Job Description

HR Officer (Maternity Cover – 12 Months)

Location: Redbridge

Contract: Full-time, 12-month maternity cover

Start Date: ASAP

Salary: Competitive (dependent on experience)

A well-established and forward-thinking school is seeking an experienced HR Officer to join their central team on a 12-month maternity cover. This is an excellent opportunity for a proactive HR professional to play a key role in delivering a high-quality, efficient HR service within an educational setting.

The Role The successful candidate will support the full employee lifecycle and ensure HR processes are compliant, accurate, and effectively managed.

Key responsibilities include:

Managing end-to-end HR administration, including recruitment, onboarding, and offboarding

Maintaining and updating the Single Central Register (SCR) to ensure safeguarding compliance

Supporting safer recruitment practices, including DBS checks, references, and right-to-work checks

Overseeing absence management processes and maintaining accurate staff records

Assisting with payroll data preparation and ensuring information accuracy

Producing HR reports, including contributions to the School Workforce Census and HR metrics

Acting as a first point of contact for HR queries and supporting line managers with HR matters

Ensuring all HR records and systems are fully compliant with safeguarding and employment legislationSystems & Experience Required

Experience using HR systems and education databases (e.g. MIS systems, HRIS platforms, and payroll systems)

Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and HR reporting tools

Proven experience developing and maintaining HR processes and systemsPerson Specification

Previous experience within an HR role, ideally in an education or public sector setting

Strong understanding of HR best practice and employment law

Highly organised with excellent attention to detail

Ability to manage a busy workload and meet deadlines

Professional, discreet, and able to handle confidential information

Strong communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with stakeholdersAdditional Information

A strong understanding of safeguarding and safer recruitment practices is essential

An enhanced DBS check will be required