We're looking for a forward-thinking, experienced HR Adviser to join our amazing, enthusiastic and supportive team who all share a passion for being ambitious, working hard and having fun. We're looking for our next "perfect fit". And this role is term time only, meaning you get most of the school holidays off
Our days are fast-paced and challenging, but because of our team dynamic, they are always rewarding. As an HR Adviser, you will:
● Provide expert generalist advice and guidance to our staff on all aspects of HR.
● Guide managers through change processes, ensuring they follow the correct procedures and are fully supported with the administration from start to finish.
● Work collaboratively with a team that provides a first-class, professional, and efficient service.
● Enjoy a flexible working pattern: you'll spend the majority of your time in our schools, balanced with the ability to work from home one day a week.
● Stay up to date with current employment legislation to ensure our advice and processes remain compliant
● Be a champion for our brand new HR System, iTrent Supporting managers to take full advantage of the employee data it holds to drive smarter, informed decision-making.
No two days are the same at Turner Schools. One morning you might be at a primary school supporting a Headteacher with a complex team issue and then you might be:
● Leading a consultation meeting or coaching a line manager through a tricky grievance.
● Collaborating with the wider team on a Trust-wide project to improve staff retention or absence
● Being part of an employee engagement focus group - really trying to understand issues and provide solutions to improve engagement.
● Supporting in a disciplinary hearing, ensuring the process is fair, robust, and follows Trust policy.
● Coaching a line manager through a sensitive fact-finding investigation, helping them remain objective and thorough.
● Supporting managers in a robust investigation meeting, producing investigation plans, reports and then advising on next steps whilst weighing up risk.
● Leading on absence management, ensuring monitoring is conducted effectively and in accordance with policy.
● Working with an employee and line manager to facilitate a safe return to work for someone who has a complex health condition.
Our HR Core Values
● We don't just have values on a wall; we live them every day:
● We're Human: We treat people with kindness, respect, and dignity. We actively listen to understand, rather than just to respond.
● We Own It: We take ownership and stay accountable. We aren't afraid to make mistakes, but when we do, we fix them and ensure they don't happen again.
● We're One Team: We support each other and work together with our internal customers to ensure we are always collaborative.
● We Strive for Excellence: We do things properly, to the best of our abilities, and always look for ways to improve—both as a team and as individuals.
The Ideal Candidate will...
● Have professional credibility and gravitas.
● Possess in-depth knowledge of HR policies, practices, and employment legislation.
● Be a master of relationship building - this is key to being a successful practitioner within our Trust
● Be self-motivated and driven to deliver against agreed objectives.
● Have Associate/CIPD Level 5 qualification.
● Have some experience working in an education setting
Why Join Turner Schools?
We care deeply about our staff's personal and professional wellbeing:
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Health:
Fully funded access to Benenden Healthcare
●
Progression:
Outstanding development through our Turner Institute.
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Wellbeing:
Regular social activities, counselling support, and Mental Health First Aiders.
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Innovation:
Awards that encourage staff to put forward ideas that improve our workplace.
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Awards:
Trust and Values awards to recognised staff contribution
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Convenience:
Free parking on all sites with access to E-chargers.
"Our staff tell us that the Trust is a supportive and motivational place to work, with real attention paid to staff wellbeing, workload, and professional development."
37 hours per week, term time + 2 additional weeks (to include INSET days)
Information about the Trust
Turner Schools is a Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) with eight schools in Canterbury, Dover and Folkestone:-
Dover Christ Church Academy, Chartham Primary School, Folkestone Primary, Folkestone Academy, Morehall Primary, Martello Primary, St Stephens Infant School, Turner Free School.
We provide education through pre-school, primary, secondary and on to sixth form. Each academy is individual and responds to the needs of its local community to provide the best possible opportunity for its young people. We promote high academic standards, while ensuring crucial opportunities for personal and emotional development.
Turner Schools is committed to Transforming children's futures…Empowering children's futures…Strengthening communities.
To help us achieve this, Turner Staff 'Walk the Turner Talk'
They will:
• Speak and act with care: always show compassion and respect for children.
• Act boldly: be ambitious for yourself and the children and young people we serve.
• Learn from adversity: be evaluative, thoughtful and reflective.
• Challenge convention: be curious, welcome difference and unfamiliar thinking.
• Connect with others: support colleagues, parents and pupils to make a great team.
• Use your voice: offer different views and ask questions.
• Do what it takes: be relentless in pursuing the best for children.
• Ask for support: be open and honest when plans go awry.
• Don't give up: be calm, resilient and measured when managing challenges.
Turner Schools is committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We adopt a fair, robust and consistent recruitment process across all academies and business units which is in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. This includes online checks for shortlisted candidates - you can read more about this in our Recruitment Guidance. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check.
Turner Schools is committed to treating all people equally and with respect, irrespective of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation or social economic background. We therefore welcome applications from suitable candidates from all backgrounds as we are dedicated to creating and sustaining a workplace that values individuality and difference and celebrates the diversity of both staff and pupils.
We understand the importance of work-life balance. If you are interested in this opportunity but require a different working pattern (e.g., part-time hours, compressed weeks, or term-time only), please clearly state your preferred arrangement within your application. We are happy to discuss and explore flexibility where possible for the successful candidate.
For further information on Turner Schools, please visit
Or for an informal chat about the role please call Caroline Dominguez on