HR Compliance Officer – (Education & Children’s Residential Care)
About the Role
The HR Compliance Officer ensures that the organization meets all safer recruitment, HR regulatory, and safeguarding compliance requirements across education settings, children’s residential homes and supported accommodation. The role oversees DBS checks, payroll compliance and leavers reference to ensure all staff meet the standards of OFSTED and follow KCSIE guidance.
Key Responsibilities:
DBS Management (Enhanced & Barred Lists)
* Manage enhanced DBS checks for all staff working in Education, Residential, Supported Accommodation.
* Ensure timely renewal cycles and maintain accurate DBS status tracking.
* Conduct identity verification and oversee the accuracy of DBS submissions.
* Review returned disclosures and coordinate risk assessments where necessary.
* Keep our SAGE People system up to date with DBS information
Employment Referencing
* Complete employment references received on behalf of the company for all ex Horizon colleagues inline with Keeping Children Safe in Education.
* Ensure that the references are completed accurately and in a timely manner.
Payroll Compliance Support
* Ensure payroll changes comply with employment law, sector regulations, and organisational policy on Sage People.
* Maintain accurate payroll records including the management of HR Requests
* Ensure payroll reports are prepared for the monthly payroll submission
* Monitor Company Sick Payments through SAGE ensuring contractual sick pay is entered onto the system correctly, as well as SMP, SPP payments
* Work with payroll teams to resolve queries and verify accuracy..
Right to Work Checks
* Conduct and validate Right to Work checks, ensuring divisions are fully compliant, following approved document verification procedures.
* Maintain accurate & secure records. Keep detailed, up to date records of RTW documentation, verification dates and follow up review dates for time limited permissions
* Monitor Expiry Dates and follow up. Track visa and work-permit expiry dates and proactively request updated documentation to maintain ongoing compliance.
* Ensure up to date knowledge and provide training to managers as and when required.Keep the organisation informed of legal and regulatory changes.
Skills & Qualifications
Essential
* Experience in HR administration, compliance, or safer recruitment within education or children’s residential care.
* Experience managing enhanced DBS and barred-list checks.
* Strong understanding of payroll processes and statutory requirements.
* Excellent attention to detail with the ability to maintain accurate and legally compliant records.
* Ability to handle safeguarding, sensitive data, and confidential information appropriately.
* Proficiency in HR systems and MS Office.
Desirable
* CIPD Level 3 or above (or studying towards).
* Experience of Using SAGE People
* Experience maintaining a Single Central Record (SCR).
* Knowledge of local authority Designated Officer (LADO) escalation processes.
* Experience in multi-site or multi-setting education or care environments.
Personal Attributes
* Strong safeguarding awareness and commitment to child welfare.
* Highly organized, thorough, and detail driven.
* Able to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
* Clear communicator with confidence to challenge or escalate concerns.
* Professional, discreet, and trustworthy.
Why work for us?
* Access to Tastecard, Bluelight card and MyGym discounts!
* Generous Refer a Friend Scheme
* Financial wellbeing service
* Life Assurance
* Ongoing training and professional development plus High quality CPD opportunities
* Comprehensive induction programme including face-to-face training, online modules, shadowing, and local induction period.
* Face-to-face therapeutic training and support for all colleagues via our SHINE programme
* Employee assistance programme – free, confidential support.
* Looking after your wellbeing - supporting you need to feel good about what you do. We’re in this together.
* Supportive management and senior leaders.