At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop HR functions, focusing on recruitment, employee relations, and staff wellbeing.
- Company: Join The Fernwood School, a diverse and high-achieving academy in Nottingham.
- Benefits: Enjoy excellent CPD opportunities, mental health support, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Be part of a welcoming community that values diversity and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on school culture and staff wellbeing during a growth phase.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR management and a passion for supporting staff and students.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We are delighted to offer an exciting opportunity for a committed and enthusiastic Human Resources Manager to join The Fernwood School. We are an outstanding 11-16 school (stand-alone academy - SAT) enjoying a long-standing excellent reputation for high standards of achievement and behaviour.
About the Role
This is a key strategic role, leading and developing our HR function at a pivotal point in the school’s growth. You will oversee all aspects of HR, including recruitment, employee relations, safeguarding-related HR processes, compliance, and staff wellbeing. As a member of the wider leadership team, you will play a central role in shaping a high-performing, supportive, and values-led staff culture.
The successful candidate will have a rare opportunity to shape HR in a high-performing stand-alone academy, direct impact on whole-school culture and staff wellbeing and an opportunity to build systems and processes during a growth phase of staffing.
About the School
Following a recent expansion from 1000 to 1500 pupils, with staffing growing to over 200 colleagues across teaching and support roles, we continue to strengthen our infrastructure to support both pupils and staff to succeed. We are an oversubscribed and popular 11-16 school within Nottingham City and had over 800 applications for our 300 places this year.
We are a proudly diverse school and have children with heritage from all corners of the world. We celebrate our different cultures through our curriculum and special events like ‘Culture Day’ and ‘Diversity Week’ and have our own EDI (Equity Diversity and Inclusion working party) made up of parents, staff and our EDI student ambassadors. We welcome applications from people who will embrace the diversity of our school community.
In our annual staff survey, the most common response to what staff value most about working at Fernwood was ‘being part of a welcoming staff body who look out for and support each other’. The vast majority of staff would recommend working here to a friend, and all staff agreed that children are ‘happy’ and ‘safe’ at Fernwood. Our unique culture and ethos mean we have strong staff retention statistics and a stable team of staff. We are a popular employer to potential applicants and have a strong track record of attracting and retaining high-quality staff.
We value and prioritise our staff and have a comprehensive programme of support, both in terms of professional development and personal support. All staff have access to our comprehensive EAP (Employee Assistance Programme) which includes benefits like free physiotherapy appointments, telephone GP access, counselling and financial advice to name a few. We have several staff social groups including an LGBTQ+ group, a theatre group, and staff yoga. We also have several staff social events each year. We are part of the ‘cycle to work’ scheme and provide staff with free flu jabs and eye tests and a voucher for purchasing glasses for staff using display screens.
We are an open school and are always keen to work with other organisations and networks as we believe in community and sharing support and expertise. We are currently supporting another local secondary school through the RISE (DfE) programme and have strong working relationships with both of our local universities too. We are an ambitious school and are continually developing and improving our provision and approaches to ensure we can provide our children with the best education possible.
By joining our School, we can offer you:
- Professional Development & Excellence
- An ethos of ‘High Achievement with Care and Discipline for All’
- Excellent CPD Opportunities
- An ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted Judgement
- A strong Progress 8 score
Wellbeing & Support
- Mental health and wellbeing services such as access to a 24/7 confidential employee assistance programme
- Healthcare schemes such as Specsavers Eyecare vouchers for DSE users
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Financial Benefits
- Incremental Pay Progression
- Generous Occupational Pension Scheme
- Blue Light Card
If this role aligns with your values, beliefs and professional ambition, we would warmly welcome your application. We strongly encourage prospective applicants to get in touch for an informal conversation about the role or to arrange a visit to the school. This is an excellent way to gain a deeper understanding of our ethos, meet colleagues and see first-hand what makes Fernwood such a rewarding place to work.
To arrange an informal discussion or visit, please contact us at: headteacher@fernwood.school.
The Fernwood School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Therefore, this post requires an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.
An online search will be undertaken on all shortlisted candidates. This search does not form part of the shortlisting process, and you will have the opportunity to discuss any issues of concern that may arise from this search at the interview.
Equality Statement
Fernwood School is a richly diverse and inclusive community where equality, respect and belonging are at the heart of our values. We are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of our students and wider community, and we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, identities and experiences. We value the different perspectives, skills and qualities that staff bring to our school and are committed to providing an inclusive working environment where everyone is supported to thrive and succeed.
Human Resources Manager employer: Fernwood School
The Fernwood School is an outstanding employer that prioritises staff wellbeing and professional development, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture. With access to comprehensive mental health services, social groups, and excellent CPD opportunities, employees are empowered to thrive in a dynamic environment that values diversity and community engagement. Join us in shaping a high-performing culture while making a direct impact on the lives of our students in Nottingham City.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Human Resources Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research The Fernwood School's values and culture. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff members on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences at the school, and use that insight to highlight how you can contribute to their HR function.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by thinking about how you can shape HR in a growing environment. Be ready to discuss specific strategies for recruitment, employee wellbeing, and fostering a supportive culture that aligns with their ethos.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining The Fernwood School and contributing to its mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Human Resources Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic:When you're writing your application, let your true self shine through! We want to see your personality and passion for HR. Share your experiences and how they align with our values at The Fernwood School.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application for the Human Resources Manager role. Highlight your relevant skills and experiences that directly relate to the responsibilities mentioned in the job description. This shows us you’ve done your homework!
Showcase Your Impact:We love to see how you've made a difference in previous roles. Use specific examples to demonstrate your achievements in HR, especially in areas like recruitment and staff wellbeing. This will help us envision the positive impact you could have at our school.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Fernwood School
✨Know the School's Ethos
Before your interview, take some time to understand The Fernwood School's values and culture. Familiarise yourself with their commitment to diversity and inclusion, as well as their focus on staff wellbeing. This will help you align your answers with what they value most.
✨Prepare for HR Scenarios
As a Human Resources Manager, you'll likely face questions about handling employee relations and safeguarding processes. Think of specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully navigated these situations. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Since this role involves being part of the leadership team, be ready to discuss your leadership philosophy. Share how you foster a supportive and high-performing culture among staff. Highlight any initiatives you've led that improved team dynamics or staff retention.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the school's future plans, how they support staff development, or their approach to maintaining a positive school culture. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
