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.

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