HR Systems Administrator

Want to work at the cutting edge of environmental science research?  Passionate about making a difference and playing your part in tackling the climate and nature crises? Forest Research (FR) is a leading UK scientific research organisation that provides impactful scientific data, evidence and advice to policymakers and practitioners. Internationally recognised, we want to work with people who have the skills and passion to deliver impactful science which informs practical solutions across the sector.

We’re small enough that your voice is heard, yet large enough, as part of the Forestry Commission, that we have everything on hand to get the job done, as well as a variety of career pathways.  Our staff are dedicated to their work and sharing it with others to bring positive change for our natural environment.  With locations across the UK, you will find us a flexible and inclusive employer who promotes agile working to help you manage your work life balance. If you want to be a part of a growing organisation that makes a difference, find out more at Homepage – Forest Research

We are looking for someone to cover a period of Maternity Leave.

Working as part of our friendly and experienced HR Team of 10 who are based in Alice Holt, Farnham with a small number of the team located remotely.

This role can be undertaken from either of our offices outside Farnham, Surrey or Roslin, Midlothian or remotely.

As HR Systems Administrator you will provide HR system, process and operational advice and support to our HR Team.  You will act as the main point of contact for managers and staff nationwide on a range of HR system, pay and process issues.  You will be supported by and report to the HR Pay, Pensions, HR Systems & MI Manager.

Key Work Areas include:

HR System & Processes

• First line of support for HR system and reporting queries, investigate issues, suggest and implement solutions, provide data as appropriate
• Maintain data integrity in the HR system, undertake continuous analysis of data, errors, or omissions
• Contribute to the maintenance of accurate HR records
• Provide regular agreed MI and identify development requirements for our HR Metrics reports
• Provide analytical support to the HR team

Payroll System & Processes

• Responsible for ensuring 3rd Party payments are made in a timely manner and meet our statutory obligations; HMRC, Cabinet Office, Pensions etc
• Maintain process documentation
• Support with Internal & External Audits

 General

• Working in partnership with the Pay, Pensions, HR Systems & MI Manager to deliver key HR objectives
• Treat all data appropriately and in line with GDPR regulations
• Build effective working relationships with Forest Research staff

This is a varied role so you should be comfortable with managing your own work.

You will have an eye for accuracy and attention to detail.

You will be inquisitive and enjoy a challenge and finding solutions to problems.

Essential Criteria:

• Experience of working in an HR or Payroll/Finance role.
• Experience of working with HR/payroll/finance systems.
• Experience of reporting and analysing data.
• Excellent working knowledge of MS Office packages including Outlook, Word, and Excel
• HR, Payroll and Excel at an advanced or super user level

We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Making Effective Decisions
• Working Together
• Changing and Improving

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

• Making Effective Decisions

Your career

• Excellent professional development opportunities which are tailored to your role, with paid professional membership subscriptions, mentoring, and Civil Service Learning available to all
• Office locations within forest or science park settings

Your work/life balance

• Flexible working options such as: up to two days flexi leave per month, blended working, part-time working, paid special leave, career breaks, and unpaid leave. Parents and carers will be supported to enable you to manage work and family responsibilities
• A generous annual leave allowance of 25 days on entry increasing by 1 day each year to a maximum of 30 days (pro-rata for part-timers). Plus 2.5 days of additional leave and 8 days’ paid bank/public holidays

Your wellbeing

• A culture which promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment
• A range of wellbeing benefits including Employee Assistance Programme 24/7
• We want you to feel part of something bigger and we encourage a community feel in our workplaces, with everything from cookery competitions to Pilates and fell running, plus topical talks at Wellbeing Wednesdays and Feelgood Fridays
• Paid volunteering leave of 3 days per year so you can give back to your community and charitable causes by sharing your skills and time

Your benefits

• A highly competitive Civil Service Pension where employer contributions starting at 26% of your salary
• An employee benefits scheme offering discounts on groceries, gym memberships, holidays, days out, online retailers and high street shops
• Cycle to Work scheme and Interest free loans
• Free parking is offered on-site, alongside electric car charging ports
• With maternity, adoption, and/or shared parental leave there’s the flexibility to have up to 26 weeks full pay, followed by 13 weeks statutory pay and a further 13 weeks unpaid leave. Paternity leave of up to two weeks is available with full pay.

Any move to Forest Research from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.

Job contact :

• Name : hr.services@forestresearch.gov.uk
• Email : hr.services@forestresearch.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : hr.services@forestresearch.gov.uk