Join Our Team as an HR Advisor!

Position: HR Advisor - Full Time, Permanent

Location: Milton Keynes / Bromsgrove

Salary: Up to £32,500 per annum (dependent on experience)

Why Choose Us?

At Polaris, we’re on a mission to make a difference in the lives of children and young people. As we continue to grow our education provision, we’re looking for an experienced and proactive HR Advisor to join our dynamic team. This is not just a job; it’s an opportunity to be part of something meaningful!

What We Offer:

• 30 days of annual leave, increasing to 35 days with length of service, plus Bank Holidays
• Company pension scheme
• Life insurance (2x salary)
• Employee discount scheme
• Free on-site parking

Your Role:

As an HR Advisor, you will play a vital role in supporting our schools and education settings. You’ll provide day-to-day HR and employee relations support, ensuring that our advice is consistent, pragmatic, and compliant with education sector expectations.

This position is based in one of our hubs in Milton Keynes or Bromsgrove, with the flexibility of hybrid working. You’ll engage regularly with schools and may travel across the UK, including occasional overnight stays.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide first-line HR and employee relations support to headteachers and school leadership teams.
• Lead employee relations cases, including investigations and disciplinary processes.
• Advise on absence management, performance concerns, and employee wellbeing.
• Manage employee lifecycle activities, including maternity leave and flexible working requests.
• Support organisational change, including restructures and TUPE-related activities.
• Ensure compliance with HR policies and procedures, maintaining safeguarding standards.
• Contribute to HR projects and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Build strong, trusted relationships with school leaders as a professional HR partner.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times.

About You:

You are an organized and confident HR professional who balances compliance with a people-centered approach. You thrive in dynamic environments and are eager to make a positive impact.

Essential Skills and Experience:

• Proven HR and employee relations experience.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to advise and influence.
• Ability to manage a high volume and varied caseload.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office.
• Full driving license and access to a vehicle.

Desirable (but not essential):

• Experience in supporting schools or education settings.
• Experience in a multi-site or regional HR role.
• CIPD Level 5 qualification (or working towards).
• Experience with complex or sensitive employee relations cases.

About Polaris:

We are Polaris, one of the UK’s largest communities of children’s service providers. For over 30 years, we have passionately improved the lives of young people through our fostering and adoption agencies, children’s residential homes, schools, and bespoke services.

Our nurturing community is dedicated to achieving the best outcomes for every child in our care. We believe in the potential of our children, families, and staff, and we’re ambitious for their futures.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If this role resonates with you, we would love to hear from you! Interviews will take place on-site in Milton Keynes or Bromsgrove, depending on candidates’ locations, during the week commencing May 18th.

Polaris is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff to share this commitment.