At a Glance
- Tasks: Support schools with HR needs, handling employee relations and providing practical advice.
- Company: Join a dynamic family of schools dedicated to making a difference in education.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, career development opportunities, health support, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Remote work options and travel to various sites for diverse experiences.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education while enjoying flexibility and growth.
- Qualifications: Strong HR experience, knowledge of employment law, and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ 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 on a casual, as-and-when-required basis to support the next stage of our growth. The role will provide flexible HR capacity across internal TSAT priorities and external client work, with hours offered according to service need and availability.
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.
Next Steps
If you are interested in joining Thinking Personnel and supporting a growing, specialist HR service for schools and trusts, we would encourage you to apply. Early applications are encouraged and we reserve the right to close the vacancy if a suitable candidate is found. If you have any questions or would like an informal conversation about the role, please contact [email protected]
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 [email protected]
HR Consultant - Casual Contract in Chatham employer: TSAT
Thinking Personnel is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and wellbeing of its staff, offering flexible working arrangements and a supportive environment to make a real impact in the education sector. With a commitment to career development through various training opportunities and a comprehensive benefits package, including health support and employee recognition programmes, you will find a rewarding and meaningful role within a dynamic team dedicated to enhancing the lives of young people across the region.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Consultant - Casual Contract in Chatham
✨Get Involved in HR Communities
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We think you need these skills to ace HR Consultant - Casual Contract in Chatham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Expertise in HR:In the world of human resources, it’s vital to highlight your relevant experience and skills. Make sure to weave in your specialisations, like talent acquisition or employee relations, in your CV or portfolio. If you've got any certifications, like CIPD or SHRM, flaunt them—they're a big plus!
Tailor Your Portfolio to HR Projects:As a freelancer, your portfolio should showcase your best work in HR. Include case studies of past projects, such as recruitment drives or training programmes you’ve managed. This gives potential clients a clear look at what they can expect from you, so don’t hold back!
Pitch Your Availability and Rates Clearly:When applying for freelance HR roles, clarity is key. In your application, state your availability and expected rates straight away. This helps manage expectations and shows that you’re organised and professional in your approach.
Highlight Your Soft Skills:HR isn't just about admin and processes; it's also about people! In your cover letter, be sure to bring out your soft skills like communication, empathy, and conflict resolution. Share anecdotes that reflect these traits, as they can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at TSAT
✨Showcase Your HR Toolkit
As a freelancer in human resources, it's crucial that we highlight the specific tools and software we're adept at using, like HRIS systems or performance management software. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully implemented these tools in past projects to streamline HR processes.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Adaptability
Freelance roles often involve short-term contracts and varying clients, so we should emphasise our ability to quickly adapt to different workplace cultures and team dynamics. Share examples of how you've effectively tailored HR strategies to meet diverse client needs in previous gigs.
✨Highlight Your Unique Value Proposition
In a freelance setting, we must communicate what sets us apart from other HR professionals. Think about the specific niche you fill — whether it's recruitment, employee engagement, or compliance — and prepare to pitch your unique skills and successes that solve problems for potential clients.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Be ready for scenario-based questions that test our interpersonal and conflict-resolution skills. Freelance HR often involves negotiations or mediating disputes, so we should have relatable examples ready to illustrate how we've handled similar situations with clients or employees before.
