HR Apprentice

Working as part of our Central HR Function, we are looking for an HR Apprentice to deliver a high quality and professional transactional HR service. This is a varied role providing ongoing support to the Head of HR, Central HR Manager and the HR Business Partners with employee lifecycle HR processes (terms and conditions and contract administration, payroll, benefits, absence reporting, maternity/paternity leave, probation, performance management and leavers administration). You will be key in providing effective administrative support to the HR Team, Head office staff and as the first point of contact for HR colleagues in each academy on HR matters, you will have the ability to consistently deliver a high-level service in a timely manner. This is an excellent opportunity for experienced detail focused administrators to develop a career in HR.

About Us

We are a pioneering education charity, and one of the leading multi-academy trusts in the country. We have a track record of taking on some of the most challenging schools in London, turning them into places where every young person can access a high-quality education and have opportunities to succeed.

Educating 1 in 41 young people in London, we now have 52 primary and secondary academies transforming the life chances and opportunities of pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Main Areas of Responsibility

Supporting HR Team and Strategy

• Creating and maintaining standard letters, reporting templates and guidance documentation. In conjunction with the Central HR Manager, HR Business Partners (HRBPs) and HR Advisors (HRAs) reviewing and updating in accordance with legislative changes.
• Responsible for the administration and promotion of the Federation's employee benefits; updating all
• communication relating to benefits, producing and updating reports etc.
• Submitting payment forms to payroll ensuring full authorisation is obtained and accurate internal records are maintained.
• Submitting invoice payments to the Finance team ensuring that prior approval is
• Working in partnership with Head of HR, Central HR Manager, HR Business Partners and HR Advisors on allocated
• Providing administrative support to the Head of HR, Central HR Manager and HRBPs on a daily basis, including support in delegated activities; for example, restructure programmes, employee relations cases, employment tribunal activities and TUPE.

HR Administration for Head Office

• In conjunction with the HR Advisors, coordinating new starter induction sessions and Principal induction at the start of the academic year.
• Coordinating Safer Recruitment Training.
• Producing and updating employee personnel files for Head Office staff (circa 220 staff) ensuring all filing is accurate and completed in a timely fashion
• Liaising with line managers with regards to probationary start and end dates and maintaining the probation monitoring process for Head Office staff.
• Drafting and issuing letters to employees; resignation acknowledgement, contract extensions, notification of end of contracts, variation of terms etc.
• Supporting the performance management cycle and associated
• Maintain accurate and up to date personal details for all staff by regular auditing and ensure internal portals/systems are updated (Bromcom/Oracle).
• Ensure all staff annually sign updated policies and procedures and read Keeping Children Safe in Education in Education
• Ensure all staff complete mandatory safeguarding training.
• Undertake administration activity relating to LGPS and TPS pension as required.
• Responsible for updating and maintaining the employee absence records; sickness absence, annual leave, maternity leave etc.
• Providing the HR team with regular reports for submission to directors
• Responsible for maintaining the Head Office organisational
• Responsible for maintaining and updating the Harris Federation Staff
• Supporting the administration and inputting of the monthly payroll for Head
• Assisting with the administration associated with the ongoing or repeat employment checks for Head Office staff; right to work documentation and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, as and when
• Supporting the HR Advisors

Academy HR Support

• To be the first point of contact for HR queries and contract requests, liaising with Academies, internal and external providers and escalating as appropriate to the Head of HR, Central HR Manager, HR Business Partners or HR
• Evaluating Job Descriptions using the Greater London Provincial Council Job Evaluation
• Working in partnership with the HR Advisors on allocated projects including, maintaining and updating the Harris Federation Staff Handbook.
• To complete Ad hoc tasks, as and when

Qualifications & Experience

Applicants should be able to maintain confidentiality, possess excellent communication skills and the ability to develop and maintain professional relationships at all levels within the Federation, as well as with external customers. You will be joining an experienced, friendly and collaborative team who will foster your professional development.

We are looking for someone who has a keen interest in working in the education sector, is passionate about providing a great customer service.

Next Steps

If you have any questions about this opportunity, please send us an email, or call to arrange a conversation.

Before applying, please download the Job Pack for full details on the job responsibilities and person specification. This will be helpful for you when completing your application, and throughout the recruitment process.

We encourage you to apply as soon as possible as we may interview and offer to a candidate before the closing date. Please note that we only accept applications submitted before the closing date via our careers website.

Professional Development & Benefits

Our people are at the heart of our success. We have developed 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.

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, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed.

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. We aim to be an inclusive employer that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment.