Senior HR Advisor

Downe House are seeking an experienced Senior HR Advisor to join our busy and friendly team. In this pivotal role you'll act as a strategic partner, providing expert advice and guidance to staff and managers across all aspects of HR.

Full time position (one day working from home during 34 weeks of term time. Increased flexibility to work from home during 18 weeks of school holidays)

Salary: Circa £40k, depending on experience and qualifications

Downe House is a leading independent boarding and day school for girls aged 11-18, based in the village of Cold Ash, Berkshire. Our aim is to provide pupils with a wealth of academic, pastoral and Co-Curricular opportunities to allow them to grow into confident young women prepared to take on the world.

1. Lead on employee relations, including disputes, grievances, disciplinaries, and absence management.
2. Support with the development and implementation of HR policies reflecting best practice and employment law.
3. Oversee recruitment campaigns, designing selection processes, and interviewing candidates.
4. Ensure compliance with statutory safeguarding requirements and robust maintenance of the Single Central Register (SCR).
5. Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion strategies.
6. Prepare HR metrics and reports on staff turnover, absence, and workforce demographics.
7. Seek to automate standard HR processes for maximum efficiency.
8. Support organisational change and drive staff wellbeing initiatives.
9. Line manage the HR & Recruitment Co-ordinator.
10. Work sensitively and confidentially on a range of people issues and initiatives.

1. Holds a CIPD Level 5 HR qualification or equivalent experience.
2. Has a minimum of three years generalist HR experience, (preferably in the education sector - but not essential).
3. Thrives in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple priorities with excellent organisational skills.
4. Has solid knowledge of employment legislation and HR best practices.
5. Is adept at recruitment, with the ability to design and implement effective strategies.
6. Demonstrates strong IT skills, including HRIS and Excel, and can support HR system implementation.
7. Excels in communication and collaboration, building effective relationships at all levels.
8. Is committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion.
9. Handles sensitive matters with confidentiality, discretion, and diplomacy.
10. Previous experience as a line manager, or willingness to acquire people management skills.
11. Demonstrates an understanding of safeguarding in an educational setting.

• Generous pension scheme - employer contributions at 9%
• Life insurance and critical illness cover
• Discounted school fees for staff
• Supportive induction and CPD programme
• A modern gym and swimming pool facilities available for staff use at set times

Application forms can be downloaded by clicking 'Apply' at the bottom of the advert on our website at

Completed application forms should be sent to by 10th March 2025. We reserve the right to interview/appoint before the closing date.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Own transport is essential as the school is in a rural location with no public transport links.

For further details you can contact the HR Department on or email

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and any offer of employment is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure Check (DBS), satisfactory references, and social media checks.

At Downe House we promote equality of opportunity for all pupils and staff, both current and prospective, and we actively support an environment and culture that values diversity and inclusion.

Hermitage Road, Cold Ash, Thatcham, RG18 9JJ