Location: Hybrid – Hereford Salary: £18,523 - £19,730 (Actual Salary) / FTE £30,461 - £32,446 (dependent on experience) Hours: 22.5 per week Contract: Permanent Applications will be considered for full year working or term time plus 4 weeks (42 weeks), working days can be flexible, to be discussed at interview. About the Role: Optima Plus Recruitment are seeking an experienced HR Advisor (Schools) to provide professional, high-quality HR advice and support to schools and academies. This role involves assisting with complex employee relations cases, acting as an investigating officer, attending formal meetings, and developing HR policies and training programs. You will be working in a hybrid capacity, with the expectation that you are within travelling distance of Hereford. The element of home working is dependent on client needs; for instance, if a safeguarding concern is raised, HR may need to send a team member to the school on the same day. Key Responsibilities: Providing expert HR guidance on employee relations, disciplinary matters, grievance procedures, sickness absence, TUPE, redundancy, and performance management. Advising schools on employment law and terms in line with sector-specific regulations such as the Burgundy Book, School Teachers’ Pay & Conditions Document, and School Staffing Regulations. Attending on-site meetings across Herefordshire as required, sometimes at short notice. Developing and delivering HR policies and training to school staff. Working closely with trade unions, legal services, and occupational health teams. Supporting change management programs, including redundancy consultations and TUPE processes. About You: CIPD qualification (preferred) or equivalent experience in HR advisory roles. Strong knowledge of employment law and school-specific HR policies. Proven ability to handle complex casework and advise on sensitive HR matters. Excellent time management, interpersonal, and communication skills. Ability to work autonomously while making sound professional decisions under pressure. Access to own transport for business use (essential). What We Offer: 26 days annual leave Bank Holidays (rising to 31 days after 5 years). Aviva salary sacrifice pension scheme. Flexible benefits package, including retailer discounts, cycle-to-work scheme, and healthcare plans. Option to buy or sell annual leave. If you are looking for a permanent role in HR within the education sector and meet the above criteria, we would love to hear from you Optima Plus Recruitment is proud to be Disability Confident Accredited and a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, demonstrating our commitment to supporting individuals from all backgrounds, including those with disabilities and those who have served in the armed forces. Please send suitable CVs for consideration