HR Advisor

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

Working closely with our Head of HR and Culture, you'll 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'll 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.