HR Coordinator

Our vision is for an environmentally engaged society with stronger connections to nature.

Our mission is to improve life chances of children and young people through a range of Outdoor Learning experiences, enabling them to learn from nature, empowering them to have a positive impact on the environment. We do this through grant support, direct delivery, research and advocacy.

As the HR Coordinator you'll play a key role in modernising our HR function, ensuring effortless people processes to support everyone in using their time and energy where it matters. Pro-actively supporting processes from recruitment to training to development and beyond, you'll be part of the driving force behind a positive workplace culture, empowering The Ernest Cook Trust team to thrive.

The Role

In this new role of HR Coordinator you'll work directly with the HR Manager,operating at the centre of our people operations. Working closely with our diverse teams across the Trust and external partners,you'll ensure a seamless HR experience.

You'll enjoy significant autonomy while receiving full support from the HR Manager, having the freedom to grow and develop in this generalist HR position. There will be many opportunities for expanding your knowledge through on-the-job learning, coaching, and formal training in our growing organisation.,

• Own the recruitment journey, from working with hiring managers in the crafting of job descriptions and compelling job adverts to welcoming new starters on board


• Get into the details of the employee life-cycle; onboarding, offboarding and everything in-between, making sure everyone feels valued and supported from day one


• Strive for continuous improvement in our HR processes and maintaining accurate records, ensuring compliance with the latest regulations


• Be involved in the development, implementation and management of supportive and user-friendly policies and procedures that are aligned with our values


• Coordinating online and face-to-face training for mandatory courses and skills development


• Alongside the HR Manager, you'll be the go-to for colleague queries, providing guidance with consideration and confidentiality


• Supporting the HR Manager with strategic projects and programmes, including relevant HR process development


Main priorities

• Streamline our recruitment process for efficiency and cost-effectiveness, with candidate experience in mind


• Maintain accurate HR documentation, keeping everything up-to-date and in line with our standards, supporting the free-flow of information where appropriate


• Resolve employee issues with speed and compassion, keeping our colleagues happy


• Support equity and fair treatment in all HR communications and practices, Embracing diversity is an essential part of the work of The Ernest Cook Trust. We are committed to treating everyone as a unique individual, fairly and with respect, irrespective of race, disability, age, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, or religion. We are committed to ensuring equality, respect, and safety for all, and prioritising the wellbeing of the children, young people and vulnerable adults we support. Our safeguarding policy can be found here.
  
  Qualification or relevant experience in HR or related field


• Confident communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to address sensitive issues with tact and empathy


• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to adapt to ever-changing HR priorities


• Understanding of GDPR and implications of data collection and retention


Skills and Knowledge

• Collaborative, with a confident and considered approach to problem-solving


• Detail-oriented with a talent for juggling multiple tasks


• Fluent in MS Office and familiar with HR information systems


• Flexibility to adapt and respond positively to change


• Knowledgeable about HR principles and basic employment law
  
  As a landowning educational charity, the Trust is uniquely placed to share its woodlands, farms and natural habitats to inspire a greater love and understanding of the natural world, farming and sustainability. We do this for children, young people, their families and communities, particularly those who face barriers to accessing and participating in the outdoors.


We are part of an impressive community of networks and organisations across the UK, working to help create a more environmentally engaged society. Our work is increasingly done in collaborations and partnerships with like-minded organisations, particularly with our funding partners, whose contribution significantly boosts the scale and reach of our work.

OUR PEOPLE STRATEGY At the heart of the Trust's vision lies a commitment to cultivating a workplace where every individual thrives. Our People Strategy, a comprehensive roadmap blending our organisational goals, values, and objectives with the needs and aspirations of our workforce, serves as our guiding light towards this vision.

Through a meticulous process of data collection, feedback and analysis, we have pinpointed the following crucial areas of emphasis:

• Pay, Benefits, and Recognition


• Communications and Collaboration


• Decision-making


• Utilising Skills and Potential


• Equality and Diversity


• Environmental Impact


To address these areas effectively, we have devised a series of targeted actions, these initiatives form the backbone of our People Strategy, guiding us towards a workplace where every individual is empowered, valued, and motivated.

OUR VALUES The unique spirit of The Ernest Cook Trust is best expressed through our values:

Cultivating Connections

At the heart of our work lies the belief that meaningful and lasting change happens through the cultivation of connections. We value the relationships we build with the people and communities we serve, as well as each other and the partnerships we form with like-minded organisations. We understand that these connections create the conditions for people and places to flourish.

Freedom to Try
We embrace a culture of innovation and resilience, where both our team members and the individuals we serve have the freedom to try new things. This value encourages a dynamic and adaptable approach, nurturing trust and courage in ourselves and others.

Progressive Stewardship
We believe in responsible, forward-thinking management of our outdoor resources, as places where diversity can thrive. By actively caring for the environment, we ensure that the beauty and benefits of the outdoors are accessible to all, changing lives through individual and shared positive experiences.

Examples of our values in this role

Cultivating Connections

• Be the friendly face that welcomes new colleagues and fosters a sense of belonging. Build strong relationships with our internal and external stakeholders.


Freedom to Try

• Encourage open communication and embrace innovation as we continuously improve and grow together in our systems and processes.


Progressive Stewardship

• Implement sustainable HR practices and source talent that shares our commitment to making a positive impact.
  
  Benefits Join our growing team at the Trust for a friendly and rewarding experience. We offer competitive salaries, a range of benefits plus a training budget for your personal growth.


We currently have around 47 members of staff based either at our Gloucestershire Head Office, across our UK landholdings and in our regional hubs (Gloucestershire, Cumbria/Lancashire, Leicestershire) or working hybridly.

Enjoy our generous benefits:
· 10% employer pension contribution (5% from employees)
· 27 days annual leave, plus statutory holidays
· Life Assurance
· Access to Employee Assistance Programme, providing
24/7 support for health, mental wellbeing, and more
· Dynamic, creative, and welcoming work environment

Working for us will involve wellies, because we firmly believe that everything is better outdoors!