HR & Policy Officer

The Grove Independent School is a leading Prep school situated in the heart of Milton Keynes. Having established ourselves at the forefront of primary education for 30 years, The Grove are now looking to hire a newly created role as a HR & Policy Officer to join our ever-growing team. It is a truly exciting time to be joining a school that is growing organically across all areas. The Grove family is the key foundation to everything at the school and there is no better time to be joining. The role is a newly created role giving you the opportunity to create processes and work closely with the Directors of the business.  

Your duties and responsibilities as the Human Resources & Policy Officer will include: 

First point of contact for managers and employees for HR policies and/or queries 

Supports managers with all operational People issues giving clear and concise advice, escalating complex issues to the Business Manager/Principal 

Work with the Principal/Line Managers to advise and support with the process of performance improvement plans, disciplinary investigations/hearings, grievances, recruitment and sickness management 

Provide timely advice on HR issues in relation to absence management, disciplinaries, grievances, case work, performance management and probationary management to ensure compliance with legislation and policies and procedures 

Advise, support and coach managers on the interpretation and application of policies, processes and procedures, ensuring these are applied fairly and consistently 

Recommend appropriate courses of action in line with best practice, policies, employment legislation and relevant regulatory frameworks 

Provide advice and support to managers in change management activities such as redundancy, TUPE and other organisational change situations. 

Ensure accurate records are maintained so that appropriate information is available to support any present or future decisions/challenges in relation to HR and other matters 

Collate and provide management information on sickness absence, turnover, discipline, grievances and performance capability to directors, senior managers and other managers to ensure that the HR business matters are managed and/or resolved as quickly as possible 

Work as part of the team to review, maintain and issue policy documents, handbooks, contracts of employment, and role profiles so that they are up to date with current legislation and HR best practice 

Manage and prioritise a varied employee relations caseload. 

Take all reasonable steps to ensure appropriate confidentiality but always having regard to safeguarding responsibilities and to keep the schools compliant with data protection law 

Requirements: 

Previous experience working at HR Advisor / Officer level in a generalist role is highly desirable 

CIPD at least Level 5 qualified or have equivalent proven level of experience 

Degree educated 

Experience of supporting managers in all areas of People matters including employment offers, People policies, performance improvement, disciplinary & grievance, absence & sickness, variation of terms, termination of employment and recruitment, etc. 

Experienced in supporting and advising employees on the full spectrum of ER issues 

Experience of developing/updating policies with changes in employment legislation 

Sound working knowledge and understanding of UK employment legislation 

The ability to explain complex employment issues and legislation in non-HR speak 

Able to organise and prioritise multiple work streams within a fast paced and evolving environment 

Able to work effectively on own initiative and within limits of own professional boundaries and knowledge 

Demonstrates a calm and professional approach to sensitive and/or in contentious people issues 

Strong written and verbal communication skills 

Meticulous attention to detail 

Respectful of confidentiality