People Advisor (HR)

What you could be working on

There is no typical week, but here are some of the things you will be doing:

• Talking a colleague through their maternity and shared parental leave options, so they can plan their time away and their return with confidence.
• Spending the day in one of your academies, meeting the Principal to talk through people priorities for the term ahead.
• Progressing a case you are managing, keeping the colleague and their manager informed and making sure the process is fair throughout.
• Making sure a colleague's promotion or move to another academy goes smoothly, with their contract right and their pay changed on time.
• Advising a manager on how a Trust policy applies to their situation, so colleagues are treated consistently wherever they work.
• Coaching a new manager before an important conversation, so they go into it prepared and confident.

Who we are

Leigh Academies Trust has 33 academies across Kent, Medway and South East London, covering primary, secondary, grammar, all-through and specialist provision. Our People Services team supports almost 4,000 colleagues, guided by Be Leigh, our framework for what every colleague should experience at the Trust.

The role

This role combines advice, casework and the practical work that keeps colleagues' records and pay right. You will advise Principals and line managers on the full range of people matters, from flexible working and family leave to attendance, performance and conduct, helping them resolve issues early and fairly. You will handle your own employee relations work, with a People Partner coaching you on more complex matters. You will also use attendance data to help leaders support colleagues, and support restructures and TUPE transfers.

What we are looking for

You are an experienced HR Advisor with CIPD Level 5, or working towards it. You have advised managers on employee relations matters and you give advice they can act on. You write clearly, stay calm in difficult conversations, and care about treating people fairly.

Why join us

You will have real responsibility from the start, with a People Partner coaching you along the way. Our academies vary widely, so the work rarely repeats itself. The role also builds the experience and judgement you would need to move towards a People Partner position.

What we offer

• Salary from £30,108 to £41,647 per annum, based on experience
• 25 days annual leave, increasing to 30 after five years' service, plus bank holidays
• Hybrid working across your allocated academies, head office and home, with no fixed days
• Support for further CIPD development
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Enhanced maternity pay
• Free on-site parking
• Training and development opportunities
• Employee Assistance Programme and 24/7 GP service

Applying for this Opportunity

When you apply, please show how you meet each essential criterion in the person specification, using examples from your own experience. The job pack sets out the full responsibilities and person specification.

If you would like an informal conversation about the role, contact Sarah Turnbull, Deputy People Director at [email removed]. For questions about the application process, contact the talent team at [email removed].

Early applications are encouraged, as we reserve the right to interview before the closing date. All applications must be submitted through our online application form before the closing date.

Our Commitment to Safeguarding, Equality and & Diversity

Leigh Academies Trust and all of our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This role involves regulated activity relevant to children, and it is a criminal offence for anyone barred from engaging in regulated activity with children to apply for this position.

We adopt a fair, robust and consistent recruitment process across all academies and business units, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. This includes online checks for shortlisted candidates, and you can read more about our approach on our Careers site. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references and, where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check.

As a Trust, we are passionate about diversity and recognise that as individuals, we all bring something unique to the role, regardless of any protected characteristics, which is why we treat all of our people equally, without compromise. We are committed to providing equality and fairness throughout our recruitment and employment practices, and not discriminating on any grounds.