At a Glance
- Tasks: Support managers with employee relations and provide expert HR guidance.
- Company: Join the UK's highest Ofsted-rated provider for special education and care.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 7 weeks holiday, and flexible benefits.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while growing your HR career.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 3 or equivalent, with experience in fast-paced HR environments.
- Other info: This role requires travel across the North West and Midlands.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 35000 £ per year.
Salary; Up to £35,000 dependant on experience
This role is a hybrid with some travel required across our locations in the North West and Midlands, with occasional group wide meetings across our locations in the UK.
Those huge small victories
We are the highest Ofsted-rated provider in the country for special education and care. Our teams are fulfilled by the idea of making even the smallest positive changes in our young people, so we celebrate the little things.
For children with complex needs the level of care and education we provide must go above and beyond. That’s what drives us here at Witherslack Group. With our high staff-to-child ratio and in-house clinical teams, we’re proud to have won a reputation for excellence and market leading OFSTED ratings.
Get out what you put in
We’re looking for a proactive and experienced HR Advisor to join Witherslack Group and play a vital role in supporting managers across a regional area with employee relations matters. In this fast-paced position, you will provide expert guidance on disciplinaries, grievances, performance management, flexible working, attendance, and capability issues, ensuring managers feel confident and supported in their people decisions. You’ll work closely with senior HR colleagues, Head Teachers, and Registered Managers to deliver effective and innovative HR solutions that align with our evolving business needs and growth plans.
As a trusted advisor, you will manage a high volume of employee relations cases with accuracy and attention to detail, while using HR metrics to influence decision-making and improve organisational performance. Flexibility to travel within your region and occasionally beyond is essential, as you collaborate across locations to embed HR policies and support continuous improvement. If you thrive on variety, enjoy solving complex people challenges, and want to contribute to an organisation dedicated to delivering better outcomes for young people, this role is a great opportunity for you.
Bring your whole-self to work
Here at Witherslack Group, we celebrate everyone’s differences as that’s what makes us the best at what we do. Our young people come from all walks of life, diverse backgrounds and with different needs – and our workforce reflects that diversity, so that our teams can engage, encourage and inspire our young people to be themselves. We’ll give you the chance to build an exciting career in a fast-growing organisation, where you’re free to achieve your potential. Here’s what we need from you;
- Significant experience working as an HR Advisor in a fast-paced environment with a strong focus on employee relations practices and managing a high volume of ER cases.
- Level 3 CIPD qualification or equivalent, demonstrating solid HR knowledge and professionalism.
- Proven ability to provide independent advice and make confident decisions, offering practical solutions while anticipating and overcoming challenges.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with strong proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Ability to build and maintain credible business relationships quickly, influencing and challenging constructively when needed.
- Highly confidential and capable of handling sensitive situations with professionalism and discretion.
- Proactive, well-organized, and able to manage multiple priorities across stakeholders, with flexibility to travel within and beyond the region as required.
What we do for you
We know you’re going to do great things. For your hard work and commitment, we reward you with the best salary and benefits package in the care sector. With us, you’ll get to make a genuine difference to the lives of our young people – plus you’ll get:
- Salary: £28,000 – £35,000 dependant on experience
- Holiday: You’ll work hard at WG, so you’ll be rewarded with 7 weeks’ holiday (including bank holidays)
- Flexible benefits package: meaning you can increase/decrease your holiday allowance, pension and life insurance – check out our benefits here
- Wellbeing: a host of wellbeing tools and advice including employee assistance
- Medical cover so you can claim back the cost of things like an opticians or dentist appointment and a host of high-street discounts
- Beautiful working environments with the very best facilities
- A recommend a friend scheme that offers a £1,000 bonus every time
Join the UK’s best special education and care provider
Our young people deserve the best possible future and we feel the same about our teams. You deserve to have the career you want, with a purpose-led employer, in an environment that allows you to be yourself .
For a full job description please click here
To view our ex-offenders policy please click here.
The Witherslack Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its young people. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check (we will cover the cost). We are an equal opportunities employer welcoming applications from all sections of the community.
HR Advisor employer: Witherslack Group
Contact Detail:
Witherslack Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Advisor
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific employee relations challenges faced in the education and care sector. Understanding the nuances of these issues will help you demonstrate your expertise during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current HR professionals in the education sector, especially those who work with special needs. They can provide insights into the role and may even refer you to opportunities within their organisations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss real-life scenarios where you've successfully managed high volumes of employee relations cases. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your ability to build relationships by preparing examples of how you've influenced stakeholders in previous roles. This will highlight your communication skills and your proactive approach to HR challenges.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Advisor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience as an HR Advisor, particularly in employee relations. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage high volumes of ER cases and provide practical solutions.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for supporting young people and how your skills align with the values of Witherslack Group. Mention your Level 3 CIPD qualification and any specific achievements that showcase your expertise in HR.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is key for this role, ensure your application reflects your strong written and verbal skills. Use clear and concise language, and consider including examples of how you've effectively communicated in previous roles.
Highlight Flexibility and Proactivity: Emphasise your ability to manage multiple priorities and your willingness to travel as required. Provide examples of how you've been proactive in previous positions, especially in fast-paced environments.
How to prepare for a job interview at Witherslack Group
✨Showcase Your ER Expertise
Make sure to highlight your experience in managing employee relations cases. Be prepared to discuss specific examples where you've successfully navigated complex situations, as this will demonstrate your capability and confidence in the role.
✨Communicate Clearly
Given the importance of communication in this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Use examples from your past experiences to illustrate your points, especially when discussing how you’ve influenced decision-making in HR matters.
✨Demonstrate Proactivity
Prepare to discuss how you take initiative in your work. Share instances where you’ve proactively identified issues and implemented solutions, as this aligns with the proactive nature of the HR Advisor role at Witherslack Group.
✨Understand Their Values
Familiarise yourself with Witherslack Group's mission and values, particularly their focus on making positive changes for young people. Be ready to express how your personal values align with theirs, showcasing your commitment to their cause.