At a Glance
- Tasks: Support over 180 colleagues with recruitment, onboarding, and employee relations.
- Company: Whickham School, a high-performing and inclusive educational environment.
- Benefits: High-priority school admission for your kids, gym access, and a supportive work-life balance.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional growth and development within a dynamic People function.
- Why this job: Join a warm team where your voice matters and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR, excellent organisation skills, and a proactive approach.
The predicted salary is between 33119 - 35570 £ per year.
Working Pattern: 1 Year Fixed Term, 18.5 hours per week, 52 weeks per year. Grade: G, £33,119 – £35,570 FTE (actual salary pro‑rata). Whickham School is a high‑performing, oversubscribed 11‑18 school in Gateshead where staff and students thrive together. We are looking to appoint an organised, proactive and people‑focused People Advisor to join our team on a fixed‑term basis for one year. This role supports over 180 colleagues across recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, wellbeing and day‑to‑day people support, working alongside the People and Performance Manager.
Responsibilities
- Support leaders with day‑to‑day people matters and processes.
- Coordinate recruitment and onboarding activity.
- Help deliver an excellent employee experience.
- Support attendance, wellbeing and engagement initiatives.
- Contribute to continuous improvement across People processes.
Qualifications
- Essential: Experience working within an HR / People environment.
- Essential: Excellent organisation and communication skills.
- Essential: Practical understanding of employment legislation and HR practice.
- Essential: A proactive and solutions‑focused approach.
- Desirable: CIPD qualification or equivalent experience.
- Desirable: Experience within education (although applications from other sectors are welcomed).
Benefits
- High‑priority admission for your children to our high‑performing school.
- Free access to gym and sports facilities.
- Supportive environment with genuine work‑life balance.
- 24/7 access to GP and other support services through the Employee Assistance Programme.
- Competitive Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Electric vehicle and cycle‑to‑work salary sacrifice schemes.
- Comprehensive training and development opportunities.
- Opportunities to develop within a growing People function.
Culture
We have created an environment where ambition meets support, excellence is the norm and every voice matters. This warm, inclusive and ambitious team values genuine impact and professional growth.
Safeguarding
Whickham School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This position requires an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references. We expect all staff to share our commitment to safeguarding.
People Advisor employer: Whickham School
Whickham School is an exceptional employer that prioritises the wellbeing and professional growth of its staff, offering a supportive environment where ambition meets collaboration. With benefits such as high-priority admission for your children, free access to gym facilities, and comprehensive training opportunities, employees can thrive both personally and professionally. Join our inclusive team in Gateshead, where every voice matters and you can make a meaningful impact in the lives of over 180 colleagues and students.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land People Advisor
✨Get Your Foot in the Door with Temp Agencies
Temporary roles in HR are often filled through agencies. Reach out to temp agencies that specialise in HR placements. They can help you find gigs quickly and give you a chance to demonstrate your skills in real-world scenarios.
✨Network at HR Events and Workshops
Dive into local HR events, workshops, and seminars. These are great opportunities to meet professionals already in the field and might lead to temporary positions. Be sure to have a chat, exchange contacts, and express your interest in on-the-spot opportunities!
✨Showcase Your Flexibility
In the temporary HR world, being adaptable is key. When you're networking or interviewing, highlight your ability to quickly learn and fill diverse roles, from recruitment to employee onboarding. Make it clear that you’re ready to dive in at any time!
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out the opportunities at Whickham School and apply directly via our website. This way, you can express your interest in temporary roles and get ahead in the application process!
We think you need these skills to ace People Advisor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your People Skills:In HR, showcasing your interpersonal skills is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you have dealing with talent management, resolving conflicts, or facilitating workshops. We want to see your ability to connect with others!
Tailor Your CV to HR:Use HR-specific language in your CV and cover letter. Mention any specific HR tools, software, or methodologies you’re familiar with, like ATS systems or performance management frameworks. This will show that you’re not just a good fit, but you've got the know-how to back it up!
Emphasise Your Flexibility:Since this is a temporary role, emphasising your adaptability and willingness to learn quickly is crucial. Include examples of how you've successfully jumped into new environments before or handled sudden changes in previous jobs. We love a team player who can hit the ground running!
Availability Matters:In your application, make sure to clarify your availability and commitment to the temporary position. This will help us understand when you can start and how you fit into our plans at Whickham School. So, don’t be shy about laying it all out there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Whickham School
✨Showcase Your Adaptability
Given that this is a temporary HR role at Whickham School, it's crucial to demonstrate your flexibility and ability to adapt quickly. You might be thrown into new projects or systems, so share examples of how you've successfully navigated changes in past roles.
✨Familiarise Yourself with HR Tools
Many HR positions require familiarity with tools like HRIS or ATS systems. Before the interview, brush up on the specific software that Whickham School uses—if you see any mentioned in the job posting, make sure you're ready to discuss them and your experience with similar tools.
✨Your Motivation Matters
As a temp, it's essential to convey your motivation for this role. Employers often look for candidates who are not just filling a position, but who are genuinely keen on contributing effectively in a short period. Consider sharing why you’re passionate about HR and how you see yourself adding value at Whickham School.
✨Prepare for Real-World Scenarios
HR interviews often include situational questions that test your problem-solving skills. Think about common HR challenges, like dealing with conflict or managing onboarding efficiently, and prepare to discuss how you would handle these situations at Whickham School.
