We are looking for a HR Officer to join our team to promote good HR practice throughout the District and its constituent churches and Circuits. The HR Officer will provide expert advice for line managers and provide support for all HR matters, enabling all lay staff to flourish in their roles in addition to meeting statutory and Methodist requirements. The main duties of the role include: Recruitment and Induction As part of the District Lay Employment Committee, lead on providing support to employing bodies with the preparation of job descriptions, adverts, contracts, and interview processes. Support employing bodies with the implementation of Safer Recruitment procedures. Maintain dialogue with employers to seek to ensure that required training, probationary periods and other standard procedures are implemented for new employees and line managers. Advice and Guidance Give consistent advice to local churches, Circuits and the District on the full range of employment matters including recruitment, selection, induction, line management, discipline, grievance and redundancy. Deal with queries from lay employees regarding contracts, and associated human resources issues, rules, and regulations. In consultation with employing bodies, prepare and process associated paperwork for all changes in status of their employees (including recruitment, redundancy, changes in working hours etc) consistent with immigration (Right to Work), Connexional and District policies. Identify the training needs of the District pertaining to HR and communicate these to the relevant parties. Develop and lead on training for line managers in collaboration with members of the District Lay Employment Committee. Administration Maintain copies of relevant employment documents on behalf of employers. Arrange prior approval for all contracts, recruitments and redundancies from the District Policy Committee in accordance with Methodist Standing Order 438 A With District Administrators, ensure that information regarding lay employees and line managers is maintained. Policy and Oversight Support the District’s Lay Employment Advisor in their duties as described in Methodist Constitution Practice & Discipline Process documentation and prepare reports relating to HR activities (grievances, performance reviews, contracts of employment etc.) within the District. Ensure that advisory information produced by the District remains relevant, accessible and meets current regulatory frameworks. With the District Secretary, monitor and develop district employment policies. Develop an awareness of Methodist Safeguarding practices, undergo relevant Methodist Safeguarding training, and understand how this applies to the context. Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment The West Midlands Methodist District is committed to safeguarding and ensuring the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. The suitability of all prospective employees will be assessed during the recruitment process in line with this commitment. Any job offer will be subject to the completion of safer recruitment processes including review of references and a DBS check. How to Apply Applications should be submitted electronically in Word format by email before the closing date and time. CVs will not be accepted. Closing date for applications: Friday 26th September at 12 noon Interviews to be held: Monday 13th October Start date: as soon as possible