At a Glance
- Tasks: Support Headteachers with HR challenges and drive organisational change across our academies.
- Company: Join The Dean Trust, a leading Multi-Academy Trust dedicated to transforming education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a commitment to inclusion and diversity.
- Other info: Dynamic role with travel across multiple academy sites.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education while promoting a positive employee experience.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 5 or equivalent, with experience in complex HR casework.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
About The Dean Trust
The Dean Trust is a high-performing Multi-Academy Trust committed to providing transforming educational opportunities for all pupils and students across our schools.
We operate with a strong value system built on traditional standards of discipline, respect, continuous improvement, and an unwavering commitment to safeguarding and child welfare.
We are an educational charity established in April 2012, that currently comprises of 11 academies, 6 secondary, 4 primaries and 1 through school, operating in 3 hubs covering Trafford, Manchester, Knowsley and Wigan local authorities.
The Role
We are seeking two proactive and dynamic Human Resources Business Partners—one on a permanent contract and one to cover a period of maternity leave.
Reporting to the Senior HR Business Partner, you will provide professional, hands-on HR business partnering support to Headteachers and senior leaders across all Trust academies.
In this pivotal role, you will act as a trusted advisor, supporting complex employee relations, driving organisational change, and contributing directly to the successful delivery of the Trust’s People Strategy.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced HR professional who thrives in a fast-paced, values-driven environment and is passionate about promoting a positive and consistent experience for all employees across the Trust.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Partnering: Partner with Headteachers and senior leaders to identify HR challenges and co-create forward-looking solutions aligned with the Trust's People Strategy.
- Employee Relations & Casework: Provide expert advice and guidance on a range of complex casework, ensuring consistency, fairness, and compliance with employment law across all Trust schools.
- Organisational Change: Support restructures, redeployments, TUPE processes, and the onboarding of new schools into the Trust.
- Policy & Best Practice: Contribute to the review and development of HR policies, ensuring alignment with Keep Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) and Df E guidelines.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Build strong, collaborative working relationships with school leaders, trade unions, external partners, and central support teams.
About You
- CIPD Level 5 (or equivalent HR qualification)
- Proven experience advising on complex casework and contributing to HR projects. (Experience within an educational setting or working with trade unions is desirable).
- Up-to-date knowledge of employment law and HR best practice. (Knowledge of safeguarding standards (KCSIE) is desirable).
- Strong stakeholder management, high-level IT literacy, analytical ability, and excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- A full driving licence with access to a car for travel across Trust sites. Regular travel between all current and future Trust sites is a key fragment of the role.
We are an Equal Opportunities employer committed to ensuring inclusion, diversity and equality of opportunity.
We welcome applications from a diverse range of candidates including those from underrepresented groups, and/or with protected characteristics.
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HR Business Partner employer: Ashton-on-Mersey School
The Dean Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises professional development through the Believe Learning Institute. Located in Ashton on Mersey, the school boasts modern facilities and strong community ties, providing teachers with unique opportunities to engage with renowned partners like Manchester United Football Club. With generous benefits, including a health care cash plan and family-friendly policies, The Dean Trust is committed to fostering a culture of excellence and growth for all its staff.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Business Partner
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Ashton-on-Mersey School!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Ashton-on-Mersey School.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Business Partner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Ashton-on-Mersey School. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Ashton-on-Mersey School and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Ashton-on-Mersey School. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Ashton-on-Mersey School's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ashton-on-Mersey School
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Ashton-on-Mersey School.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Ashton-on-Mersey School will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Ashton-on-Mersey School and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
