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- Tasks: Support senior leaders with HR policies, recruitment, and absence management.
- Company: Join the vibrant QUEST Academy Trust, dedicated to quality education.
- Benefits: Wellness days, family-friendly policies, and continuous professional development.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in a supportive and collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR, strong knowledge of employment law, and recruitment skills.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth within a caring team.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Please note the employer for this position is The QUEST Trust, not Wigan Council.
QUEST Trust is a successful and vibrant organisation committed to providing a caring and thoughtful quality of education across our family of schools within the Northwest region. Established in 2014, we proudly oversee five Good Schools, including four primary schools, nursery settings with before and after school club provisions, and the University Collegiate School, Bolton, offering secondary and sixth form education. Educating over 1700 children and young people, each of our schools is recognised individually, with its own legacy and history, all focused on meeting the educational needs of its children and community. As part of the QUEST family, you will be joining a forward-thinking Trust dedicated to excellence, wellbeing, and continuous professional development.
About the Role
We are seeking a proactive and knowledgeable HR Business Partner to join our MAT Central Team. This pivotal role will support our senior leaders and ensure our HR policies and practices are compliant, effective, and aligned with the latest employee legislation. You will play a key role in recruitment, casework support, and absence management, helping to foster a supportive and high‑performing working environment across the Trust.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain new and existing HR policies ensuring compliance with current employment legislation.
- Lead and manage recruitment processes across the Trust.
- Provide expert HR advice and support to senior leaders, including casework management.
- Oversee absence management, ensuring consistent and effective procedures.
- Contribute to the development of a positive and supportive working culture.
Required Qualifications and Experience
- Proven experience in HR, preferably within an education setting.
- Strong knowledge of current employment law and HR best practices.
- Experience supporting senior leaders with complex HR matters.
- Ability to manage recruitment processes effectively.
- Skilled in absence management and employee relations.
- A collaborative approach with the ability to influence and build strong relationships.
- Commitment to the Trust’s values and ethos.
- Proactive, organised, and able to work independently.
Why Join QUEST Academy Trust?
- Wellness Day & Additional Leave – We prioritise your wellbeing with dedicated wellness days and extra leave.
- Family Friendly Policies – Supporting a healthy work‑life balance.
- Supportive Staff – Work within a collaborative and caring team environment.
- Continuous Professional Development (CPD) – We invest in your growth and career progression.
This is an excellent opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a successful Trust that values its people and promotes a culture of care and excellence. Apply now to become a valued member of QUEST Academy Trust and help us continue to provide outstanding education and support across our schools.
If you wish to discuss the role in further detail please contact Tonianne Hewitt (CFO) 07881363436 / t.hewitt@quest-trust.org.uk
Application forms return to apply@quest-trust.org.uk
Interview date: To Be Confirmed
This position is subject to Enhanced Disclosure Procedures plus child barred list check. The employer is committed to safeguarding.
HR Business Partner employer: Wigan Council
Contact Detail:
Wigan Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Business Partner
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at QUEST Academy Trust on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the Trust's values and recent initiatives. Show us that you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in making a difference in their schools.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common HR scenarios and how you’d handle them. We want to see your problem-solving skills in action, so be ready to share examples from your past experience that highlight your expertise.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows us that you’re enthusiastic about the role. Plus, it keeps you on our radar!
We think you need these skills to ace HR Business Partner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the HR Business Partner role. Highlight your relevant experience in HR, especially within education, and show how you align with QUEST Trust's values.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your skills in recruitment, casework management, and absence management can contribute to a positive working culture at QUEST. Use examples from your past experiences to back this up!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. This will help us quickly see how you fit into our team and the role you're applying for.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people and stands out in our system!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wigan Council
✨Know Your HR Stuff
Make sure you brush up on current employment legislation and HR best practices. The QUEST Trust is looking for someone who can provide expert advice, so be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Recruitment Skills
Prepare examples of successful recruitment processes you've managed in the past. Highlight your ability to attract and select the right candidates, as this role involves leading recruitment across the Trust.
✨Demonstrate Your Collaborative Spirit
The role requires a collaborative approach, so think of instances where you've built strong relationships with senior leaders or colleagues. Be ready to share how you’ve influenced positive outcomes through teamwork.
✨Emphasise Wellbeing and Culture
Since the Trust values a supportive working culture, come prepared to discuss how you've contributed to a positive work environment in previous roles. Share your thoughts on fostering wellbeing and how it impacts performance.
