HR Assistant

Benefits

We believe that benefits should be more than just perks. For us, they aren’t simply little extras added on at the end, they’re fundamental parts of what we stand for, from the very beginning. As standard.

That’s why at bpha, we reward our employees by making sure we give them a supportive and caring environment, that empowers them to be happy, healthy and inspired, every day.

Our full benefits offering can be found here: https://www.bpha.org.uk/about-us/bpha-colleague-benefits/139/

HR Assistant

Reporting to: HR Administration Manager Location: Bedford (Hybrid) Salary: £25,877.80 Hours: 37 hours per week Contract: Fixed Term Contract until March 2027

We’re looking for an organised and customer‑focused HR Assistant to join our People team. This is a varied generalist role where you’ll play a key part in supporting the full employee lifecycle and delivering a high‑quality HR service to managers, colleagues and external partners.

You’ll be the backbone of our HR operations — ensuring records are accurate, processes run smoothly, and people receive a professional, timely and supportive experience at every stage of their employment.

What you’ll be doing

• Managing end‑to‑end employee lifecycle administration, including starters, changes, family‑friendly leave and leavers
• Acting as the HR lead for payroll inputs, ensuring all data is accurate and submitted on time
• Maintaining employee records on the HR system to a high standard of accuracy and compliance
• Supporting compliance activities, including right to work checks, DBS renewals and visa monitoring
• Producing regular and ad‑hoc HR reports, including absence and compliance reporting
• Managing the HR inbox, responding to queries and escalating complex cases appropriately
• Supporting HR audits by preparing documentation, reports and coordinating diaries
• Administering employee benefits and supporting payments to HR suppliers
• Identifying and contributing to process improvements to enhance the HR service
• Working closely with colleagues to promote team collaboration, consistency and continuous improvement

What we’re looking for

Essential

• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment
• Excellent attention to detail and a high level of accuracy
• Confident communicator with strong written and verbal skills
• High level of IT literacy and experience using HR systems
• Discretion and sensitivity when handling confidential information
• A proactive, solutions‑focused approach with sound judgement
• Able to work independently as well as collaboratively within a small team

Desirable

• Previous experience in a generalist HR or people administration role
• Experience working in an organisation undergoing change or transformation
• Willingness to undertake a relevant HR apprenticeship or qualification

Why join us?

You’ll be part of a supportive and ambitious People team that values collaboration, continuous improvement and doing the right thing. We believe in developing our people, offering opportunities to grow your skills and make a genuine impact across the organisation.

Our Values

• We take responsibility – doing the right thing, not the easy thing
• We show empathy – respecting and listening to our customers and colleagues
• We are better together – working collaboratively across teams
• We are ambitious – always striving to improve and deliver excellence

Please note that applications will be reviewed as received and as such bpha reserves the right to close applications prior to the advertised closing date upon identification of a suitable candidate.

Early applications are encouraged to avoid disappointment.

All offers will be subject to satisfactory pre-employment screening, including DBS check and references.

About Bpha

bpha is a leading Housing Association in the Oxford to Cambridge arc, providing high-quality, affordable homes and services. We own or manage over 19,500 properties and reinvest all income into improving homes, building new ones, and supporting communities. Our vision is to build places where people can live happily in homes they can afford, guided by value that shape everything we do.