HR Officer in Colchester

We are a care and education organisation committed to supporting adults and young people to live healthy, active and fulfilling lives, regardless of background or disability. Our people play a vital role in creating safe, supportive and stimulating environments, and our HR team is central to making this happen. As an HR Officer, you will help ensure our workforce is well supported, compliant and equipped to deliver high-quality care and education services.

As a key member of the HR function, you will work closely with HR Business Partners and line managers to embed HR policies, support change initiatives, manage HR cases and deliver projects that enable safe, compliant and effective services. You will also play a vital role in coaching managers, producing insightful HR data, and building strong relationships across the business.

• Champion the consistent application of HR policies, procedures, and best practice, ensuring ongoing compliance with employment legislation.
• Lead and contribute to key HR projects and organisational integrations as agreed with HRBPs.
• Support and lead change initiatives, including restructures, reorganisations, and TUPE transfers.
• Produce, analyse, and present HR management information and reports that inform decision-making and drive continuous improvement.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships across the organisation, as well as with external partners such as legal advisors.
• Provide support to HRBPs with shared services projects and complex casework when required.
• Ensure all HR cases are accurately logged and maintained within internal systems, providing regular reviews and advice.
• Coach and upskill Line Managers to strengthen capability and confidence in managing HR matters.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date HR files, records, and trackers.
• Regularly review caseloads, identifying and escalating risks to the HRBPs and Director of HR & Resourcing.
• Review internal investigation reports, challenging where additional evidence or detail is required.
• Lead and deliver Line Manager HR inductions, onboarding support, and ongoing mentoring across the organisation.
• Facilitate HR clinics and deliver training sessions on key HR topics to Line Managers.
• Support HRBPs with SIP call actions and follow-ups.
• Proactively partner with Operational teams to prevent avoidable HR issues and reduce case volumes.
• Attend management meetings (both in person and virtually) to provide HR guidance and support.
• Manage Right to Work and sponsorship processes accurately and within required timescales.
• Work alongside the HR Compliance Coordinator to upskill Managers on compliance requirements.
• Escalate any risks to the organisation promptly to HRBPs and the Director of HR & Resourcing.
• Identify and report emerging themes and issues within divisions to HRBPs.
• Act as deputy for the HR Business Partner during periods of absence or annual leave.

Please note: This job description is not exhaustive, and the post holder may be required to undertake additional duties appropriate to the role as identified by the company.

Salutem Care and Education is dedicated to protecting and promoting the well-being of children, young adults, and vulnerable individuals. As part of our safer recruitment process, the successful candidate will be required to complete thorough pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS and, where applicable, overseas criminal record checks.

You will be CIPD Level 5 qualified (or equivalent experience) with solid generalist HR experience, excellent communication skills and a strong eye for detail. You will be confident advising managers, handling complex HR matters and contributing to continuous improvement.

Why join us? You will be part of a supportive, ambitious and values-driven organisation that puts people at the heart of everything it does and is committed to helping everyone experience a meaningful life.