Working With Us
We are the Harris Federation, a multi‑academy trust founded and sponsored by Lord Harris of Peckham. Established in 1990, we have over 50 schools educating more than 40,000 young people across London and Essex, employing over 5,000 staff. Our schools serve communities with high socioeconomic disadvantage, and we are committed to providing a high‑quality education that closes the gap for pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds. Diversity is at the heart of our culture – all staff and students are equally valued and respected.
About This Opportunity
We are seeking a proactive, knowledgeable HR Advisor to join our central HR team. The role is a dynamic generalist position requiring strong communication, analytical skills, and a collaborative mindset. You will support a group of academies, providing expert guidance on HR policies, employee relations, and workforce initiatives while contributing to projects that shape the future of education.
Main Areas of Responsibility
* Deliver generalist HR advisory service to the Federation and our academies, providing up‑to‑date guidance on HR policies, processes and systems.
* Provide professional advice and support to Federation and academy leaders in all areas of HR practice and employee relations – including grievance, disciplinary, performance management and sickness absence – escalating complex cases as appropriate.
* Support the HR Business Partner with organisation change programmes such as redundancy, restructuring and TUPE transfers; prepare documents, support planning and due‑diligence completion.
* Participate in the development and delivery of HR policy skills workshops for line managers and academy HR.
* Assist with end‑to‑end employee lifecycle and payroll processes.
* Prepare HR documents and maintain templates.
* Produce management information reports.
* Evaluate job descriptions and advise on salary bandings to ensure consistency and fairness.
* Assist with the development and implementation of HR policies and procedures.
What We Are Looking For
* Experience providing generalist HR advice on terms & conditions, application of policies and first‑line employee relations.
* Up‑to‑date knowledge of employment law and current HR practice.
* Qualifications to degree level, or equivalent experience.
* At least part qualification to CIPD Level 5 or equivalent by experience, with willingness to study.
* Excellent spoken and written communication skills.
* Confidence and ability to develop and maintain professional relationships at all levels.
* Discretion and diplomacy, with the ability to adhere to confidentiality requirements.
Applying for This Position
If you would like to discuss the opportunity further, or if you have any questions, please contact us via email to arrange a conversation. Please download the job pack from our careers website before applying – all applications must be submitted online before the closing date.
Our Vision & Values
We aim to provide the structure and services needed for our schools to achieve outstanding education for all pupils. Our core mission is to close the educational gap between young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and their peers. Our ambition is that every child in London, regardless of background, has equal access to high‑quality education. Excellence, collaboration, support and innovation are the four core values that guide our work.
Important Information
Safeguarding Notice
The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All offers of employment are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, references, online searches and, where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check.
Equal Opportunities
The Harris Federation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We value the diversity of our staff and students, and everyone at the Harris Federation is equally valued and respected.
What We Can Offer You
Harris has a strong culture of collaboration and best practice, with professional development and career planning at its centre. We invest in our staff with support, coaching, mentoring and a wide range of top‑quality training programmes delivered at every level. You will also have access to the following benefits:
* Excellent opportunities for continuous professional development and career progression
* Annual performance and loyalty bonus
* Pension scheme (Teachers' Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme) with generous employer contribution
* 26 days’ annual leave (inclusive of our Christmas Eve closure day) plus bank holidays, rising to 27 days after 2 years’ service, or equivalent for staff on term‑time contracts
* Harris Wellbeing Cash Plan including cover for routine and specialist healthcare
* Employee Assistance Programme for free and confidential advice
* Cycle to Work salary sacrifice scheme
* Wide range of shopping, leisure, and travel discounts
* 20% off at Tapi Carpets, exclusive to Harris employees
* Interest‑free ICT and season ticket loans
Job Details
* Seniority level: Entry level
* Employment type: Full‑time
* Job function: Human Resources
* Industries: Advertising Services
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