School HR Officer Vacancy - Southwark (ASAP Start)

Location: Southwark
Starting: ASAP
Salary: Competitive
Contract: Part-Time or Full-Time

Overview

A well-established school in Southwark is seeking an organised, proactive and people-focused HR Officer to join its support team. The successful candidate will provide effective HR administration, supporting staff throughout the employee lifecycle while ensuring accurate records, confidentiality and compliance with relevant policies and procedures.

Role Purpose

The HR Officer will provide day-to-day HR support to staff and school leadership, assisting with recruitment, onboarding, employee records, absence management and general HR administration. The role will require excellent attention to detail, strong communication skills and the ability to handle sensitive information professionally.

Key Responsibilities

HR Administration

• Maintain accurate and confidential employee records and HR systems.

• Manage contracts, letters, documentation and staff changes throughout the employee lifecycle.

• Support absence, leave, sickness and attendance administration.

• Prepare HR reports and provide accurate workforce data to school leadership.

Recruitment & Onboarding

• Coordinate recruitment processes, including adverts, applications, interviews and pre-employment checks.

• Support onboarding of new staff, ensuring documentation and safeguarding checks are completed.

• Liaise with candidates, recruitment agencies and internal hiring managers.

Employee Support

• Act as a first point of contact for routine HR queries from staff.

• Support managers with HR processes, policies and employee documentation.

• Maintain a professional and approachable service while handling confidential matters appropriately.

Safeguarding & Compliance

• Ensure appropriate DBS and safer recruitment checks are completed and recorded.

• Maintain accurate records in line with GDPR and school safeguarding requirements.

• Support compliance with employment legislation and school HR policies.

Systems & Data

• Maintain and update HR and payroll systems accurately.

• Produce reports and analyse workforce data when required.

• Support improvements to HR processes and administrative systems.

Person Specification

Experience

• Previous HR administration experience, ideally within a school, education or similar environment.

• Experience supporting recruitment, onboarding, employee records and absence management.

• Experience handling confidential information and sensitive employee matters.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong organisational and administrative skills with excellent attention to detail.

• Good understanding of HR processes, confidentiality, GDPR and safer recruitment.

• Confident using Microsoft Office and HR/database systems.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to prioritise competing deadlines and work independently.

• Professional, approachable and able to build positive relationships with staff and leadership.

Safeguarding

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.

How to Apply

If this HR Officer opportunity in Southwark sounds like the right fit for you, please submit your CV below.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced HR professional to join a supportive school environment and play a key role in delivering an effective and responsive HR service.