children and young people we serve. By joining Solent Academies Trust, we offer you:
- Excellent staff induction with a commitment to high-quality professional development aligned in relational leadership and HR excellence
- A culture rooted in relational practice, belonging, and wellbeing
- A workplace where your values, voice, and contribution truly matter
- Local Government Pension Scheme with the option of a 50/50 contribution to build over time
- Competitive employer pension contribution
- Confidential Counselling & Wellbeing Support Service
- Life Insurance - 3 times annual salary (for members of the pension scheme)
- Increase of annual leave after 5 years of service from 28 to 32 days
- Free onsite parking at most of our academies
- CPD opportunities to support Career development
- Employee Referral Scheme
- Employee Benefits Platform
For more details, please visit our jobs board: Solent Academies Trust | SAMpeople Recruit. If you have any questions at all, please email recruitment@solentacademiestrust.info. Closing date for applications is Monday 10th August 2026, 9am. Interviews will be held on Tuesday 18th August 2026.
Solent Academies Trust welcome applications regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, or religion. Only applications submitted on the academy’s application form will be accepted. Solent Academies are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.
Recruitment Assistant - Solent Academies Trust in Portsmouth employer: Portsmouth City Council
Portsmouth City Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values collaboration and innovation. With a focus on employee growth, the council provides numerous training opportunities and a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the public sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Recruitment Assistant - Solent Academies Trust in Portsmouth
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Portsmouth City Council!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Portsmouth City Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Recruitment Assistant - Solent Academies Trust in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Portsmouth City Council. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Portsmouth City Council and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Portsmouth City Council. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Portsmouth City Council's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Portsmouth City Council
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Portsmouth City Council.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Portsmouth City Council will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Portsmouth City Council and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.