HR Consultant in Chatham

HR Consultant in Chatham

Chatham Full-Time 40000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support schools with HR matters, employee relations, and provide practical advice to leaders.
  • Company: Join Thinking Schools Academy Trust, a family of schools dedicated to student success.
  • Benefits: Career development, health support, employee recognition, and exclusive discounts.
  • Other info: Flexible working with opportunities for travel and remote work.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in education while growing your HR career.
  • Qualifications: Strong HR experience, knowledge of employment law, and excellent communication skills.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.

Are you an experienced HR professional looking for a varied role where you can make a real difference to schools, leaders and staff? Thinking Personnel are seeking to appoint an HR Consultant to support the next stage of our growth. This is a full time role working term time plus two weeks, providing planned HR capacity across internal TSAT priorities and external clients. This is a fixed term contract initially to 31 August 2027.

You will support complex employee relations casework, investigations, formal hearings, restructures, absence, capability, conduct and grievance matters. You will also provide clear, practical advice to leaders, helping them manage people matters confidently, fairly and consistently.

We are looking for a credible and confident HR professional with strong employee relations experience, sound employment law knowledge and excellent written communication skills. You will be able to work independently, manage sensitive matters professionally and advise senior leaders with confidence.

Experience of working in schools, academies, multi‑academy trusts or the wider education sector would be desirable, as would experience of restructures, redundancy, TUPE or organisational change.

The role will not hold a fixed regional school caseload. Instead, you will be deployed flexibly where senior HR capacity is needed most. This may include external contract support, policy work, service improvement and project activity.

The role will involve travel to TSAT offices, academies and external client sites, with Chatham expected to be a main base. There will also be significant remote working, depending on service need.

About Us: The Thinking Schools Academy Trust is a family of schools across the South West, South, South East and East of England, consisting of early years, primary, secondary and specialist provision. We believe that every young person in our community deserves to have the best opportunities at life regardless of their individual circumstances. That’s why we invest in our people, so that our staff are best supported to positively impact our pupils.

What our Trust will offer you:

  • Career Development: We’re committed to your growth and offer fantastic opportunities for career advancement. From staff development days and conferences to apprenticeships at every level, we provide clear pathways for progression and exciting promotional opportunities across regions.
  • Health and Wellbeing Support: Access our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, free flu vaccinations and eye care vouchers. Enjoy reduced membership fees at our fully‑equipped fitness suite and classes.
  • Employee Recognition: Refer a Friend and TSTARS Staff Recognition Programme.
  • TSAT Benefits Portal: A one‑stop shop benefits hub that gives you access to a range of exclusive benefits including cashback on your favourite supermarkets and high street retailers, Cycle to Work Scheme and Discounted Gym Membership.
  • Blue Light Card: Offering exclusive discounts and savings at thousands of retailers, restaurants, and attractions.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check. As per KCSIE we will also undertake online searches for all shortlisted candidates, if you have any questions regarding this process, please email recruitment@tsatrust.org.uk.

HR Consultant in Chatham employer: The-Thinking-Schools-Academy-Trust-2

Thinking Schools Academy Trust is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and growth-oriented environment for its staff. With a strong commitment to career development, comprehensive health and wellbeing support, and a culture that values employee recognition, you will find ample opportunities to advance your career while making a meaningful impact in the education sector. Based in Chatham, with flexible working arrangements and a focus on community, this role offers a unique chance to contribute to the success of schools across the South East.

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Contact Details:

The-Thinking-Schools-Academy-Trust-2 Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land HR Consultant in Chatham

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!

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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 The-Thinking-Schools-Academy-Trust-2.

We think you need these skills to ace HR Consultant in Chatham

Employee Relations
Employment Law Knowledge
Written Communication Skills
Casework Management
Investigative Skills
Restructuring Experience
TUPE Knowledge

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 The-Thinking-Schools-Academy-Trust-2. 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 The-Thinking-Schools-Academy-Trust-2 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 The-Thinking-Schools-Academy-Trust-2. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.

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How to prepare for a job interview at The-Thinking-Schools-Academy-Trust-2

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 The-Thinking-Schools-Academy-Trust-2.

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 The-Thinking-Schools-Academy-Trust-2 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 The-Thinking-Schools-Academy-Trust-2 and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.