HR Assistant Review

As a generalist HR Assistant, I carry out day to day administration, liaising with line managers and other teams, answering email queries, payroll changes, employee relations (e.g. maternity leave), probation, recruitment, induction, annual and sick leave, contract extensions, and other areas including ad hoc project work such as improving our section of the department website.

Yes, I started my role in September 2019 and started my apprenticeship in September 2020. My apprenticeship has allowed me to develop a wider knowledge of HR outside of my role and organisation and really focus on my own continuous professional development. I have learned a range of new skills such as how to conduct performance reviews and will be learning more, such as data analysis.

I enjoy my programme a lot - the combination of classes, on the job learning and regular meetings with the apprenticeship coordinator to review and set targets allows for really well-rounded development. I haven't worked outside of the University of Oxford much before, so working with classmates at other organisations also gives me an insight into HR in other sectors.

Well structured. At the start of the programme I was given a handbook which outlines the dates of each module, and given an overview of timelines. Occasionally I find myself asking for more information about future parts of the programme such as the end project but I like to plan ahead.

My employer is very supportive in general - when I approached my line manager asking to apply for an apprenticeship, my team was happy to support this both because it would benefit me as an individual but also strengthen my ability to carry out my job. I have regular one to ones with my line manager and daily catch ups with my team which make me feel supported at work.

I feel well supported from my training provider - the meetings with the apprenticeship coordinator are very helpful for planning goals to focus in on and to review my ongoing progress. I haven't needed any additional support outside of my classes and this so far, as I feel well supported by my employer already.

Reasonably well - as I had already been in my job for a year when starting the apprenticeship, I already had some foundational knowledge. Starting the qualification (CIPD Level 3) has helped to fill in the gaps in my knowledge, given me some practice in areas I don't work in, and given me the knowledge of things like terminology and theories I weren't aware of before.

Yes, I have joined my department's book club (online currently due to Covid-19) and staff are welcome to set up their own clubs - for example, my colleague runs a knitting and crochet club. The University of Oxford more generally offers lots of sports and clubs that staff and students can get involved in - I go swimming at the University's pool. There are also staff networks such as the LGBT+ staff network which hold social events.

Yes

I have found the University of Oxford to be a very good employer - apprentices are paid the Oxford living wage, staff receive benefits such as a good amount of annual leave and childcare vouchers. My department has a good attitude to flexible working and a good approach to improving equality and diversity, and within the University there are good opportunities for career progression.

As with any job, make sure you explicitly demonstrate how you meet the selection criteria when applying for a post. Be open to working at a range of departments and see if you can find out more about the workplace culture at the department you're applying to - although Oxford is one employer, each department has its own unique feel.