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Human Resources

HR Administrator

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Primary Secondary Post-16

An HR Administrator is responsible for supporting the human resources department with a range of administrative tasks. This includes maintaining employee records, helping with recruitment processes, organising training sessions, and handling queries related to pay, holidays, and company policies. HR Administrators play a key role in ensuring that the workplace operates smoothly by managing paperwork, updating databases, and assisting with legal compliance. They often act as a first point of contact for staff seeking HR support and need to be organised, detail-oriented, and confidential in handling sensitive information. Good communication and IT skills are essential for this role.

HR Administrator

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

The average salary for an HR Administrator in the UK is between £20,000 and £28,000 per year, depending on location and experience.

Job Openings

There are over 4,000 HR Administrator vacancies advertised across the UK each year, with opportunities in both the public and private sectors.

Typical Working Hours

HR Administrators usually work standard office hours, around 37 to 40 hours per week, with some flexibility required during busy periods.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Recruitment Coordinator

Supports the hiring process by arranging interviews, posting job adverts, and communicating with candidates throughout the recruitment process.

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Payroll Assistant

Responsible for helping to process employee pay, maintaining payroll records, and dealing with queries about salaries and deductions.

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HR Compliance Officer

Ensures that the company follows employment laws and internal policies by maintaining records and assisting with audits and policy updates.

Gain Relevant Qualifications

Complete GCSEs or Equivalent

Achieve at least five GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 including English and Maths.

Employers often require a good standard of education, especially in English and Maths, as HR administrators need to communicate clearly and handle data accurately. Consider additional studies in ICT or business if available.

Consider Further Education

Study for A-levels or a Level 3 Diploma in Business Administration or a related subject.

While it is possible to start in HR with GCSEs, having A-levels or a diploma can improve your chances, especially for larger organisations or progression. Business-related subjects can provide useful background knowledge for HR work.

Undertake HR Specific Training

Complete a Certificate in Human Resource Practice (CIPD Level 3) or similar foundation course.

The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) is a respected professional body for HR in the UK. A foundation certificate provides you with an understanding of HR principles and shows employers you are committed to the field.

Build Practical Experience

Apply for Entry-Level Roles

Look for administrative or HR assistant roles to gain hands-on experience.

Many HR Administrators start as general office or administrative assistants before specialising in HR. Look for apprenticeships, internships, or part-time roles in HR departments to build your practical skills.

Develop Key Skills

Work on your communication, organisation, and IT skills in the workplace.

HR Administrators need to be able to handle sensitive information, communicate with employees at all levels, and use HR software or databases. Take every opportunity to improve these skills through training and on-the-job experience.

Gain Knowledge of Employment Law

Learn about UK employment law and company policies.

HR roles require an understanding of the laws that affect employees and employers. Read up on key legislation and ask to shadow colleagues during disciplinary or recruitment processes.

Advance Your Career

Pursue Further CIPD Qualifications

Study for higher-level CIPD qualifications to enhance your knowledge and career prospects.

The CIPD offers Level 5 and Level 7 qualifications for those wanting to progress to HR Advisor or HR Manager roles. These qualifications can often be completed part-time or through distance learning while you work.

Seek Feedback and New Responsibilities

Take on more complex HR tasks and ask for feedback from your manager.

By seeking out new challenges, such as assisting with recruitment, payroll, or employee relations, you show initiative and build experience that can help you move up in your HR career.

Join Professional Networks

Become a member of HR professional groups and attend networking events.

Joining organisations like the CIPD and attending their events can provide you with valuable contacts, access to job opportunities, and up-to-date information on HR trends.

🎯 View Apprenticeships

Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in HR Administrator. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.

🎓 View Apprenticeships

Career Progressions

No career progressions found for

Sample Qualifications

An HR Administrator and a Human Resources Officer both primarily focus on managing employee-related processes, policies, and records within an organisation. They require similar qualifications in HR procedures, administration, and communication skills, making the Human Resources Officer the most closely matched career for an HR Administrator.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • specialist courses run by professional bodies

University

You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in any subject. You could then apply for a graduate human resources (HR) training scheme.

You may have an advantage if you study for an HR related subject like:

  • human resources management
  • business management and human resources
  • psychology

If you already have a degree, you could do a postgraduate qualification in human resource management, though this is not essential.

Graduate jobs

You can find graduate HR opportunities with:

  • small and medium sized private sector companies in most industries
  • large multi-national companies
  • charities and education organisations
  • public sector employers like the NHS and Civil Service

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
  • a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

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College

You can study for human resources qualifications at college, such as the Foundation Certificate in People Practice, offered by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).

Courses like these are aimed at helping people to get some of the knowledge and skills needed to find their first job and get started in the profession.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

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Apprenticeship

You may be able to apply for an apprenticeship, for example:

  • HR Support Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
  • People Professional Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship

Entry requirements

Employers will set their own entry requirements.

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Work

You could start as a human resources assistant or a business administrator in a company's HR department and work your way up through training and promotion.

Other Routes

You can study a range of professional qualifications in human resources, either online or at a training centre approved by the CIPD.

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Career tips

Take a look at the CIPD Profession Map to find out more about the values, knowledge and behaviours needed by HR officers.

Further information

You can learn about a career in human resources from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and Personnel Today.

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