HR Advisor

Part-time, 3 days per week, On-site, 9am-5pm, all year round (Term-time only also considered)

University College School was founded in 1830 to promote principles of liberal scholarship.

That remains our first and overriding aim. Intellectual curiosity, breadth of study and independence of mind combine to achieve academic excellence; they are not subordinate to it. UCS remains true to the liberal traditions of its founders and continues to work hard to foster independence of mind among its pupils, to value their individuality and to create a diverse and inclusive community. Academic results are excellent. Music and drama are very strong at UCS and the school offers an outstanding range of co-curricular activities and enrichment opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide ffective support to the Senior HR Advisor and Director of HR & Compliance on all aspects of HR work and activity.

• Provide strategic oversight of the recruitment process to ensure that UCS effectively utilises new technologies and obtain value for money from recruitment activities.

• To line manage and support the HR Administrator in all aspects of Recruitment and Selection for staff, including advising on effective recruitment practices and involvement in interview panels.

• Have an overview of the recruitment and selection procedures ensuring that all recruitment materials are produced to a high standard.

• Provide day to day advice and coaching to managers, including management of complex casework in respect to grievance and disciplinary issues, and attending hearings as appropriate.

• Work with Senior HR Advisor and Director of HR & Compliance to develop effective and measurable strategies to improve staff wellbeing.

• To be involved in project work as directed by the Director of HR & Compliance.

• Establish and maintain close working relationships with colleagues within and outside of the Foundation/UCS Active, including external contacts.

• Maintaining a safe work environment, including ensuring compliance with legislation and the undertaking of risk assessments.

• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the grade as might reasonably be required including training and deputising for Senior HR Advisor in their absence.

Person Specification

• Experience of recruitment from advertising to appointment.

• Have experience of using HR information systems and analysing HR data.

• Experience in managing sensitive situations and conversations and orientated to problem solving, with an ability to reach practical solutions to difficult employment situations.

• Experience of supporting change in an organisation.

• Experience of dealing with complex case work and staff and managers at all levels.

• Experience of working in HR capacity in a Schools environment (Desirable).

Skills and Abilities and Personal Attributes

• Capable of interacting and engaging with a wide range of people and adapting personal style to suit circumstances.

• Able to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing.

• Be able to work effectively and co-operatively as part of a small team but also to reach appropriate decisions on their own.

• Demonstrable ability to establish priorities and to balance competing workloads.

• Be enthusiastic, self-motivated and resilient in dealing with difficult situations.

• Ability to build and maintain excellent working relationships.

• Ability to use HR information systems and to analyse and explain HR data to different audiences.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of employment law and contracts of employment.

• Up-to-date knowledge of effective HR policies and practices in education (Desirable).

• Awareness of Health & Safety Legislation.

• Part or ideally fully qualified member of CIPD.

Salary and Benefits

The salary for this position is offered at £24k-27k (FTE £40-45k). Benefits include 8 weeks of leave (inclusive of bank holidays and close down period over Christmas and Easter) and a contributory staff pension scheme. Lunch is provided for free and there is a subsidised gym on site.

Arrangements for the Appointment

Please submit your application via the UCS page on My New Term.

The closing date for applications is 12pm, Monday 5 October 2026.

Please note that we reserve the right to interview and appoint at any stage during this process; early applications are therefore very welcome.

University College School is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful applicant will be required to undertake an Enhanced DBS check before commencing employment. This is a requirement as the position is within a school working with children aged under 18. UCS will also undertake its own recruitment checks through contact with previous employers, and others, to confirm applicants' identities and their professional records.