People Officer

Watford FC Community Sports and Education Trust; Watford; On-site; GBP 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A community-focused charity based in Watford is seeking a People Officer to enhance HR operations. Responsibilities include overseeing recruitment, employee onboarding, and maintaining HR records. The individual should possess HR experience, strong IT skills, and the ability to communicate effectively across all levels. This role offers a supportive environment with numerous training opportunities and benefits including flexible working and gym access.

Benefits

Employee Assistance Programme

Investors in People accreditation

Free gym usage

Flexible working environment

25 days Annual Leave plus bank holidays

Trust pension scheme

Birthday leave

Milestone recognition awards

Onsite parking available

Qualifications

• Experience working within a HR/Office Administration role.
• Desire to develop in HR with a learning & development focus.
• Strong IT skills in Microsoft applications.

Responsibilities

• Assist with recruitment processes and onboarding.
• Manage HR records and ensure compliance.
• Support with employee training and qualifications.

Skills

HR/Office Administration experience

Strong IT skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)

Organisational skills

Time management

Effective communication

Collaborative work ability

Attention to detail

Education

CIPD qualification

Job description

People Officer

Department: Watford FC Community Sports and Education Trust

Reporting to: People Manager

Hours: 35 hours per week

Salary: £25,000.00pa

Location: Vicarage Road Stadium, Vicarage Road, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD18 0ER

Contract Type: Permanent

Closing Date: 18th January 2026

Interview Date: 29th January 2026

Summary of your role

Our People Officer role has been newly created to support colleagues across the Trust with people operations. Handling the day‑to‑day processes that keep employees supported in a way that will most benefit them and the work they do to contribute to our vision of improving lives and enhancing communities, whilst keeping our organisation compliant.

The role focuses on recruitment support, all aspects of the employee lifecycle journey. HR record keeping, inductions, training and development needs, mandatory qualifications, CCOP support and workplace policy support.

The role will also help to develop our L & D strategy and establish learning and management training pathways to provide clear lines of progression and a potential succession planning structure.

Your key responsibilities, but not limited to

• The recruitment process, assisting with job adverts, scoring & anonymising applications, scheduling interviews, contacting candidates, and the onboarding process.
• Managing the data for all adverts via our recruitment system, including EDI reporting, using the system to the best of its ability for the needs of the Trust.
• Ensure safer recruitment standards are met, including full employment checks and DBS process.
• Support with contracts and other onboarding documents for all employees, helping to create and maintain employee files for the employee lifecycle duration.
• Assist with new joiner inductions for all employees.
• Ensure all employees HR records are current and up to date.
• Ensure colleagues’ training/qualifications are recorded and chasing completion of qualifications to ensure compliance and maintain records.
• Support with grievances and disciplinaries where required.
• Support with the offboarding process for all leavers.
• Provide support to the Business Support Officer with volunteer recruitment and onboarding process and ensure all recruitment aligns with the recruitment and retention strategy of the Trust.
• General Business support to the People Manager and Business Services Department colleagues.
• Work closely with colleagues to identify current and future learning and development needs for employees and volunteers by undertaking a skills audit.
• Source internal and external training for all employees.
• Organise employee training days and ensure they are fully prepared prior to the event.
• Research online workplace learning and development platforms and making recommendations.
• Support on developing a learning and development strategy for the Trust, to support career progression.

You must have

• Experience of working within a HR/Office Administration role.
• The desire to develop in the field of HR, with a learning & development element.
• Strong IT skills are essential, particularly in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
• Strong organisational and time management skills are essential.
• The confidence and ability to communicate effectively with people at all levels.
• Ability to work collaboratively to build and facilitate strong internal relationships.
• Able to work under pressure, prioritise workload, meet deadlines and have attention to detail when completing tasks.

You ideally would have

• CIPD qualified
• Experience in employee contracts/employment law and recruitment processes.

About Us

We are a well‑established and forward‑looking charity with a long and highly regarded record delivering a broad range of community‑based activities and services. Our work focuses on the key themes of; Football & Education, Health & Wellbeing, Social Inclusion, enhanced by community facilities and supported by a business services department.

Our Vision: One goal – healthier, happier, stronger communities.

Our Mission: To expand the Watford FC family by providing opportunities in Hertfordshire and London, to enrich people’s lives, create special memories, and enable positive futures.

Our Values: To be honest, reliable, and trustworthy – Integrity. To be inclusive in all our decision‑making – Inclusivity. To be bold and creative in the way we work – Innovation.

Our Culture: We are a values‑based and vision‑driven charity, who put our people and our beneficiaries at the heart of everything we do and why we do it.

Benefits of Working for Us

• Chance to join an award‑winning charity and work alongside colleagues who are determined to utilise the positive power of sport, physical activity and learning for social good.
• Friendly working environment
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Investors in People accreditation
• Opportunity to benefit from a range of training and development opportunities
• Free gym usage at our two Community Centres
• Flexible working environment
• Staff kit
• 25 days of Annual Leave entitlement plus bank holiday’s
• Trust pension scheme
• Birthday leave
• Milestone recognition awards
• Onsite parking available.

Our Commitment to You

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI)

We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and dynamic working environment by building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Safeguarding

We provide a safe and secure environment for all. We believe safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children & adults is everyone’s responsibility. Everyone in the organisation has a role to play, to ensure that Trust policies, procedures and practices in regard to safeguarding are followed.

Application Process

If you meet the qualifying criteria you will be sent a link to our application form. Please complete and return your application form to your initial application email. We will then consider your application.

If you require any further information or wish to discuss the opportunity, please contact [e-mail]