At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop the HR function, ensuring compliance and a positive culture.
- Company: Forward-thinking and inclusive school committed to staff wellbeing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Join a team dedicated to safeguarding and promoting youth welfare.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on staffing and culture in a vibrant educational setting.
- Qualifications: Proven senior HR experience and CIPD Level 5 or 7 qualification.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Engage Education is currently working in partnership with a forward-thinking and inclusive school seeking an experienced and strategic Head of Human Resources to lead and develop the HR function across the organisation. This is a key leadership role supporting the Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team in delivering excellent staffing, culture, and compliance across the school.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the full HR function across the school, ensuring a high-quality, compliant and efficient HR service.
- Act as a trusted advisor to the Headteacher, Senior Leadership Team, and Governors on all HR matters.
- Oversee all employee relations cases including disciplinary, grievance, capability, attendance, and performance management.
- Manage the full employee lifecycle including recruitment, safer recruitment checks, onboarding, and offboarding.
- Ensure all HR policies and procedures are up to date, compliant with employment law, and aligned with safeguarding requirements.
- Support workforce planning and organisational development to meet the strategic needs of the school.
- Oversee staff records, contracts, and HR systems ensuring accuracy, confidentiality, and GDPR compliance.
- Lead on staff wellbeing, engagement, retention, and culture improvement initiatives.
- Manage absence reporting and contribute to strategies to reduce staff absence and improve wellbeing.
- Coordinate training and professional development, ensuring statutory and professional learning needs are met.
- Support restructures, change management processes, and organisational development projects.
- Prepare HR reports, workforce data, and analysis for senior leaders and governing bodies.
- Ensure robust safer recruitment practices are consistently applied.
- Liaise with external HR providers, occupational health, and legal advisors where required.
About You
- Proven experience in a senior HR leadership role.
- CIPD Level 5 or Level 7 qualification (or equivalent experience).
- Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice.
- Experience managing complex employee relations cases confidently and professionally.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.
- Experience within a school, academy, or public sector environment is highly desirable.
- Ability to work sensitively and confidentially in a safeguarding-focused environment.
Safeguarding & Compliance
Engage Education and the school are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants must be willing to undergo an enhanced DBS check, online checks, and provide satisfactory references in line with safer recruitment practices.
Head of HR employer: Engage Partners Limited
Engage Education is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment in Watford where you can make a meaningful impact on the educational landscape. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing and professional development, we provide ample opportunities for growth and advancement within our forward-thinking school community. Join us to lead a dedicated HR function that prioritises compliance, culture, and staff engagement, all while being part of a supportive team that values your expertise and contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of HR
✨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 Engage Partners Limited!
✨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 Engage Partners Limited.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of HR
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 Engage Partners Limited. 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 Engage Partners Limited 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 Engage Partners Limited. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Engage Partners Limited'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 Engage Partners Limited
✨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 Engage Partners Limited.
✨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 Engage Partners Limited 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 Engage Partners Limited and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
