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Generalist HR Officer – Tonbridge School & The New Beacon School
About the Role
The Tonbridge HR team provides comprehensive HR services across the full employee lifecycle, supporting both Tonbridge School and The New Beacon School.
The two schools operate as a single community with:
- 725+ staff at Tonbridge School
- 140 staff at The New Beacon School
- A diverse workforce spanning teaching, professional support, and operational roles
The schools prioritise:
- A caring and inclusive environment where every individual’s talents can thrive
- Outstanding professional development, encouraged and actively supported for all staff
- Championing inclusion, ensuring the voices of all members are heard and valued
The HR team consists of:
- A Director of HR
- Two HR Managers
- Two HR Advisers
This is a newly created role focusing on delivering a generalist HR service across primary business areas. Successful applicants will provide strategic HR support, employee relations, compliance, and policy-management—ensuring a seamless employee experience from recruitment to exit.
Key Responsibilities
Generalist HR Support
- Deliver an end-to-end HR service in line with UK employment law, health and safety regulations, and schools’ internal policies.
- Coordinate recruitment and selection processes, including ad administration, interviewing support, and candidate liaison.
- Manage onboarding and offboarding procedures, ensuring a smooth transition for all staff.
- Serve as the first/second-point of contact for HR queries across all business areas.
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Employee Relations & Engagement
- Act as a confidential and impartial HR advisor to staff, senior leaders, and managers, resolving concerns, disputes, and equity concerns.
- Support the implementation of wellbeing programs, equality, diversity, and inclusion initiatives.
- Assist with induction, performance management, and career development discussions.
- Contribute to the Employee Handbook and internal HR communications.
HR Operations & Compliance
- Maintain comprehensive HR records, including employee data, attendance, and leave management.
- Ensure compliance with employment legislation (e.g., diversity, flexible working, timekeeping).
- Conduct annual contract renewals, payroll liaison, and benefits administration.
- Support staff policies and procedures, including disciplinary, grievance, and sickness absence handling.
- Administer expenses and invoice requests, working closely with finance.
Leadership & Development
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of HR systems and processes.
- Represent HR at school events and internal working groups, championing best practice.
- Support training and professional development opportunities for HR team members.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
- Minimum 3 years’ experience in a generalist HR role within either an educational institution or corporate setting.
- Working knowledge of UK employment law, health & safety, and schools’ statutory requirements.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to maintain confidentiality, empathy, and impartiality.
- Strong organisational abilities and attention to detail to manage multi-tasking environments.
- Experience with HRIS software (e.g., SIP HR, Matrix, or similar); experience with payroll systems advantageous.
- Strong communication skills—written and verbal—for crafting clear documents and presenting information to varied audiences.
- Experience mentoring or advising staff members.
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Nice-to-Have
- Experience in nursery/secondary school HR, understanding of gsectional or non-teaching academic support roles.
- Familiarity with IT systems beyond HR, including Microsoft Office Suite or Google Workspace.
- Knowledge of equality, diversity, and disability support strategies in a school setting.
Closing Date & Next Steps
- Closing Date: Friday 10 July 2026 at 10:00 (UK Time)
- Earliest appointments may be made before the closing date, therefore early applications are strongly encouraged.
Safeguarding Responsibilities
Tonbridge School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and vulnerable adults. All applicants will be required to:
- Undergo enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, including previous employer references. -Communicate their willingness to adhere to safeguarding policies, including requirements specific to this role.
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