HR Officer

Salary: £34,000 - £35,000 per annum

Location: London

Contract Type: Permanent, Full-time

About the Role

A well-established higher education institution in central London is looking for a dedicated and detail-oriented HR professional to join its team. This role is ideal for someone with HR experience looking to step into an officer-level position, contributing to a range of HR functions, from recruitment and onboarding to employee relations and compliance. The successful candidate will serve as a key point of contact for staff queries while ensuring that HR processes run smoothly and align with institutional policies.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Recruitment and Employee Onboarding

• Coordinate job advertisements, interview scheduling, and candidate communication.
• Draft and issue employment contracts.
• Conduct right-to-work checks and reference verifications.

Employee Records and Compliance

• Maintain accurate personnel records and ensure GDPR compliance.
• Track probation periods, contract end dates, and employment changes.
• Ensure all visa and sponsorship requirements are adhered to.

HR Policy and Employee Relations

• Support with disciplinary and grievance processes, taking meeting notes and preparing documentation.
• Advise on HR policies and escalate complex issues where necessary.
• Assist in policy updates and ensure best practices are followed.

HR Operations and General Support

• Oversee staff leave administration, including sickness and parental leave.
• Process employee reference requests.
• Contribute to HR projects and training initiatives.
• Provide cover for other HR team members when required.

What We're Looking For

• Experience in HR administration, ideally within an educational or public-sector environment.
• Understanding of UK employment law and HR best practices.
• Strong organisational and IT skills, with an eye for accuracy and detail.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently and work independently.
• CIPD qualification (or working towards) is desirable.
• Familiarity with visa compliance and sponsorship processes is a plus.

Why Join Us?

This is an excellent opportunity for an HR professional to develop their career in a supportive and engaging environment. Working within a well-respected higher education institution, you will play an integral role in ensuring effective HR operations that support staff across the organisation.