School HR Officer

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 legislation

Systems & 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 systems

Person 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 stakeholders

Additional Information

• A strong understanding of safeguarding and safer recruitment practices is essential
• An enhanced DBS check will be required