HR Advisor (Pontefract)

 Virtual Coffee Chats available – book yours today to find out more about this exciting opportunity! 

About the role 

Joining Pontefract Academies Trust as a HR Advisor, you will be the named HR contact for employee relations for our Pontefract schools. Your work will be varied, meaningful and firmly rooted in supporting schools to do the right thing for their people. 

You will support a full range of employee relation (ER) matters including disciplinary, grievance, attendance, probation and capability cases, helping leaders manage issues confidently, fairly and compassionately. Working closely with the People Business Partner and Central People Team, you will ensure HR processes, documentation and systems are accurate, compliant and delivered on time. 

While employee relations is the core focus, you will also contribute to wider HR operations when needed, including recruitment support, onboarding, payroll coordination and HR administration. 

About you 

You’ll be a confident HR generalist who: 

• Is a strong HR generalist with a background ideally in education or a similarly complex setting 

• Has experience providing first‑line HR and ER advice to managers 

• Is comfortable supporting ER cases end‑to‑end 

• Understands employment legislation and applies it pragmatically 

• Communicates calmly and professionally, even in challenging situations 

• Is organised, proactive and able to manage competing priorities 

• Builds strong relationships and takes a solutions‑focused approach 

You will hold CIPD Level 5 (or equivalent) or be willing to work towards it. CIPD Level 7 and education sector experience are desirable but not essential. 

What you can expect from us 

• A welcoming, supportive People Team 

• Meaningful work with real impact in schools 

• Strong professional support from central HR functions 

• A collaborative culture focused on learning and continuous improvement 

We are confident that new colleagues joining our Trust feel welcomed, supported and proud to work with us from day one. 

Contract details 

• Permanent role 

• 22 hours per week, all year round 

• Working hours: Monday to Friday between 08:00 and 17:00 

• Working days and pattern to be agreed mutually to suit both the successful candidate and the Trust 

• Regular travel between Pontefract schools will be required 

Ready to make a real difference?  

Take the next step and apply now to join our committed HR & People Team at Pontefract Academies Trust. Submit your application form through our website. 

Virtual Coffee Chats   

We are hosting virtual coffee chats for prospective candidates to meet Claire Kitchen, our People Partner and ask any questions you may have about the role or our Trust. To book a timeslot, please click here.     

If you are unable to make these dates but would still like a discussion regarding this role, please contact us via email at recruitment@patrust.org.uk. 

About Pontefract Academies Trust    

Pontefract Academies Trust is a cross-phase multi-academy trust comprising of nine local schools: seven primary and two secondary, committed to providing the very best education for our children.    

We are also excited to be merging with Ark Schools on 1 September 2026. This partnership will strengthen the support we offer our pupils and staff, while creating new opportunities for collaboration and professional development across both trusts. Please click here to find out more about the Pontefract Academies Trust and Ark Schools merger.  

We are proud of the positive culture across our schools. In the 2025 Edurio Staff Survey, we were ranked in the top 10 trusts nationally for staff satisfaction and received several awards recognising our supportive and values‑driven working environment. Our staff tell us they feel valued, listened to and part of a team that makes a real difference every day.  

We’re excited for the future and hope you’ll consider joining us as we continue to grow.   

Key dates 

• Application deadline: 5:00pm, Sunday 31 May 2026 

• Interviews to be held: Thursday 04 June 2026 

• Start date: As soon as possible 

Application process 

• Complete an application form in SamPeople Recruit via our website  

Contact information 

• Contact: 01977 232146 or recruitment@patrust.org.uk 

We are an equal opportunities employer, welcoming applications from everyone.  

The Pontefract Academies Trust is wholly committed to the safeguarding of all children and young people whilst promoting their welfare.  

Any offer of employment will be subject to receipt of a satisfactory DBS Enhanced Disclosure and pre-employment checks (including online checks). Shortlisted applicants will also be asked to provide a self-declaration form. 

What can we offer you?  

Be part of a team that values your wellbeing, development and work–life balance. As a member of our community, you’ll benefit from:  

• Exciting career and leadership pathways supported by outstanding CPD opportunities  

• Everyday Development (EDD) Framework: A simple, personal and flexible goal-based approach to continuous learning, career growth and wellbeing  

• We provide staff with dedicated Everyday Development (EDD) days throughout the year. These days offer self‑directed time away from the workplace to recharge and reflect on your personal and career goals.  

• Generous employer pension (West Yorkshire Pension Fund – LGPS) 

• Generous annual leave entitlement, starting at 29 days leave, increasing to 31 days after 5 years' service and 32 days after 10 years' service, plus 8 statutory bank holidays (all pro rata for part time staff) 

• Fantastic family friendly policies with a focus on employee work/life balance  

• Cycle to work scheme 

• Blue Light Card   

• Discounted gym membership     

• Free eye care via Specsavers    

• Childcare vouchers    

• Employee wellbeing programme (including physiotherapy, personal or professional concerns on legal, health, finance, wellbeing, and other matters)  

• Discounts at numerous retailers, including O2    

• Free flu vaccinations.  

You can find more information about staff benefits and what it’s like to work with us in the ‘Working for Us’ booklet and on our website.