Penrose Learning Trust Address: East Bergholt, Colchester, Essex CO7 6RJ Salary: £29,597 per annum, pro rata for Part time Hours: Full time, 37 hours per week, 40 weeks per year or Part time * Contract: Permanent, required as soon as possible Reference: 8659 * Role available as either Part Time (to include Friday) or Full Time Hours Penrose Learning Trust was established in 2017, to build upon the excellent work of the founding schools and their shared belief that the young people in our care should have access to an excellent educational provision. Working within and beyond the trust, the trust aims to provide support and drive improvement in all of its schools. The central team, based at East Bergholt High School comprises Finance, HR, Estates and IT. These central teams work as a unit to support schools and Headteachers to deliver the best possible education. We pride ourselves on our positive, hardworking ethos and collegiate atmosphere. We are looking for a passionate, ambitious HR Advisor to join our friendly and hard-working central team. The HR team is a small team committed to supporting our schools to achieve the highest of standards, therefore it is vital you are a team player and confident in communicating with workplace colleagues at all levels and external agencies. Your workload will vary. Predominantly you will be supporting all schools within the trust with HR casework. You will also be expected to support transactional HR functions as and when required. Your responsibilities will include: advising, guiding and supporting on all HR Casework such as absence management, disciplinary, capability, performance, grievance and restructures involvement in all HR transactional work including recruitment and selection, compiling and issuing new contracts, variation to contracts, dealing with starters and leavers, inputting data into the payroll system, monthly payroll reconciliations and answering payroll queries using the trust HR software. We are looking for someone who has: previous HR experience and a genuine interest in contemporary HR issues (preferred) CIPD level 3 qualification or equivalent and be a member of CIPD (preferred) previous public sector experience (preferred) a ‘can-do’ approach and an appetite to tackle HR issues proactively, pragmatically and productively to achieve positive outcomes the ability to work flexibly and collaboratively to support business requirements IT Literate and excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. Other attributes we are seeking are a ‘growth mindset’, viewing change as an opportunity, empathy, resilience and the ability to self-reflect to continuously develop your own practice. Your primary base will be the Central Trust Office at East Bergholt. However, the requirements of the post are regular attendance at all schools within the trust. Therefore, you must be able to travel to all the trust’s schools (currently within the vicinity of Suffolk and North Essex) therefore a driving licence and your own transport is essential. We can offer you: Part time or full time availability with term time only working Training, coaching and development opportunities Local Government Pension Scheme Employee Assistance Programme to support wellbeing Trust benefits to include free eye tests, cycle with work scheme and death in service Team building and collaboration days If you are looking for a role that provides you with professional development, role variety, the opportunity to add value and make a difference, Penrose Learning Trust may just be the right place for you. We look forward to receiving your application. For more information To find out more about us, please visit our website. For an informal discussion about the role please contact Mandy Branch, Executive Assistant to the CEO by calling 01206 489363 ext 1004 to arrange an appointment. How to apply Please complete your application by visiting the vacancies page of our website. Closing date: 9am, 6 April 2026 Interview date: Week commencing 13 April 2026 We welcome early applications and reserve the right to close this advert should a suitable number of applications be received before the closing date. Penrose Learning Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful candidates as part of their conditional offer, will be required to provide references, undergo employment checks and an enhanced disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service.