HR Advisor in City of Westminster

HR Advisor in City of Westminster

City of Westminster Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support HR processes across multiple schools and manage employee relations cases.
  • Company: Join a growing Catholic Multi-Academy Trust dedicated to educational excellence.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 27 days holiday, pension contributions, and a generous training budget.
  • Other info: Be part of a supportive community focused on collaboration and growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in education while developing your HR skills.
  • Qualifications: Experience in HR advisory roles and knowledge of employment law required.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

We are a growing Catholic Multi-Academy Trust of seven schools, and we are looking for an experienced HR Advisor to join our central team. This is a varied generalist role at an exciting time to join — you will have real impact across multiple schools from day one.

Working closely with our Head of HR and Culture, you will manage a complex ER caseload, support recruitment and onboarding, and help embed Trust-wide HR policies — all in line with our values of love, service, humility and faith.

Why Join Us?

At Sancta Familia Catholic Academy Trust, you will be part of a growing and values-led organisation committed to excellence in education. This is an exciting time to join a newly formed Trust where your work will make a real difference across multiple schools, and your professional development will be supported every step of the way.

Benefits

  • Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with employer contributions.
  • 27 days holiday per year plus bank holidays.
  • Generous training budget with time allocated for professional development.
  • Opportunity to work collaboratively across a family of schools within a newly established and expanding Multi-Academy Trust.
  • A supportive, driven community focused on collaboration, integrity, and growth.

The role

Employee Relations

  • Provide first-line advice and guidance on a wide range of HR matters including performance management, absence management, disciplinary and grievance procedures.
  • Manage complex employee relations cases from initiation to resolution, ensuring fair, consistent, and legally compliant outcomes.
  • Support and coach managers through formal HR processes, attending hearings and meetings as required.
  • Support with outcome letters, reports, and correspondence related to formal HR processes.
  • Keep accurate and up-to-date case records within the HR information system and Employee Relations trackers.
  • Ensure compliance with employment law and Trust HR policies at all times.

Recruitment and Onboarding

  • Manage the Trust central team recruitment and onboarding.
  • Support schools with their recruitment processes, including drafting job descriptions, supporting interview panels and sharing best practices.
  • Ensure safe recruitment practices in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) and the Trust's Safer Recruitment Policy.
  • Support schools with their induction processes for new starters, ensuring a positive experience.
  • Manage the Trust central team inductions.

Policy and Compliance

  • Support the development, review, and implementation of HR policies and procedures across the Trust.
  • Provide guidance to managers on HR policies, ensuring consistent application across all schools.
  • Keep up to date with changes in employment legislation and best practice, advising the HR team accordingly.
  • Contribute to HR audits and compliance reviews as required.

Data and Reporting

  • Maintain accurate employee data and HR records in the HR information system.
  • Produce regular HR data reports and dashboards for the Head of HR and Culture and school leaders.
  • Monitor and report on key HR metrics including absence rates, turnover, and casework volumes.

Safeguarding

  • Promote and uphold the Trust's commitment to safeguarding and the welfare of children and young people.
  • Ensure all recruitment and HR processes embed safer recruitment principles.
  • Maintain knowledge of current safeguarding requirements including KCSIE.

Person Specification

Education - desirable

  • CIPD Level 5 qualification or working towards it, or equivalent experience.
  • CIPD Level 3 qualification.

Knowledge and Experience - required

  • Demonstrable experience in a generalist HR advisory role.
  • Experience of managing complex employee relations cases independently.
  • Knowledge of current employment law and its practical application.
  • Experience supporting managers through formal HR processes.
  • Knowledge of KCSIE and safer recruitment obligations.
  • Experience of working in an education or public sector environment.
  • Familiarity with school HR systems and safer recruitment practices.

Professional Skills and Attributes - required

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to produce clear, professional correspondence.
  • Ability to manage a varied and complex workload, prioritise effectively, and meet deadlines.
  • Confident in building effective relationships.
  • High level of attention to detail and accuracy.
  • A pragmatic, solution-focused approach to HR challenges.
  • Commitment to maintaining confidentiality at all times.
  • Sympathy with the Catholic faith and ability to support our Catholic mission and values.
  • Commitment to uphold the 7 Nolan Principles of Public Life.

How to apply: please go to the Sancta Familia Catholic Academy website - staff vacancies, where you will find the full job description and send the required recruitment forms to Nichole Burley-Burton, Head of HR and Culture.

Closing date: Sunday 17 May 2026 at 23:59 — we reserve the right to close early if a suitable candidate is appointed.

We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from all sections of the community. You do not need to be Catholic to work for us — we simply ask that all employees respect and support our values and mission.

This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

HR Advisor in City of Westminster employer: Sancta Familia Catholic Academy Trust

At Sancta Familia Catholic Academy Trust, we pride ourselves on being a values-led organisation that fosters a supportive and collaborative work environment. As an HR Advisor, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact across our growing Multi-Academy Trust while benefiting from generous professional development support, a competitive pension scheme, and a commitment to employee well-being. Join us in our mission to provide excellence in education and be part of a community that values love, service, humility, and faith.
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Contact Detail:

Sancta Familia Catholic Academy Trust Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land HR Advisor in City of Westminster

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the company culture before your interview. Check out their website and social media to see what they're all about. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.

✨Tip Number 2

Practice common HR scenarios and how you'd handle them. Think about your past experiences and be ready to share specific examples. This will demonstrate your expertise and give the interviewers confidence in your abilities.

✨Tip Number 3

Network with current or former employees if you can. They can provide insider tips on the interview process and what the team is really like. Plus, it shows initiative and a genuine interest in the role!

✨Tip Number 4

Don't forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. It shows your enthusiasm for the position and keeps you fresh in their minds.

We think you need these skills to ace HR Advisor in City of Westminster

Employee Relations Management
HR Policy Development
Recruitment and Onboarding
Knowledge of Employment Law
Safer Recruitment Practices
Complex Case Management
Communication Skills
Data Management
Attention to Detail
Confidentiality
Problem-Solving Skills
Time Management
Relationship Building
Understanding of KCSIE

Some tips for your application 🫡

Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description. Make sure you understand what we're looking for in an HR Advisor and how your experience aligns with our needs.

Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic CV and cover letter! We want to see how your skills and experiences specifically relate to the role. Highlight your relevant experience in employee relations and recruitment to catch our eye.

Showcase Your Communication Skills: As an HR Advisor, strong written communication is key. Make sure your application is clear, professional, and free of typos. This is your chance to demonstrate your attention to detail!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the necessary forms and details there!

How to prepare for a job interview at Sancta Familia Catholic Academy Trust

✨Know Your Stuff

Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the role of an HR Advisor within a Multi-Academy Trust. Familiarise yourself with key HR concepts like employee relations, recruitment processes, and safeguarding principles. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.

✨Showcase Your Experience

Prepare specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your ability to manage complex employee relations cases and support managers through formal HR processes. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, making it easier for the interviewers to see your skills in action.

✨Emphasise Cultural Fit

Since this role is within a Catholic Multi-Academy Trust, it's important to express your alignment with their values of love, service, humility, and faith. Be ready to discuss how your personal values resonate with theirs and how you can contribute to their mission in a meaningful way.

✨Ask Thoughtful Questions

At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the Trust's HR policies, professional development opportunities, or how they measure success in the HR department. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if the organisation is the right fit for you.

HR Advisor in City of Westminster
Sancta Familia Catholic Academy Trust
Location: City of Westminster

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