Jo Bembridge

I have a wealth of experience and practical knowledge across a broad range of HR activities including complex casework; staff reward systems; policy development; HR projects; resourcing solutions; strategic input and operational management.

HR Manager at Meadowfield School (2024-01 – Present)

HR lead in a school environment responsible for the direction and operation of the HR function. Managing a team to deliver a broad range of HR operational tasks across the function, including resourcing, reward, development and employee relations. Providing strategic support, solutions and guidance to the Leadership Team. Leading on HR related projects, policy development, process design and improvement. Strategic contribution and input to decision making and direction in relation to HR matters.

HR Manager at University of Kent (2021-08 – 2023-12)

Leading a devolved HR Team in the delivery of operational and strategic HR priorities within the Division of Computing, Engineering and Mathematical Sciences. Working as part of the Divisional Senior Leadership Team to identify HR related issues, challenges and opportunities and implement or advise on appropriate solutions. Guiding and directing the decision making in relation to recruitment, reward, employee relations, contact management and staff development, and overseeing legal and compliance matters in relation to HR, including immigration, DBS checks, GDPR, and employment legislation.

Leading on organizational HR projects implementation, consultation and completion.

HR Business Partner at University of Kent (2018-05 – 2021-07)

Providing a professional and responsive HR partnering service to University leaders, managers and staff regarding a range of HR activities to ensure that appropriate advice and support was provided for the development and resolution of people-related issues. Working collaboratively with other members of the HR Directorate to ensure the provision of HR services to support business needs and help to realise the University's People Strategy.

• Complex case management
• Overseeing organisational change
• Management and support of HR Employee Relations adviser

Employee Relations Adviser/HR Adviser at University of Kent (2007-04 – 2018-05)

Providing tailored advice and support to leaders, managers and employees of the University. Advising and leading on a range of complex employee relations issues, including discipline and grievance matters, ill-health management, performance matters, reorganisations, and redundancies. Input into policy development, mentoring and guiding colleagues, and the development of relationships with key contacts in the University.

HR Consultant at Valkyrie Support Services (2006-09 – 2007-03)

Providing ad hoc advice and support to this Health and Safety Consultancy firm.

• Revising HR policy documentation and contracts of employment

HR Adviser at Medway Council (2003-03 – 2006-10)

Managing a small team within the HR department to provide a complete HR service to education establishments.

• Amending and implementing policies and procedures
• Advising on employment law issues
• Promoting best practice
• Managing HR casework, including disciplinary, redundancy and ill-health matters

Personnel Officer at Southend Borough Council (2001-11 – 2003-03)

Working in a team to provide HR support to schools and education establishments within Southend.

• Managing casework
• Updating policies and procedures
• Presenting training courses
• Providing HR and employment law advice

Personnel Officer at Grand Hotel Group, Hotel Burstin (1999-09 – 2001-11)

Working as part of the hotel management team with sole responsibility for the running of the HR function for up to 200 members of staff.

• Recruitment and selection of staff
• Induction training for new staff
• Updating and writing policies and procedures
• HR casework and administration

Retail and office-based roles at Various (1991-10 – 1999-09)

Employment within a number of retail and office-based roles whilst undertaking education.

MSc in Human Resource Management (CIPD Level 7 Accreditation) – Kent Business School (2017-09 – 2020-01)

Certificate in CIPD Certificate in Personnel Practice – Canterbury College (1999-09 – 2000-06)

BSc in Management Science with honors – University of Kent at Canterbury (1996-10 – 1999-07)

A Level in Law – Canterbury College, Kent (1992-09 – 1994-07)

A Level in Maths – Canterbury College, Kent (1992-09 – 1994-07)

A Level in Media Studies – Canterbury College, Kent (1992-09 – 1994-07)

GCSE in 10 GCSEs grade A-C including Maths and English – Archbishop's School, Canterbury, Kent (1988-09 – 1991-07)