Harmony House Dagenham CIO

Salary: £40,000 per annum (pro rata) Hours: hours per week (ideally across 5 days; some flexibility considered) Location: Dagenham (on site) with weekly travel to Hornchurch Contract: Part time, permanent Requirements: CIPD Level 3 (essential) Who We Are Harmony House Dagenham CIO is a long standing community charity supporting vulnerable residents across the London Borough of Barking & Dagenham and Havering. Established in 1993, we run three nurseries serving over 200 families (Dagenham, Castle Green, and Hornchurch) and deliver a wide range of community projects aimed at reducing social isolation and empowering people of all ages to live with independence, purpose and joy. We are proud to be a trusted, warm and inclusive community hub, supporting children, families, the elderly and those facing disadvantage. About the Role We are looking for a proactive and people focused HR Generalist to oversee HR operations across our nurseries and community programmes. This is a hands on generalist role, ideal for someone who enjoys working closely with staff (70+), supporting managers, and helping to shape a positive and consistent people culture. You will play a key role in ensuring our HR practices are effective, compliant and aligned with our values. Key Responsibilities HR Operations Manage the full employee lifecycle: recruitment, onboarding, training, performance reviews and exit processes. Maintain accurate HR systems, staff files and records. Compliance & Best Practice Ensure safer recruitment processes across all nursery settings. Work with managers to maintain compliance with safeguarding, employment law and internal policies. Employee Relations & Support Provide clear, supportive advice to managers and staff on HR policies, performance, wellbeing and conduct. Manage absence reporting, return to work procedures and occupational health referrals where needed. Culture & Workforce Development Support senior management with workforce planning and staff engagement. Coordinate training requirements, mandatory updates and professional development. Person Specification Essential CIPD Level 3 qualification Experience in a generalist HR role Strong understanding of UK employment law Excellent communication and organisational skills Ability to work autonomously and sensitively with confidential information Positive, supportive approach to working with staff at all levels Desirable Experience in early years, education or charity settings Knowledge of safer recruitment practices Working Pattern hours per week Ideally worked across 5 days , but flexibility considered Fully on site across our Dagenham locations Weekly travel to Hornchurch required (travel requests communicated with notice) Benefits 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata) with additional leave gifted to all staff during the December festive period Enhanced and statutory sick pay arrangements Pension scheme (standard eligibility under auto enrolment) Strong organisational policies promoting equality, safeguarding, respect and dignity at work Clear grievance, disciplinary and whistleblowing procedures ensuring a fair and safe environment Supportive team culture within a highly respected community charity How to Apply Please submit your CV and a short cover letter explaining your HR experience and why you would like to join Harmony House.