HR Advisor

Location: Milton Keynes / Bromsgrove
Salary: Up to £32,500 per annum (dependent on experience)

At Polaris, we’re on a mission to make a difference in the education sector. As we continue to grow, we’re looking for a proactive HR Advisor to join our dynamic team. This is your chance to play a pivotal role in supporting our schools and education settings!

• 30 days of annual leave, increasing to 35 days with length of service, plus Bank Holidays
• Company pension scheme
• Life insurance (2x salary)
• Employee discount scheme
• Free on-site parking

As an HR Advisor, you will be at the heart of our HR function, providing essential support to school leaders and managers. Your expertise will ensure that we deliver consistent, pragmatic, and compliant HR advice tailored to the unique needs of the education sector.

This role is based in one of our hubs in Milton Keynes or Bromsgrove, with the flexibility of hybrid working. You’ll engage regularly with schools and may occasionally travel across the UK, including overnight stays when necessary.

• Provide first-line HR and employee relations support to headteachers and school leadership teams.
• Lead employee relations cases, including investigations, disciplinaries, grievances, and capability processes.
• Advise managers on absence management, performance concerns, and employee wellbeing.
• Manage employee lifecycle activities such as maternity leave, flexible working requests, and occupational health referrals.
• Support organisational change initiatives, including restructures and TUPE-related activities.
• Ensure compliance with HR policies and procedures, maintaining safeguarding and regulatory standards.
• Contribute to HR projects and continuous improvement efforts within the service.
• Build strong, trusted relationships with school leaders as a professional HR partner.
• Maintain confidentiality, accuracy, and professionalism at all times.

You are an organized and confident HR professional who balances compliance with a people-centered approach. Your ability to manage a varied caseload while maintaining strong communication will be key to your success in this role.

• Proven HR and employee relations experience.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to advise and influence.
• Ability to manage a high volume of varied cases.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and prioritize effectively.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office.
• Full driving license and access to a vehicle.

• Experience in supporting schools or education settings.
• Experience in a multi-site or regional HR role.
• CIPD Level 5 qualification (or working towards).
• Experience with complex or sensitive employee relations cases.

We are Polaris, one of the UK's leading communities of children's service providers. For over 30 years, we have passionately improved the lives of young people through our independent fostering and adoption agencies, children's residential homes, schools, and bespoke services.

Our nurturing community is dedicated to achieving the best outcomes for every child in our care. We are ambitious for our children, families, and staff, believing in their futures.

If this role resonates with you, we would love to hear from you! Interviews will take place on-site in Milton Keynes or Bromsgrove, depending on candidates' locations, during the week commencing 18th May.

Polaris is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults, and we expect all staff to share this commitment.