At a Glance
- Tasks: Support HR processes and enhance employee experiences at Reading Students' Union.
- Company: Dynamic, student-focused organisation empowering students and enhancing their university experience.
- Benefits: 35 days annual leave, professional development, and a vibrant working environment.
- Other info: Join us for a unique opportunity on a stunning campus with excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Kickstart your HR career in a supportive team dedicated to making a difference.
- Qualifications: GCSE Maths and English, strong organisational skills, and customer service experience.
The predicted salary is between 29115 - 35585 £ per year.
HR Administrator - Reading Students’ Union
Location
University of Reading, Whiteknights Campus, Reading, Berkshire
Salary
Contract
Fixed term contract for 12 months
Hours
Full-time, 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Location
- Office based
- Closing date: Monday 23 November 2026
Interviews: Thursday 3 December 2026
Help create an outstanding employee experience and support the people who make a difference to students every day.
About Reading Students’ Union
We are a dynamic, student-focused organisation dedicated to empowering students and enhancing their university experience.
Our vision is to be a place for everyone, we inspire and empower students to change the world.
- Check out our exciting new strategy
- HR Administrator
Are you highly organised, detail-oriented and passionate about delivering excellent customer service?
Do you enjoy coordinating processes, maintaining accurate records and helping people navigate employment-related matters with confidence?
We're looking for a proactive and approachable HR Administrator to join our HR team.
This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in supporting the employee lifecycle, recruitment activities and HR operations across Reading Students' Union and Little Learners Nursery.
As the first point of contact for many HR enquiries, you'll help ensure colleagues, managers and candidates receive accurate information, excellent support and a positive experience throughout their journey with us.
What You'll Do
You'll provide high-quality administrative support across a wide range of HR activities, helping ensure our people processes run smoothly, compliance requirements are met and employees receive an excellent service.
- Support HR Enquiries and Service Delivery
- Manage the HR inbox and respond to routine enquiries professionally and promptly.
- Provide information from approved HR guidance and explain processes clearly.
- Coordinate appointments, reminders and HR administrative tasks.
- Escalate urgent or complex matters to the appropriate manager.
- Help ensure HR service standards and deadlines are consistently achieved.
- Coordinate Recruitment and Appointments
- Support vacancy advertising, candidate communications and interview arrangements.
- Coordinate recruitment administration and maintain accurate records throughout the hiring process.
- Support student staff recruitment campaigns and recruitment events.
- Arrange references and pre-employment checks.
- Support fair and inclusive recruitment practices across the organisation.
- Support Onboarding and Probation
- Coordinate right-to-work, qualification and DBS checks where appropriate.
- Maintain induction schedules and onboarding checklists.
- Liaise with managers, IT and other departments to ensure a smooth start for new employees.
- Support payroll setup activities for new starters.
- Monitor probation reviews and follow up on outstanding actions.
- Support Employee Changes and Leavers
- Maintain accurate employee records and process approved changes.
- Support absence recording and leave administration.
- Coordinate leaver processes, including references, equipment returns and system access removal.
- Maintain accurate records and ensure timely completion of actions.
- Coordinate Learning, Engagement and Communications
- Arrange training bookings and maintain training records.
- Support HR inductions for employees and Sabbatical Officers.
- Help coordinate staff surveys, engagement activities and recognition events.
- Track feedback and support the delivery of follow-up actions.
- Maintain HR Systems and Compliance
- Maintain accurate HR systems, databases and employee records.
- Ensure information is stored securely and in line with data protection requirements.
- Maintain HR templates, documentation and policy records.
- Support compliance monitoring and HR improvement projects.
- Help improve processes, checklists and workflows.
About You
We're looking for someone who is organised, reliable, approachable and committed to providing excellent customer service.
Essential
- GCSE Maths and English (Grade C or equivalent).
- Experience managing confidential records and competing priorities in a busy administrative environment.
- Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Experience responding to enquiries and providing customer-focused support.
- Confidence using Microsoft 365, including Word, Excel, Outlook and Teams.
- Ability to organise meetings, maintain trackers and manage administrative processes.
- Ability to work accurately with data, records and reports.
- A proactive approach to following up actions and meeting deadlines.
- Commitment to inclusion, equality and excellent service delivery.
Desirable
- Knowledge of HR practices through study or practical experience.
- Experience coordinating recruitment, onboarding or similar people processes.
- Experience of HR administration, payroll inputs or high-volume recruitment.
- Understanding of right-to-work and pre-employment compliance processes.
- Experience within a Students' Union, charity, education or nursery environment.
- Knowledge of employee lifecycle administration and HR systems.
Why Join Us?
- Inclusive and supportive team culture.
- 35 days' annual leave including Christmas and Easter closure days.
- Professional development opportunities.
- Unique working environment in the heart of a vibrant Students’ Union, set on a stunning, green campus.
Ready to start or build your HR career in a supportive and people-focused environment? Apply today!
Committed to equality, celebrating diversity and embedding sustainability, building an inclusive workplace and a brighter future for all.
HR Administrator in Reading employer: Reading Students' Union
Reading Students' Union is an exceptional employer that prioritises a supportive and inclusive work culture, offering flexible working options and 35 days of annual leave. Employees benefit from professional development opportunities and the chance to engage in meaningful work that directly impacts students' lives, all within a vibrant environment on the beautiful University of Reading campus.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Administrator in Reading
✨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 Reading Students' Union!
✨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 Reading Students' Union.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Administrator in Reading
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 Reading Students' Union. 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 Reading Students' Union 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 Reading Students' Union. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Reading Students' Union'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 Reading Students' Union
✨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 Reading Students' Union.
✨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 Reading Students' Union 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 Reading Students' Union and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
