Human Resources Consultant

The selected candidate will be tasked with:

• Providing a comprehensive HR advisory service to the Federation and its Academies, ensuring that HR guidance and support on policies, processes, and systems are current and well-informed.
• Offering professional counsel to Federation and Academy leaders on employment relations matters, including grievance handling, disciplinary actions, and managing sickness absence, while escalating complex issues to the Head of HR and HR Business Partners as necessary.
• Assisting in organizational change initiatives such as redundancies, restructuring, and TUPE transfers; this includes preparing documentation and supporting planning and due diligence efforts.
• Participating in the creation and delivery of HR policy training workshops for line managers.
• Facilitating the entire employee lifecycle processes.
• Drafting HR documentation and developing and maintaining templates.
• Generating Management Information reports.
• Assessing Job Descriptions and providing insights on salary bandings to ensure fairness and consistency.
• Contributing to the formulation and execution of Human Resources policies and procedures.
• Collaborating with the Head of HR and HR Business Partners to implement HR calendar activities and support various HR initiatives, including change management and case management.
• Performing HR administrative duties to support the broader team.
• Assisting with the monthly payroll processes, including changes.
• Supporting Employment Tribunal activities as needed.
• Addressing visa, work permit, and sponsorship inquiries, escalating issues when necessary and coordinating with the HR Advisor responsible for these matters.
• Providing guidance to Academy HR officers.
• Conducting HR audits and reviewing compliance with HR policies, including sponsorship obligations.
• Supporting the HR Business Partner in executing specific workforce initiatives.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• A degree or equivalent professional experience.
• CIPD Level 5 qualification or equivalent.
• Experience in delivering generalist HR advice regarding terms and conditions, HR policy application, and first-line employee relations.
• Proficient IT skills, particularly in Microsoft Word and Excel, with experience in report generation and data analysis.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication abilities.
• The confidence to cultivate and sustain professional relationships at all organizational levels.
• Discretion and diplomacy, with a strong commitment to confidentiality.
• A collaborative mindset, effectively working with others to achieve collective success.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.
• The ability to manage competing priorities.
• Attention to detail, with the capacity to proofread and identify discrepancies.
• A proactive approach, demonstrating initiative and ownership of responsibilities.
• A commitment to high ethical standards and an understanding of their impact on others.
• Adaptability to changing circumstances.
• A willingness to research and adopt new techniques and methodologies.
• A passion for HR and enhancing employee experiences.
• A commitment to continuous learning and staying updated on industry trends.

The Harris Federation is a prominent educational charity operating 52 primary and secondary academies across London and Essex. Founded in 1990 by Lord Harris of Peckham, the Federation is dedicated to providing quality education to approximately 38,000 young people, with a focus on bridging the gap for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

With a proven track record of rapid school improvement, the Harris Federation has established a reputation for excellence in managing outstanding academies throughout London.

The central team is composed of a dedicated group of professionals who provide essential support across various departments, including finance, HR, data management, and talent acquisition, all contributing to the success of our academies.