Senior HR Advisor Full time position (one day working from home during 34 weeks of term time. Increased flexibility to work from home during 18 weeks of school holidays) Salary: Circa £40k, depending on experience and qualifications Downe House is a leading independent boarding and day school for girls aged 11-18, based in the village of Cold Ash, Berkshire. Our aim is to provide pupils with a wealth of academic, pastoral and Co-Curricular opportunities to allow them to grow into confident young women prepared to take on the world. We are seeking an experienced Senior HR Advisor to join our busy and friendly team. In this pivotal role you’ll act as a strategic partner, providing expert advice and guidance to staff and managers across all aspects of HR. You’ll have the opportunity to work on a broad range of HR activities, such as leading on recruitment programs, employee relations cases, supporting with the development of HR policies and the rollout of a HRIS and ATS, AccessPeople. We are looking for someone who is CIPD Level 5 qualified, or who has the equivalent level of work experience. The ideal candidate will have previous HR experience within the education sector, however sector specific training can be provided. Main Responsibilities Lead on employee relations, including disputes, grievances, disciplinaries, and absence management. Support with the development and implementation of HR policies reflecting best practice and employment law. Oversee recruitment campaigns, designing selection processes, and interviewing candidates. Ensure compliance with statutory safeguarding requirements and robust maintenance of the Single Central Register (SCR). Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion strategies. Prepare HR metrics and reports on staff turnover, absence, and workforce demographics. Seek to automate standard HR processes for maximum efficiency. Support organisational change and drive staff wellbeing initiatives. Line manage the HR & Recruitment Co-ordinator. Work sensitively and confidentially on a range of people issues and initiatives. About You Holds a CIPD Level 5 HR qualification or equivalent experience. Has a minimum of three years generalist HR experience, (preferably in the education sector – but not essential). Thrives in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple priorities with excellent organisational skills. Has solid knowledge of employment legislation and HR best practices. Is adept at recruitment, with the ability to design and implement effective strategies. Demonstrates strong IT skills, including HRIS and Excel, and can support HR system implementation. Excels in communication and collaboration, building effective relationships at all levels. Is committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion. Handles sensitive matters with confidentiality, discretion, and diplomacy. Previous experience as a line manager, or willingness to acquire people management skills. Demonstrates an understanding of safeguarding in an educational setting. Benefits Include: Generous pension scheme - employer contributions at 9% Life insurance and critical illness cover Discounted school fees for staff Delicious free meals daily Supportive induction and CPD programme Free onsite parking A modern gym and swimming pool facilities available for staff use at set times How to Apply Application forms can be downloaded by clicking ‘Apply’ at the bottom of the advert on our website via the apply now button. Completed application forms should be sent by 10th March 2025. We reserve the right to interview/appoint before the closing date. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Own transport is essential as the school is in a rural location with no public transport links. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and any offer of employment is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure Check (DBS), satisfactory references, and social media checks. At Downe House we promote equality of opportunity for all pupils and staff, both current and prospective, and we actively support an environment and culture that values diversity and inclusion. Senior HR Advisor