Human Resources (HR)

What is a career in human resources in health and social care?

Human resources (also known as HR) departments play a crucial role in ensuring that all staff within an organisation are fully supported and equipped to perform their roles effectively. This includes managing a range of employment-related tasks such as recruiting new staff and conducting pre-employment checks, introducing and implementing new employment policies, and maintaining up-to-date records. HR teams also work closely with health unions and professional bodies, manage employee performance, provide guidance on disciplinary actions, and support managers in handling absences, including sick leave and holiday leave. Through these efforts, human resources ensure that the workforce is engaged, compliant, and aligned with organisational goals.

What types of roles can be found in this area?

HR Assistant
HR Officer/Administrator
Recruitment Co-ordinator
HR Advisor
HR Business Partner
HR Specialist
Learning and Development Manager
Medical Staffing Manager
Assistant Director of HR

Entry routes and pay

Depending on the role within HR can vary the route you can take to get in. The entry level roles e.g. HR Assistant, Officer / Administrator, Co-ordinator roles you can apply via an apprenticeship or with administration experience, whereas Advisor, Business Partner, Specialist roles you’ll need a professional qualification. However, there are apprenticeship qualifications also available where you can progress your career from an entry role.

Apprenticeships

Experience

Qualifications

Pay

There are apprenticeship opportunities across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough where you may be able to join as an apprentice HR administrator. For more information about apprenticeships please click here. There are also higher and degree apprenticeships available within HR, these are mainly for staff already employed within a HR role to develop and progress.

Some roles may require relevant HR experience. The type and level of experience will be specified in individual job listings.

For some roles in HR you will be required to have a Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development qualification, depending on the role will determine if it is a level 3,5 or 7. on, it is usually a requirement to have an A-C or 4-9 in Maths and English GCSEs (or equivalent). There are apprenticeship available within this subject area and levels and may be an opportunity for you to undertake this as part of your progression.

Depending on the type of role and environment will depend on the pay. You may start on an apprentice wage which varies from organisation to organisation, or from £24,071 at one of the entry roles and could earn up to £60,504 depending on the type of role.

Where can you work?

Working in Human Resources offers a range of environments you can work in. There are more options for hybrid working in these settings depending on the organisation. These settings could include: