A brilliant opportunity for a Head of HR-Permanent, sits within a specialist school environment supporting children with behavioural and complex needs. It is an opportunity for an HR leader who wants to give back, thrive in a values‑driven setting, and help shape a school community that makes a genuine difference to young people’s lives.Reporting to the CEO, you will lead the Trust’s HR function across three sites (c.200 staff), driving a people strategy that strengthens culture, performance and workforce capability. You will provide strategic partnership to senior leaders while ensuring high-quality, compliant and compassionate HR delivery that supports both staff and students.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Leadership

• Lead and deliver the Trust’s People Strategy, aligned to long-term organisational goals and school improvement priorities.
• Advise senior leaders and the Trust Board on workforce planning, organisational design, culture and leadership development.
• Drive retention, succession planning and staff engagement using data-driven insights.
• Support organisational change, trust growth and due diligence processes.

HR Operations & Compliance

• Oversee HR policies, safer recruitment, SCR compliance, safeguarding standards and employment law.
• Lead recruitment, onboarding, contracts, ER casework, absence, performance and professional development.
• Ensure consistent application of STPCD, Burgundy Book and Green Book terms and conditions.

Payroll & Employee Relations

• Manage the monthly payroll process with accuracy and confidentiality.
• Provide expert guidance on disciplinary, grievance, capability, absence and restructuring matters.
• Lead proactive wellbeing and attendance management strategies.

HR Systems, Reporting & EDI

• Own HRIS development and data integrity.
• Produce workforce KPIs for leadership and governance.
• Champion equality, diversity and inclusion.

Training, Development & Leadership

• Coordinate professional development and appraisal processes.
• Line manage the HR Assistant and model Trust values.

Essential Experience & Qualifications

• Experience as a Head of HR or HR Manager within a school, academy or Trust (non-negotiable).
• Strong knowledge of STPCD, Burgundy Book and Green Book terms and conditions.
• Up-to-date safeguarding training and current employment law knowledge.
• CIPD Level 7 qualification (or working towards).
• Strategic HR experience, advising Boards and senior leaders on workforce planning and organisational development.
• Commitment to CPD for self and the HR team.

What you need to do now
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