About the role
Joining Pontefract Academies Trust as an HR Advisor, you will be the named HR contact for employee relations for our Pontefract schools. Your work will be varied, meaningful and firmly rooted in supporting schools to do the right thing for their people.
You will support a full range of employee relation (ER) matters including disciplinary, grievance, attendance, probation and capability cases, helping leaders manage issues confidently, fairly and compassionately. Working closely with the People Business Partner and Central People Team, you will ensure HR processes, documentation and systems are accurate, compliant and delivered on time.
While employee relations is the core focus, you will also contribute to wider HR operations when needed, including recruitment support, onboarding, payroll coordination and HR administration.
About you
You’ll be a confident HR generalist who:
* Is a strong HR generalist with a background ideally in education or a similarly complex setting
* Has experience providing first‑line HR and ER advice to managers
* Understands employment legislation and applies it pragmatically
* Communicates calmly and professionally, even in challenging situations
* Is organised, proactive and able to manage competing priorities
* Builds strong relationships and takes a solutions‑focused approach
You will hold CIPD Level 5 (or equivalent) or be willing to work towards it. CIPD Level 7 and education sector are desirable but not essential.
What you can expect from us
* A welcoming, supportive People Team
* Meaningful work with real impact in schools
* Strong professional support from central HR functions
* A collaborative culture focused on learning and continuous improvement
We are confident that new colleagues joining our Trust feel welcomed, supported and proud to work with us from day one.
* Permanent role
* 22 hours per week, all year round
* Working days and pattern to be agreed mutually to suit both the successful candidate and the Trust
* Regular travel between Pontefract schools will be required
What can we offer you
Be part of a team that values your wellbeing, development and work‑life balance. As a member of our community, you’ll benefit from:
* Exciting career and leadership pathways supported by outstanding CPD opportunities
* Everyday Development (EDD) Framework: A simple, personal and flexible goal‑based approach to continuous learning, career growth and wellbeing
* We provide staff with dedicated Everyday Development (EDD) days throughout the year. These days offer self‑directed time away from the workplace to recharge and reflect on your personal and career goals.
* Generous employer pension – West Yorkshire Pension Fund – LGPS
* Generous annual leave entitlement, starting at 29 days annual leave, increasing to 31 days after 5 years' service and 32 days after 10 years' service, plus 8 statutory bank holidays (all pro rata for part‑time staff)
* Fantastic family friendly policies with a focus on employee work/life balance
* Cycle to work scheme
* Blue Light card
* Discounted gym membership
* Free eye care via Specsavers
* Employee wellbeing programme (including physiotherapy, personal or professional concerns on legal, health, finance, wellbeing, and other matters)
* Discounts at numerous retailers, including 02
* Free flu vaccinations
Key dates
* Interviews to be held: Thursday 04 June 2026
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