An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced HR practitioner to join the people team at The Church of England – Birmingham for a fixed-term appointment. Based in Birmingham City Centre, we provide the central HR function of the Birmingham Diocesan Board of Finance (BDBF) which is the responsible body for the central support teams and the clergy of the Diocese, as well as supporting the parishes and worshipping communities of the Diocese with their employment matters.
PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
As an experienced HR practitioner, you will be responsible for the efficient and effective delivery and improvement of recruitment and HR processes for DBF staff with an employee base of circa. 80 employees, ensuring that all HR functions run smoothly. Acting as the first point of call for expert support to managers and colleagues within BDBF and for churches/related organisations on people related queries
You will work closely with the HR Director and HR Manager, supporting their strategic capacity, facilitating recruitment processes, reviewing and developing HR policies and procedures and undertaking transactional HR and specific projects for the DBF; and provide guidance to parishes who employ or are considering employing lay staff.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Be a key point of contact for HR queries relating to DBF employees
- Manage the HR employee lifecycle for DBF employees
- Arrange recruitment activity from advertising posts, through to interview, offer and induction, including administrative and practical arrangements
- Liaison with Payroll regarding changes to the DBF payroll.
- Provide line managers with advice, guidance and training on all aspects of HR
- Ensure that all employees have the necessary resources to undertake their roles effectively working with colleagues in the Finance and Property Teams to facilitate this
- Ensure the Health, Safety and Wellbeing of employees, working with other departments as necessary.
- Support parishes and associated organisations in their HR responsibilities through issuing template policies and forms, signposting to advice and guidance, support with payroll services.
- Work with the HR Manager and HR Director in formulating and implementing people strategy
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Please respond to these requirements in your application
- Experience of working in an HR generalist role with good working knowledge of employment legislation, its application in the workplace and guiding managers through processes.
- A good depth of knowledge and practical experience of leading on recruitment, performance management, disciplinary and grievance procedures, redundancy/end of contract, ascertaining employment status; and ideally harmonisation of T&Cs, TUPE and disputes.
- Resilience and being comfortable with challenging the status quo
- Great communications skills (written and oral) and confidence
- Able to quickly build good working relationships and establish trust
- An eye for detail and great solution-finding skills based on sound evidence and research
- A “can-do” attitude, and focussed on solutions rather than problems.
- Proven track record of delivering excellent customer service
- Flexible and adaptable – able to manage many different projects simultaneously
- An awarded CIPD HR or equivalent qualification and relevant membership with a commitment to ongoing CPD
- The ability to travel across the diocese
- An understanding of, and an appreciation for the Christian ethos and values
- An understanding of church life and parish structures would be desirable
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
- 28 hours per week, initially for a fixed-term of 18 months, we are happy to have conversations around flexible working
- Hybrid working with an average of two days per week worked on-site.
- Salary £26,700 (prorated from the fte of £33,292)
- Pension 12% employer contribution into the Church Workers Pension Fund with no requirement for employee contributions, and inclusive of three-times salary death in service benefit.
- Holidays 5 weeks per annum, pro-rata Bank Holidays, plus 3 discretionary days (between Christmas and New Year)
- The employer is the Birmingham Diocesan Board of Finance (BDBF)
- Reports to the HR Manager
INTERVIEWS TO BE HELD IN CENTRAL BIRMINGHAM ON FRIDAY 24 OCTOBER.
If you would like an informal conversation about the role, please contact Laura Cohen on HR@cofebirmingham.com
Please click here to apply
The Church of England Birmingham is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community - a place where all can be themselves and bring their unique identity to their ministry and/or work. We welcome applications from any individuals who feel that they meet the person specification for any post, in particular from those who are currently under-represented in our staff teams such as those from Global Majority Heritage or UK Minority Ethnic backgrounds, those with visible or invisible disabilities and those who identify as LGBTQI+.
The Church of England Birmingham is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All post holders are expected to share this commitment.