School HR Assistant; Part-time Maternity cover

Job Description – HR Assistant (Part-Time, Maternity cover)

Harlow

The HR Assistant will provide strategic and operational leadership of human resources across the school on a part-time basis. The postholder will ensure effective people management, statutory compliance, and high-quality HR administration, while supporting staff wellbeing and contributing to the school’s ethos and culture.

4 days per week (Must include Monday and Friday in the 4 out of 5 days per week) - Term time + Inset days

Start date - March 2025 – Contract for maternity cover

£18,221.67 - £21,654.17 Annually (Actual)

Experience with in Education is essential

Must hold and Enhanced DBS on the update service or be willing to obtain one.

HR Leadership and Strategy

• Act as the lead professional for HR matters within the school, working closely with the Headteacher, SLT, and HR Business Partner.
• Provide advice and guidance on HR policies, procedures, and employment legislation, ensuring Trust policies are consistently applied.
• Keep up to date with changes in HR legislation and Trust procedures, ensuring best practice across recruitment, induction, probation, performance management, and exit processes.

Recruitment and Safer Recruitment

• Lead and coordinate the recruitment, selection, and appointment of all staff in partnership with the Headteacher.
• Ensure all recruitment activity complies with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) and safer recruitment guidelines.
• Oversee the completion and quality of recruitment documentation, including adverts, job descriptions, and person specifications.
• Coordinate the induction of new staff, ensuring all documentation and compliance checks are completed.

Payroll, Workforce, and HR Systems

• Oversee and ensure the accuracy of all payroll-related information entered into the Edupay portal, working with the payroll provider to ensure monthly payroll is correct.
• Manage HR system records, including starters, leavers, contractual and salary changes, overtime, expenses, and staff absences.
• Ensure Bromcom and other HR systems are accurately maintained.
• Support the SLT Cover Lead with the administration of daily staff cover, including supply staff coordination.
• Undertake the administration of the School Workforce Census.

Employee Relations and Staff Management

• Lead on staff absence management in line with the BMAT Absence Management Policy, including return-to-work meetings, trigger meetings, reasonable adjustments, and Occupational Health referrals.
• Coordinate and oversee probation processes, ensuring timelines and documentation are communicated clearly to managers and employees.
• Ensure the administration of the Performance Management Review (PMR) process for all staff.
• Provide guidance and support on staff wellbeing and risk assessments.
• Support and advise on complex HR cases, including grievances, disciplinaries, and capability matters.

Contracts, Compliance, and Records

• Oversee the preparation of employment contracts, offer letters, and starter packs in liaison with the HR Business Partner and Headteacher.
• Manage the offboarding process for staff leavers, including exit interviews, leaver documentation, and removal of system access.
• Maintain the Single Central Record (SCR) for all employees and relevant non-employees.
• Ensure all DBS applications are completed, monitored, and kept up to date.
• Support the administration of Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) for overseas employees.
• Maintain secure and confidential personnel files in line with GDPR, statutory requirements, and school policies.
• Minute HR meetings as required.

Additional Duties

• Play a full part in the life of the school community, supporting its mission and ethos.
• Actively engage in personal development and the Performance Management Review process.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties as directed by the Headteacher or HR Business Partner.
• Comply with Health and Safety requirements and complete risk assessments as appropriate.
• Work in accordance with the school’s safeguarding and child protection policies, raising concerns where necessary.
• Ensure compliance with GDPR and data protection requirements, reporting any data breaches immediately.