Head of HR - Schools
JOB_53871244787047Job type
PermanentLocation
Milton KeynesWorking Pattern
Full-timeSpecialism
Hr GeneralistIndustry
Education & TrainingPay
£60,600-£64,400
Permanent Head of HR - Schools, £60,600-£64,400, Milton Keynes
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 Responsibilities
Strategic 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.
Head of HR - SchoolsJOB_538712447870472026-04-122026-07-12
Talk to Bernice Randall, the specialist consultant managing this position
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JOB_53871244787047