HR Advisor

About the role

Key responsibilities

• Act as the named HR lead and first point of contact for day-to-day ER queries in Pontefract schools.
• Support disciplinary, grievance, attendance, capability, safeguarding, probation and appeal casework.
• Coordinate cases through case packs, meetings, note-taking and outcome letters.
• Use absence data to support sickness management, Occupational Health liaison and return-to-work plans.
• Embed effective probation management and ensure reviews and escalations are completed promptly.
• Ensure leaders follow Ark policies and escalate complex or high-risk cases to the People Business Partnering team.
• Build effective relationships with school leaders and Office Managers for ER queries and assurance.
• Support updated HR policies, guidance and ways of working across the Pontefract region.
• Work with Business Partners, AskHR, People Operations and Recruitment teams.
• Ensure HR processes are timely and compliant with statutory, safeguarding and Ark policy requirements.

Key requirements

• Right to work in the UK.
• GCSE English and Maths or equivalent.
• CIPD Level 5 or equivalent is preferred; Level 3 holders should be willing to work toward Level 5.
• Proven HR generalist experience with employee relations and attendance management.
• Experience giving first-line HR and ER advice to managers.
• Experience supporting ER casework and preparing case documentation and outcome letters.
• Understanding of employment legislation in a school setting.
• Strong administration, organisation, communication, IT and HR-system skills.

Pay

• Pay is £35,412 to £38,220 FTE per year, depending on experience.

Working arrangement

• The role is described as hybrid, balancing office or school collaboration with remote working.
• Employees may request up to 10 working days of fully remote work per year.
• The posting also lists the work location as in person.

Benefits

• Benefits include flexible working, flexitime, annual leave, pension contributions, professional learning and employee discounts.
• The office closes between Christmas and New Year.

Application notes

• Applications may be reviewed on an ongoing basis and the role may close early.
• Interviews are planned to take place in person on 8 October 2026.