HR Advisor

Sherborne Schools Group (SSG) is a dynamic family of schools offering an exceptional education for girls and boys aged 3–19, across both day and boarding provision. Formed in 2024 through the merger of Sherborne Girls and Sherborne Boys, the Group now comprises Sherborne Girls, Sherborne Boys, Sherborne Prep, Hanford Prep, Sherborne International, and a number of trading companies. Together, these schools provide a rich and cohesive educational journey within the beautiful town of Sherborne and surrounding Dorset countryside.

Sherborne Schools Group is seeking an experienced and self‑motivated individual who will provide generalist support for the Sherborne Schools Group. This is an operational, hands‑on role, supporting the Sherborne School Group as a whole. It would suit a generalist HR Advisor who enjoys variety and range in their role.

• Providing face to face generalist HR advice and guidance to management on employee relations and management issues for the Schools and Sport Centres.
• Providing advice and assistance on policies, procedures, legislation and compliance.
• Overseeing and managing processes such as:
  • Maternity / Paternity / Shared Parental Leave requests
  • Flexible Working Requests
  • Disciplinary & Grievance Processes
  • Absence Management
  • Performance Management
  • Annual Performance review
  • Training and Development
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Off‑boarding process – assisting with leavers exit arrangements.
• Supporting with Recruitment and Selection (including short‑listing / interviewing).
• Undertaking / supporting the wider HR team with other casework in the HR portfolio.
• Managing and updating HR systems.
• Administering and maintaining employee personnel files, both physical and through the HR system.
• Ensuring ISI inspectorate regulations are met and compliance is regulated overseeing the data updated and input into the SCR.
• Assisting with leavers exit arrangement and process.
• Undertaking HR‑related checks for volunteers, gap students and contractors as required.
• Undertaking data input, collation, extrapolation activities and letters as requested.
• Taking minutes of HR‑related meetings.
• Undertaking any other reasonable duties as required by the Director of HR, including providing support across Sherborne Schools Group schools as necessary.
• Contributing to the wider life of the Group, including events, initiatives, or projects that enhance collaboration between schools.
• Being flexible in place of work, and undertaking duties at other Group schools or sites where required, in order to meet operational or strategic needs.
• Promoting and upholding the values and ethos of Sherborne Schools Group in all professional activities, ensuring consistency across the community.

These are not intended to be a comprehensive list of the tasks that will be covered and other tasks will be undertaken at the direction of the Director of HR / Deputy Director of HR.

Primary location will be Sherborne Boys; you may be required to work at other schools or sites within the Group to meet the needs of the business.

37.5 hours per week during School Term Time only (36 working weeks plus 5.6 weeks paid holiday).
TERM TIME POSITION

Hours of work are likely to be 8.30 am to 5.00 pm Monday to Friday with a 30‑minute unpaid lunch break each day. Flexibility in hours will be required on occasion to meet the demands of the post.

The closing date for applications is 4.00 pm Thursday 15 January and interviews will be held in the week commencing 19 January 2026.

Early applications are strongly encouraged as we would like to secure the right appointment as soon as possible. Sherborne Schools Group reserves the right to interview candidates as applications are received.

Sherborne Schools Group Recruitment and Selection Policy Statement

Sherborne Schools Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants for this post must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including reference checks with previous employers and a criminal record check with the Disclosure and Barring Service.