Trust People Officer

The Role

The de Ferrers Trust are looking to recruit a keen and conscientious People Officer to work in our Central Trust Team based in Burton-upon-Trent. The role includes an opportunity to work from home for 40% of the week, business needs permitting. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced and focused HR professional at advisory level to join the People Team on a temporary basis to cover maternity leave until March 2023.

The role, which is within a small team, will support with resourcing, on-boarding, absence management and policy advice. The People Team are currently managing the implementation of a new HRM system (SAM People), which is being rolled out across all schools in the Trust. This role, which reports to the Trust People Manager, will support the roll out of further functionality to ensure the system supports the business and information needs of the Trust.

You will provide a professional, efficient, and effective people and recruitment administration service on behalf of the Central Trust Team in accordance with policies and procedures, providing support to the central People (HR) Team covering all aspects of human resources.

Under the direction of the Trust People Manager, you will be the first point of call for day-to-day operations, ensuring compliance with all necessary legislation and best practice. You will support the Trust in all aspects of people management and liaise with the Trust People Manager for advice on issues. In addition, you will contribute to the development of the wider People (HR) Team as defined by the Chief People Officer. 

Responsibilities will include: 

• Recruiting, developing and retaining high-calibre members of staff through processes including advertising, safer recruitment and pre-employment checks, maintaining CPD and appraisal records 
• Delivering high-quality lifecycle administration, including HR software data recording, administering new starters, leavers and contract changes, supporting audit checks, overseeing absence and annual leave for the central team and assisting with the preparation of casework documentation 
• Supporting all other People services by keeping key systems updated, researching specific projects and undertaking internal process reviews and developing positive working relationships with our stakeholders 
• People management, including supporting investigations at school level, providing employee relations advice to managers, attending on-site meetings at our trust academies, and liaising with processional associations where required

Capabilities and Experience

You will have demonstrable experience to match the essential criteria in the person specification. However, what we require from you is hands-on, generalist experience that can be nurtured over time with your commitment to the Trust.  

In addition, you’ll be someone who: 

• Has a drive to learn, enabling you to support the delivery of a quality service and relay information to our colleagues 
• Has an interest in the use of technology and systems; you’ll demonstrate IT ability with a view to eventually being able to format data and convey complex information clearly and concisely 
• Uses effective communication with a confident nature in problem solving and expressing ideas 
• Is adaptable – you’ll be able to learn quickly, which will enable you to respond to changing priorities and engage in managing numerous tasks with conflicting requirements, deadlines and priorities 
• Is collaborative – you’ll be someone who is happy to develop and maintain credibility in team working both at a local and wider Trust level 
• Has strong personal resilience to remain motivated and focused 
• Has a continuous improvement mindset 
• Has education sector experience (desirable)

Qualifications

What we're looking for: 

• Three GCSEs, including Mathematics and English – grade C or above (or equivalent) 
• Affiliate/Associate member of the CIPD, or have at least four years’ generalist experience and two years’ advisory experience within a Human Resources role 
• You may have an NVQ level 3 in a relevant discipline

Vision & Aims - The de Ferrers Trust

The de Ferrers Trust is a Multi Academy Trust comprising three Secondary Academies and four Primary Academies, currently based in Staffordshire and Derbyshire.

Our vision is to ensure the children and young people in our care have the opportunity to fulfil their potential through achieving highly, regardless of their ability or background. We aim to achieve this vision through: 

• Delivering a high-quality education  
• Recruiting, developing and retaining high-calibre members of staff 
• Establishing and developing robust governance 
• Ensuring financial probity and viability 
• Developing a highly efficient Trust infrastructure and central services 
• Establishing effective systems to support the sustainable growth of the Trust

CPD

The Trust believes that professional development is key to successful employees and offers excellent opportunities for you to grow and achieve. We provide tailored Continuing Professional Development, mentoring, support and a range of development opportunities across the Trust.

In Return

We strive to be an Employer of Choice and are committed to the wellbeing and development of colleagues. You will join a supportive, warm and friendly community and enjoy an excellent benefits package, which includes: 

• Cycle to Work Scheme 
• Taste Card 
• Employee Assistance Programme 

To Apply

If you would like to discuss the role, or have any other queries, please contact 01283 372605 and ask to speak to Fiona Hinds, Trust People Manager.

Please click the Apply button to send us your application form. Due to safeguarding reasons, we cannot accept CVs.

Closing date: 9.00am on Friday 29th October 2021

Interview date: Thursday 4th November 2021

If you do not hear back after five working days from closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful. Due to the volume of applications we receive, it is not policy to give individual feedback at this stage.

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and this position is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

All applicants must be able to provide documentation to prove their right to work in the UK.