HR Officer

Role Overview: The Human Resources Officer is a full-time, on-site role based in Stoke-On-Trent, and is a very varied role.

You will supporting colleagues and leaders across the school and wider Trust. The role involves managing day-to-day HR operations, including administration of employee records, contracts, onboarding, and leavers, while ensuring compliance with Trust policies and employment legislation.

You will coordinate recruitment processes, support safer recruitment checks, and assist hiring managers with advertising, shortlisting and interview arrangements. You will provide first-line advice on HR policies, absence management, performance, and employee relations, escalating complex issues as needed. The role also includes producing HR reports, maintaining HR systems, supporting staff development initiatives, and contributing to a positive, inclusive and high-performing workplace culture.

About You:

You will have

• Strong HR administration skills, including maintaining accurate employee records, handling confidential information, and using HR information systems or databases.
• Knowledge of core HR practices such as recruitment, onboarding, absence management, performance processes, and basic employee relations.
• Understanding of employment law and HR policies, with the ability to interpret and apply procedures in line with statutory and Trust requirements.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships with staff at all levels and provide clear, practical guidance.
• High level of organization and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and respond promptly to requests.
• Confident use of IT tools, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and HR or payroll software.
• Experience working in an education, public sector, or multi-site environment is an advantage.
• Commitment to equity, safeguarding, and inclusive practices, aligned with Creative Education Trust’s values.
• Willingness to learn, engage in professional development, and contribute positively to collaborative team working.

Qualifications

• A very high level of literacy is required due to requirement of written documentation, therefore a degree level qualification a Business Administration qualification is highly desirable.
• Relevant HR qualification (such as CIPD Level 3 or above) or equivalent experience in a human resources role.

Company Description Creative Education Trust is a family of 17 schools educating more than 13,500 children and young people across England. Founded in 2010, the Trust works in diverse communities, including post-industrial towns, cities and coastal areas, where education can have a transformative impact. Its purpose is to transform lives through education by igniting ambition, championing equity and unlocking opportunity for every learner. Schools share a common vision and values while retaining their own character, identity and strong local community connections. Creative Education Trust invests in ambitious curriculum design, rich personal development and high-quality professional learning to help students and colleagues thrive, grow and reach their potential.

Essential Information:

Creative Education Trust (CET) is committed to Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our children and young people by keeping them safe, we expect all our colleagues to share in this responsibility.

All shortlisted candidates are subject to online checks prior to interview.

The CET Recruitment Policy follows the guidance set out by Keeping Children Safe in Education, where all offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS Check, separate Barred List Check, References and where appropriate a Prohibition from teaching search.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974.

CET is committed to developing, maintaining, and supporting an inclusive culture and environment for the benefit of its employees and the communities it serves.

Salary: Grade 7 £31,022 – £33,699 per annum

Plus -

Local Government Pension Scheme

Enhanced annual leave

Professional membership fees covered

Cashback

EAP