Head of HR - Schools

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** If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up\-to\-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career. Hays EA is a trading division of Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited and acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T\&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk