HR Advisor

About the role:

HR Advisor

Activate Learning is seeking an enthusiastic and proactive HR Advisor to join our dynamic and high-performing Human Resources team.

As part of our collaborative and forward-thinking HR function, you will work closely with specialists across Talent Acquisition, Learning & Development, Diversity & Inclusion, HRIS, HR Services, and HR Business Partnering. Together, we deliver proactive, solutions-focused HR support, champion organisational development, and promote a coaching-led culture that prioritises employee wellbeing, engagement, and high performance.

In this multifaceted HR Advisor role, you will partner with key stakeholders across our eight campuses in Oxfordshire, Berkshire, and Surrey. You will provide expert guidance on a broad range of employee relations (ER) matters, including performance management, absence management, disciplinary procedures, grievance handling, and capability issues. You’ll coach managers to build confidence and consistency in applying HR policies, ensuring compliance with employment legislation and promoting best practice across the organisation.

You will also work in partnership with an HR Business Partner to support more complex casework, contributing to effective and timely ER case management and positive outcomes. Your ability to analyse HR data, generate insights, and support evidence-based decision-making will be essential in helping leaders deliver strong people management and workforce planning decisions.

This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to a growing and evolving organisation undergoing significant transformation. We offer a hybrid working model, requiring a minimum of three days per week on‑site at either Reading College or Oxford College, with travel to additional campuses as required.

Please note:
The official job title for this position is Associate Human Resources Business Partner

You will bring prior experience within a generalist HR or HR advisory position, with proven capability in managing a diverse and fast‑paced employee relations caseload. You’ll have a solid understanding of employment law, HR compliance, and key HR processes including absence, disciplinary, grievance, and capability procedures. You will be confident using HR analytics, HR systems, and people data to support managers, identify trends, and influence positive people outcomes.

Excellent communication, coaching, and stakeholder management skills are essential, along with the ability to build strong, trusted relationships at all organisational levels. A proactive approach, strong attention to detail, and the ability to prioritise competing demands will be key to your success.

• CIPD Level 3 qualified and willing to work towards Level 5
• Demonstrable experience in a fast‑paced HR environment managing multiple ER cases
• High attention to detail with strong accuracy in HR documentation
• Strong and up‑to‑date knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice
• Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and confidently in both written and verbal formats
• Strong coaching skills and the ability to influence managers and stakeholders
• Confident using HR systems, HRIS tools, and people metrics to support decision‑making

Activate Learning is a pioneering education group with a global reach, committed to transforming lives through our approach to learning. We see our employees as individuals, empowering them to make the right choices for their ambitions and careers. We value our people as vital to our continued success and aspire to a diverse, open and inclusive environment that provides the motivation for everyone to pursue their career goals and flourish.

When you work for Activate Learning, you’re working for an organisation that provides you with the advantages of a large employer, a trusted partner in your career development, and a transformational way of working whilst also investing in building a community environment for everyone.

• Monthly Staff Appreciation Awards:
  Celebrating staff for their dedication and accomplishments aligned to our…