At a Glance
- Tasks: Support schools in attracting and developing exceptional talent while navigating complex people challenges.
- Company: Join The YES Trust, a growing specialist MAT dedicated to transforming young lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, professional development, and a supportive environment focused on wellbeing.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements available to empower creativity and commitment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on education and help shape the future of vulnerable young people.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR and a passion for people development are essential.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 57000 £ per year.
We are hiring! Join us and help transform lives through exceptional leadership.
The Youth Engagement Schools Trust (YES Trust) is on an exciting and ambitious journey of growth and transformation, and we are seeking an outstanding Senior People Business Partner to join our team. As a growing specialist MAT, The YES Trust brings together a diverse family of alternative provision, SEMH, and specialist settings, united by a shared commitment to transforming the lives of children and vulnerable young people.
Our schools are home to highly skilled professionals with expertise in trauma-informed practice, relational approaches, SEND, behaviour support, inclusion, and personalised learning. As a Senior People Business Partner, you will be instrumental in helping us attract exceptional talent who share our values, nurture their development, create conditions for them to thrive, and retain the specialist expertise that enables our children, colleagues, and communities to flourish.
We believe that every young person deserves the chance to succeed, regardless of their starting point or the challenges they face. Through exceptional teaching, outstanding pastoral care, and an unwavering commitment to inclusion, we are transforming lives and creating brighter futures for some of the region's most vulnerable learners. We know that to achieve this mission, our greatest asset is our people.
As we continue to expand our national footprint, we are shaping our regional hub model that brings together schools with shared expertise, strong local partnerships, and a collective ambition to transform lives. Our expert central leadership team will work alongside school and hub leaders, creating the capacity, capability, and strategic support that enables them to focus on what matters most – delivering exceptional education.
You will be at the heart of this journey, influencing workforce strategy, developing outstanding leaders, and fostering inclusive, high-performing cultures where colleagues can grow, innovate, and excel. While aligned to a regional hub, your influence will extend far beyond it. As a senior member of the People Team, you will help to shape Trust-wide strategy, lead cross-organisational initiatives, and deputise for the Director of People.
This is a role for someone who wants to make an impact – not only on the colleagues and leaders they support directly, but on the success of the Trust as a whole. By helping to build and shape an exceptional workforce, you will play a vital part in ensuring every child and young person has access to the specialist education and future opportunities that they deserve.
Job Description
Salary: Leadership scale L4 – L10
Holiday: 32 days + bank holidays
Location: Flexible across The YES Trust North-West Region. Regular travel to schools and working from home
Contract: Full Time | Permanent / Flexible working available
About the Role
As Senior People Business Partner, you will be a trusted advisor to Headteachers and senior leaders, supporting them to navigate complex people challenges while delivering innovative solutions that enable schools to thrive. Working in partnership with the Director of People, you will support the delivery of the Trust's People Strategy, Trust and hub-wide development priorities, and high-quality People and HR services across the Trust. This is a highly visible role that will allow you to influence decision-making at every level of the organisation and make a tangible contribution to our continued growth and success.
Purpose of the Role
To act as an operational and strategic partner to school and Trust leaders, supporting the Director of People in delivering the People Strategy, workforce development priorities, and effective people solutions that support our schools to achieve excellent outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
- Workforce planning and organisational development.
- Talent management, succession planning and leadership development.
- Recruitment and retention strategies.
- Employee relations and complex case management, including performance, attendance, capability, disciplinary and grievance matters.
- Wellbeing, employee engagement, reward and recognition, and EDI initiatives.
- Change management, restructuring, consultation and TUPE projects.
- Trust growth, HR due diligence and school integration projects.
- HR analytics, reporting, workforce insights and Trustee reporting.
- Continuous improvement of people systems, data quality, processes and automation.
In addition, you will:
- Provide expert HR advice and guidance to leaders across the Trust.
- Lead complex casework and coach leaders in the application of Trust policies and employment law.
- Support implementation of Integrated Curriculum Financial Planning (ICFP) and workforce planning activities across Trust schools.
- Identify trends in absence, turnover, retention and employee relations, recommending improvement actions.
- Review, develop and implement HR policies, procedures and manager toolkits.
- Build productive relationships with trade unions and support consultation and negotiation processes.
- Support leadership recruitment, induction, probation and talent development programmes.
- Coordinate apprenticeship levy opportunities, CPD initiatives and career pathway development.
- Work with payroll, occupational health, legal and wellbeing providers to deliver effective people services.
- Prepare reports, business cases and project plans for strategic people initiatives.
- Deputise for the Director of People in meetings, projects and committees as required.
- Undertake other duties as required, commensurate with the responsibilities of the role.
Benefits
In addition to a rewarding and meaningful career, we offer:
- Access to high-quality CPD and professional qualifications.
- Flexible and supportive working arrangements.
- Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Employee wellbeing support and counselling services.
- Perkbox benefits platform.
- Car salary sacrifice scheme.
- Electric car charging points.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Free parking.
- The opportunity to work alongside exceptional leaders in a growing Trust with a genuine focus on people development and culture.
Flexible Working
We recognise that attracting and retaining the highest quality candidates means offering a flexible working environment. We consider a variety of flexible arrangements, including part-time roles, job-sharing, flexible start and finish times, and hybrid opportunities where appropriate. By adopting a flexible approach, we empower our staff to bring their best selves to work every day, fostering creativity, commitment, and resilience. Our teams remain diverse, motivated, and aligned with our vision of transforming children's lives through world-changing education.
We believe that by investing in the wellbeing and professional fulfilment of our staff, we are also investing in the futures of the communities we serve. Candidates are encouraged to discuss flexible working from recruitment onwards, in line with the statutory "day one right" principle, and ensuring equal opportunities for all groups of prospective employees.
Contact
We are proud of our Trust. We encourage all applicants to view our website or contact us informally. Opportunities for an informal discussion with the Director of People are available. To arrange this please contact hr@theyestrust.org. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive sufficient applications. Therefore, if you are interested, we encourage you to submit your application as early as possible.
Senior People Business Partner Flexible across The YES Trust North-West Region Employer: The YES Trust Reference: SS/26/342362 in Cheshire employer: Cheshire Schools
Dee Point Primary School is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment where dedicated staff can thrive. With a strong focus on professional development and a commitment to the well-being of both employees and students, this role as a teaching assistant provides a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children with special educational needs. Located in a vibrant community, the school fosters collaboration and innovation, making it an ideal place for passionate educators to grow and contribute.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior People Business Partner Flexible across The YES Trust North-West Region Employer: The YES Trust Reference: SS/26/342362 in Cheshire
✨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 Cheshire Schools!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
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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 Cheshire Schools.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior People Business Partner Flexible across The YES Trust North-West Region Employer: The YES Trust Reference: SS/26/342362 in Cheshire
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 Cheshire Schools. 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 Cheshire Schools 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 Cheshire Schools. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Cheshire Schools'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 Cheshire Schools
✨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 Cheshire Schools.
✨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 Cheshire Schools 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 Cheshire Schools and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
