At a Glance
- Tasks: Support schools with HR services and strategic advice while leading project delivery.
- Company: Join a friendly and growing Multi Academy Trust in Oxfordshire.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, professional development, and a supportive team culture.
- Other info: Hybrid role with opportunities for part-time or full-time work.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in education and enjoy a fun, collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in education-focused HR and a good sense of humour.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We are looking for an experienced HR professional to join our central HR and Payroll team as a HR Business Partner to provide a timely and professional HR service to our schools. Initially a 2 year fixed term contract, this is a new role within our growing Multi Academy Trust to support the delivery of the RLT People Strategy.
The role will be working in our well established and friendly HR team alongside our HR Director, 3 existing experienced HR Business Partners, 2 x HR Officers (and the payroll team!) reporting into the Senior HR Business Partner. You will work in partnership with schools in Oxfordshire across our Trust (including primary and secondary schools) to support them with a range of people matters and timely strategic advice. You will also have trust wide objectives and lead on project delivery in your area of focus.
This is a busy, varied role where you will be working in our culture of continuous improvement and will have a real opportunity to make a difference to our schools and their communities. If you have previous experience as an education focused HR professional and would like to work with an amazing team, we would love to hear from you.
This is a hybrid role with 1 day per week (Tuesday) spent at our central team office working alongside the HR and payroll team; and the remainder of your working time spent visiting schools or working from home.
Hours of work: FLEXIBLE. Full time and part time options are available for this role including term-time + working or all year round (52 weeks). We are looking for a minimum of 4 full days per week that must include a Tuesday or 30 hours across the week.
The River Learning Trust is a successful and growing Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) based in Oxfordshire. We are currently responsible for 30 schools including 10 secondary schools, 20 primary schools, an Alternative Provision and a SCITT (School Centred Initial Teacher Training).
Education has the power to change lives, communities and society for the better. At RLT we believe that we can achieve more for our pupils, trainees, staff and communities by working together rather than alone. Schools in RLT are united by a common belief in the benefits of working together, and by our commitment to shared principles.
Our vision is for our schools and SCITT to improve rapidly, continuously and sustainably: to be better faster together. Our ‘why?’ is that children and young people ‘only get one go’ in school and therefore as part of RLT we aim to ensure the best possible ‘go’ for our pupils. Our ‘how?’ is through the highest support and challenge for our schools and each other, underpinned by our principles.
Our employees benefit from a wide variety of support including extensive continuing professional learning and development opportunities, wellbeing and staff networks and access to Defined Benefit Pension Schemes (TPS and LGPS) for all staff.
This role includes regulated activity relevant to children. Applications are through MyNewTerm (please click apply). If you would like to have an informal chat about the role before making an application please contact Jo Holohan, HR Director via email.
The River Learning Trust reserves the right to close the advert early or to consider and interview candidates ahead of the closing date if appropriate. An offer may be made to an exceptional candidate in this instance. The River Learning Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and preventing extremism.
The Trust is required to conduct a variety of checks and online searches about you as part of their recruitment process in accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. It is an offence to apply for certain roles within schools if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.
HR Business Partner employer: River Learning Trust
The River Learning Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment where HR professionals can thrive. With a strong commitment to employee development, flexible working options, and a culture that values humour and community, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact across our schools in Oxfordshire. Join us in our mission to enhance educational experiences for children and young people while enjoying a range of benefits including professional learning opportunities and a Defined Benefit Pension Scheme.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Business Partner
✨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 River Learning Trust!
✨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 River Learning Trust.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Business Partner
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 River Learning Trust. 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 River Learning Trust 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 River Learning Trust. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to River Learning Trust'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 River Learning Trust
✨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 River Learning Trust.
✨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 River Learning Trust 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 River Learning Trust and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
