At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert HR support and advice across employee relations and policy matters.
- Company: Specialist higher education institution with a focus on culture and values.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusivity and best practices in HR.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic academic environment while developing your HR skills.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 5 or above and previous HR experience in higher education.
The predicted salary is between 38738 - 38738 £ per year.
We are pleased to be supporting a specialist higher education institution in the search for a temporary HR Officer. This is an excellent opportunity for an HR professional with strong employee relations experience to work across a varied and impactful caseload. Working closely with HR Business Partners and senior stakeholders, this role provides high‑quality, practical advice across the full employee lifecycle, supporting managers to navigate people matters confidently, compliantly and consistently.
Key Responsibilities for this role include:
- Employee Relations & Advisory Support
- Providing professional advice and support across a broad range of employee relations matters, including absence management, performance, conduct, grievance, capability and dignity at work cases.
- Supporting managers with disciplinary, grievance and change‑related processes in line with policy, procedure and employment legislation.
- Advising on occupational health referrals, interpreting reports and supporting managers to implement recommendations.
- Policy, Contracts & Casework
- Supporting the interpretation and application of HR policies, procedures and terms and conditions of employment.
- Managing the fixed‑term contracts process, including tracking end dates, coordinating extensions or terminations, issuing documentation and ensuring compliance.
- Advising on family‑friendly leave, flexible and hybrid working arrangements, career breaks and related processes, including the production of maternity leave schedules.
- Change, Job Evaluation & Projects
- Contributing to organisational change activity, including restructures, changes to terms and conditions, redundancy and redeployment processes.
- Undertaking job evaluations for new or amended roles to support recruitment, regrading and organisational design activity.
- Supporting people‑focused projects relating to contractual, policy or terms and conditions changes.
- Collaboration & Best Practice
- Working collaboratively with colleagues across the wider People & Culture function to share expertise, coordinate activity and ensure consistency.
- Developing strong internal and external networks to ensure the application of best practice and awareness of sector developments.
To be considered for this position, you should bring:
- CIPD Level 5 or above qualification.
- Previous HR experience within Higher Education institutions.
- Demonstrable experience managing employee relations casework within a complex, unionised environment.
- Sound working knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice.
- Strong interpersonal, analytical and communication skills, with the resilience to manage competing priorities.
- High standards of data protection, information governance and confidentiality.
- Digital confidence, with experience using HR systems and collaborative digital tools.
- Knowledge of job evaluation frameworks, HR systems and UKVI requirements would be advantageous.
If you're motivated by the opportunity to provide meaningful HR support in a culturally rich and values‑driven academic environment, we'd love to hear from you. Please apply below and submit your CV in Word format.
As a specialist Recruitment Practice, we are committed to building inclusive and diverse organisations and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We invest in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you throughout the application process.
HR Officer in London employer: Prospectus
Contact Detail:
Prospectus Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Officer in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the HR field, especially those in higher education. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the institution's culture and values. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their mission. We want to see that you’re not just a fit on paper but also in spirit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your answers to common HR scenarios. Think about how you’d handle employee relations issues or policy interpretations. We love candidates who can demonstrate their problem-solving skills with real-life examples.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Officer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your employee relations experience and any relevant HR qualifications to catch our eye!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your successes! Use numbers or examples to demonstrate how you’ve positively impacted previous workplaces, especially in managing employee relations.
Keep It Professional Yet Personal: While we love a professional tone, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. A touch of authenticity can make your application stand out and show us who you really are.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Prospectus
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on UK employment law and HR best practices. Familiarise yourself with the specific employee relations issues mentioned in the job description, like absence management and grievance processes. This will show that you're not just a good fit, but that you’re genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous HR experience, especially within higher education or similar environments. Have specific examples ready that demonstrate how you've successfully managed employee relations casework and supported managers through complex situations. This will help you stand out as a candidate who can hit the ground running.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with insightful questions about the organisation's culture, their approach to employee relations, and how they handle change management. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the environment aligns with your values.
✨Be Yourself
While it’s important to be professional, don’t forget to let your personality shine through. The role involves collaboration and communication, so showing your interpersonal skills and resilience during the interview can make a lasting impression. Remember, they want to see the real you!