Human Resources Officer
Company: Planet Education Networks (PEN Group)
Position: Human Resources Officer
Location: Canary Wharf, London, UK (On-site)
Employment Type: Full-time (40 hours per week)
Salary: £32,000-£35,000 per annum, depending on experience and qualifications
Start Date: Immediate
Right to Work: Full Right to Work in the UK required
About Planet Education Networks (PEN Group)
Planet Education Networks (PEN Group) is a growing international education organisation comprising several higher education institutions and education businesses across the UK and internationally.
Our Group includes organisations such as Elizabeth School of London (ESL), Victoria College of Arts and Design (VCAD), and other education providers, delivering high-quality education, professional training and student support across multiple campuses and disciplines.
At PEN Group, we are committed to creating an inclusive, collaborative and people-focused working environment where employees are empowered to develop, innovate and make a meaningful impact. As our organisation continues to grow, we are looking for talented individuals who share our passion for education and excellence.
Purpose of the Role
The Human Resources Officer will report to the HR Manager and provide a professional, proactive and comprehensive HR service across the organisation.
This is a true HR Generalist role, responsible for supporting the full employee lifecycle, providing advice to managers and employees, managing employee relations cases, coordinating recruitment and onboarding activities, ensuring compliance with UK employment legislation, and supporting the continuous development of HR policies, processes and people initiatives.
The successful candidate will work collaboratively with colleagues across Planet Education Networks (PEN Group) and its associated companies, but mainly Elizabeth School of London [ESL], providing HR support across multiple entities and helping to deliver a consistent, professional and people-focused HR service.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
- Support the day-to-day operations of the HR department, ensuring the effective delivery of HR services across the organisation.
- Manage the end-to-end recruitment process, including preparing job advertisements, shortlisting candidates, arranging interviews, conducting Right to Work and reference checks, and supporting hiring managers throughout the recruitment process.
- Coordinate and manage employee onboarding, induction, orientation programmes and probation reviews to ensure a positive employee experience.
- Act as the first point of contact for managers and employees, providing professional advice and guidance on HR policies, procedures, UK employment legislation and HR best practice.
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with managers and employees to promote engagement, collaboration and a positive workplace culture.
- Manage employee relations matters including disciplinary, grievance, capability, investigations, absence management and flexible working requests, ensuring cases are handled fairly, consistently and in accordance with company policies and employment legislation.
- Coach and advise line managers on employee relations matters, people management issues and HR best practice.
- Prepare investigation reports, case documentation, outcome letters and meeting notes for formal HR processes.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date employee records, HR databases and personnel files, ensuring compliance with GDPR and data protection legislation.
- Prepare employment contracts, offer letters, contract amendments, confirmation of employment letters and other HR documentation.
- Administer payroll changes, attendance, annual leave, sickness absence and employee records, ensuring accurate and timely processing.
- Coordinate and support performance management activities, including probation reviews, performance improvement plans and annual appraisal cycles.
- Coordinate staff training, mandatory training compliance and learning and development activities, identifying development needs where appropriate.
- Support employee wellbeing, welfare, equality, diversity and inclusion initiatives, promoting a positive and inclusive working environment.
- Monitor attendance, sickness absence, lateness and workforce trends, supporting managers in implementing appropriate interventions.
- Manage employee lifecycle activities including promotions, contract changes, maternity, paternity and other family leave, resignations and offboarding.
- Produce HR reports, workforce metrics and management information to support business decisions and monitor HR trends.
- Assist in the review, development and implementation of HR policies, procedures and best practice to ensure legal compliance and continuous improvement.
- Liaise with recruitment agencies, training providers, occupational health providers, legal advisers and relevant external bodies where required.
- Delegate appropriate administrative tasks to HR Assistants, providing guidance and support to ensure a high standard of work.
- Support HR projects, audits, organisational change initiatives and continuous improvement activities.
- Provide HR support across Planet Education Networks (PEN) and associated companies within the Group as required.
- Maintain the highest level of confidentiality when dealing with employee information and sensitive HR matters.
- Be flexible and demonstrate initiative, undertaking any other duties appropriate to the role as reasonably requested by the HR Manager or Assistant HR Manager.
Skills and Qualifications
Essential
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or a related discipline.
- CIPD Level 5 (or working towards), or equivalent professional experience.
- Previous experience in a generalist HR role.
- Strong knowledge of UK Employment Law and HR best practice.
- Experience managing employee relations cases.
- Experience supporting end-to-end recruitment and onboarding.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder management skills.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
- High level of discretion and ability to handle confidential information.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and HR systems.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
Desirable
- CIPD Level 7 (or working towards), or equivalent professional experience.
- Previous experience working within Higher Education.
- Experience supporting payroll administration.
- Experience producing HR reports and workforce metrics.
- Experience coaching and advising line managers.
Other Information
The Human Resources Officer will also be expected to demonstrate their commitment:
- To Planet Education Networks (PEN Group)'s social, economic and environmental responsibilities and actively contribute towards the organisation's Environmental Policy.
- To maintaining the highest standards of Health & Safety, ensuring a safe and secure environment for employees, students and visitors.
- To promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of their work.
Benefits
- Annual leave (7.2 weeks)
- Workplace pension scheme
- Company Sick Pay
- Statutory maternity and paternity pay
- Employee Assistance Programme (HA Wisdom Wellbeing)
- Virtual GP access (Livi)
- 'Speak Up Service' – confidential support service to report workplace concerns
- Specialist physical and mental wellbeing support services with 24/7 confidential counselling (Wisdom)
- Specialist menopause support, including online CBT (Wisdom)
- Financial, legal and medical advice services (Wisdom)
- Life & Leadership coaching (Wisdom)
- Financial coaching (MUNNY)
- Discounts and perks, offering savings on shopping, activities and more (Bright Exchange)
- Career development and progression opportunities
- Training and self-development opportunities