HR Advisor

Are you ready to make a meaningful impact in the education sector? At Polaris, we are on the lookout for an experienced and proactive HR Advisor to join our dynamic team. This is a fantastic opportunity to support our schools and education settings while growing your career in a purpose-led organization.

As an HR Advisor, you will play a key role in our expanding HR function, providing essential day-to-day HR and employee relations 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.

Based in one of our hubs in Milton Keynes or Bromsgrove , with the flexibility of hybrid working, you will 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 organizational 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 across the service.
• Build strong, trusted relationships with school leaders, acting 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 practical, people-centered approach. Here’s what we’re looking for:

• Proven HR and employee relations experience.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to advise and influence school leaders.
• Ability to manage a high volume and varied caseload.
• Excellent attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.
• Proficient in the Microsoft Office suite.
• Full driving license and access to a vehicle.

• Experience 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.

At Polaris, we are one of the UK's leading communities of children's service providers. With over 30 years of experience, we are dedicated to improving the lives of young people through our fostering and adoption agencies, children's residential homes, and education provisions.

We believe in the potential of every child, young person, family, and staff member. Join us in our mission to create the best outcomes for those in our care!

• Competitive salary of up to £32,500 per annum based on experience.
• 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.

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 May 18th .

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