- Employer
- Truro and Penwith College
- Region / county
- Cornwall
- Salary
- £33,635
- Hours
- Full time
- Contract type
- Permanent
- Closing date
- 7 September 2026
- Pre-employment checks
- A criminal-record / safeguarding check is required for this role
JOB DESCRIPTION
Post: Human Resources Associate
Responsible to: Head of People
Salary: £33,635 per annum
Full Time, 37 Hours per week
Conditions of Service: Truro & Penwith College Conditions of Service
Main Purpose of Job:
The HR Associate will provide key support to Heads of Faculty and college leaders in HR and recruitment related matters, including compliance with employment law, ensuring efficient and effective HR processes and a positive workplace environment.
Key responsibilities
• Supporting the College to maintain an efficient and
effective workforce.
• Delivering advice, guidance, and professional
support to employees and managers throughout the
employee lifecycle.
• Acting as first-line support for employee relations
matters, including managing absences, capability
issues, disciplinary actions, and grievances.
• Coordinating recruitment processes and supporting
the implementation of HR policies and practices.
• Proactively managing HR administrative tasks and
maintaining up-to-date employee records.
• Ensuring the Single Central Record data remains
accurate and current at all times.
• Providing generalist HR guidance with a focus on
continuous improvement.
• Assisting in the review and development of HR
policies and procedures.
Specific Duties
Recruitment and Staffing Support
• Manage the full recruitment lifecycle, including recruitment, application
screening, shortlisting, interviews, and onboarding of new staff.
• Coordinate interview schedules and facilitate smooth onboarding processes,
including contracts, induction schedules, and introductory materials.
• Maintain recruitment tracking systems and ensure accurate data entry.
• Support managers during vacancy authorisations and recruitment, ensuring
cost-effective and efficient hiring practices.
HR Administration and Record Keeping
• Support the effectiveness and efficiency of the College HR system.
• Maintain up-to-date personnel files and HR records for academic and nonacademic staff.
• Ensure HR documentation complies with legal and organisational standards,
including compliance with the Single Central Record.
• Support preparation and submission of regular HR reports, such as headcount,
turnover, and recruitment statistics.
• Administer contracts, payroll changes, and recruitment processes.
Employee Relations
• Act as first-line support for employee relations matters, including short and
long-term sickness absence, disciplinary investigations, and grievances.
• Provide guidance and support on HR policies and procedures, addressing dayto-day HR issues effectively.
• Maintain confidential records of employee performance, grievances, and
disciplinary actions.
Employee Engagement and Welfare
• Assist in delivering and promoting staff wellbeing initiatives and benefits.
• Support the DSE Assessment process and address general staff welfare
concerns.
HR Policy and Compliance Support
• Assist in reviewing and updating HR policies and procedures to ensure
compliance with employment law and organisational standards.
• Support audits and reviews of HR practices to maintain consistency and
compliance.
HR Projects and Initiatives
• Contribute to implementing HR projects aimed at improving employee
engagement and operational efficiency.
• Develop and distribute communication materials related to HR programs and
updates.
Reporting and Analytics
• Generate and analyse reports on recruitment activity, staff turnover, and other
HR metrics.
• Monitor trends and provide insights to inform decision-making.
General Responsibilities
The postholder will:
• Comply with all College policies, including safeguarding, Prevent, health and
safety, and data protection
• Actively promote safeguarding and the welfare of children and vulnerable
adults
• Promote equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of the role
• Engage in continuous professional development, including subject and industry
updating
• Contribute to College-wide initiatives, projects and continuous improvement
activity
• Maintain high standards of professional conduct at all times
• Undertake other duties commensurate with the role
Person Specification
Essential Skills and Qualifications:
• CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management (or willingness to
work towards).
• CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in HR, recruitment and employee relations.
• English and Maths Qualification (minimum Level 2).
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organisational skills.
• Proficiency in HR software systems, Microsoft Office, and relevant tools.
• Strong understanding of employment law and HR compliance.
• Demonstrable interpersonal and communication skills.
• Demonstrable organisation skills and the ability to prioritise own workload.
• Ability to work collaboratively with others and as part of a team.
Desirable:
• Experience of working in an HR capacity within an educational setting, with an
understanding of the specific challenges and frameworks of the FE sector
(highly desirable).
• Familiarity with employee relations casework, including disciplinary actions and
grievances.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
Additional Information
• The College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children
and vulnerable adults. An enhanced DBS check will be required
• The College values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive
environment for all staff and students
The recruiting organisation's safeguarding, vetting and pre-employment requirements are set out in the full vacancy information.