At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR casework and support the Trust HR manager with complex cases.
- Company: Join Hope Learning Community Trust, a forward-thinking Multi-Academy Special Needs Trust.
- Benefits: Enjoy professional development, excellent wellbeing support, and a collaborative team culture.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive Central HR team with opportunities for career progression.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in special education while shaping a modern HR service.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in senior HR advisory roles and strong employee relations background.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Position Start Date: Immediate
Contract Type: Full-time
Contract Term: Fixed
Application Close: 12/07/2026 Midnight
Date of Interviews: TBC
Posts: Fixed-Term 1 year Maternity Cover
Salary: NJC Scale 8 | Full-time (37 hrs, 52 weeks)
Location: Elmstead Market (with Trust-wide travel)
Join Hope Learning Community Trust at an exciting time as we launch a new central HR team supporting our special schools and colleges. This is a unique opportunity to play a key role in building a modern, collaborative HR function that delivers consistent, high-quality support across a growing Trust.
The role
- Lead employee relations casework (disciplinary, grievance, absence, safeguarding) and support the Trust HR manager with complex cases
- Act as an Investigating Officer and support formal hearings
- Provide expert advice to Headteachers and senior leaders
- Work closely with the Trust HR Manager to ensure consistency, quality and compliance across the Trust
- Support best practice and professional standards across all schools
- Contribute to training and development of leaders
About you
- Significant experience in senior HR advisory roles
- Strong background in ER casework
- Confident influencing and advising senior leaders
- Be part of a newly established, supportive Central HR team
- Help shape and influence a modern, centralised HR service
- Work within a strong, collaborative team culture with excellent peer support
- Access opportunities for professional development and career progression
- Make a meaningful impact in special education settings
- Benefit from an excellent Employee Assistance Programme, including 24/7 GP access, physiotherapy, counselling and wider wellbeing support
Apply now to help shape the future of HR in our Trust.
Information about the School
Hope Learning Community is a successful and forward-thinking Multi‐Academy Special Needs Trust comprising of four schools and two colleges across mid and north Essex. At Hope, we are committed to going the extra mile and making that difference to our pupils and their families. We have the drive, passion, determination and influence, and we are committed to delivering high-quality education and fostering a supportive and inclusive working environment for our pupils and staff.
All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.
HR Department
Lanswood Business Centre
Elmstead Market, Colchester
Essex, CO7 7FD
Telephone: 01206 825195
Email: hr@hopelearningcommunity.org.uk
Lead HR Advisor (Central HR Team) Maternity Cover in Colchester employer: Shorefields
At Hope Learning Community Trust, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that empowers our staff to make a meaningful impact in special education. Our newly established Central HR team provides ample opportunities for professional development and career progression, alongside a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme that prioritises your wellbeing. Join us in shaping a modern HR function while enjoying the benefits of working in a forward-thinking Trust located in the heart of Essex.
