At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead people policy development and engage with trade unions to support our mission in girls' education.
- Company: Join the Girls' Day School Trust, a leader in independent girls' education.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salaries, professional development, and discounts for children at GDST schools.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive community dedicated to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on policies that empower girls and shape their futures.
- Qualifications: Strong knowledge of UK employment law and experience with trade unions required.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
We are pioneers in girls’ education, united by a shared purpose: to help girls learn without limits.
As our People Policy and Union Engagement Manager, you will play a key Trust-wide role in ensuring our people policies, employment practices and approach to trade union engagement are robust, practical and aligned with our values.
Working at the centre of the GDST’s People & Culture function, this is an opportunity to combine deep employment policy expertise with significant organisational influence.
You will work with senior leaders, HR colleagues and school teams across the Trust, helping us respond confidently to legislative change, strengthen policy governance and maintain constructive relationships with our recognised trade union.
What you’ll be doing
Reporting to the Deputy Director of People and Culture, you will act as the GDST’s lead adviser on people policy and provide specialist support on trade union engagement.
You will translate complex employment legislation and emerging developments into clear, accessible and workable approaches for colleagues across our schools, academies and Trust Office.
You will
- Lead the review and development of employment policies, procedures and guidance, ensuring they remain compliant, accessible and effective across the Trust.
- Maintain a strong horizon-scanning and governance approach, identifying emerging employment law developments, policy gaps and areas where practice may need to change.
- Support the Director of People and Culture in maintaining a constructive national relationship with the recognised trade union, including consultation and Joint Consultative Group activity.
- Advise senior leaders, Heads, People Partners and school HR colleagues on complex policy, contractual and union-related matters.
- Develop mechanisms to monitor how policies operate in practice, using feedback, audit and review activity to strengthen consistency and continuous improvement.
- Lead and contribute to People & Culture projects, including organisational change and growth activity where employment policies, contracts and terms and conditions are affected.
- What you’ll bring
We are looking for someone who brings
- Strong practical knowledge of UK employment law, people policy development and implementation.
- Experience of working with trade unions, including consultation, collective agreements or employee relations processes.
- The credibility and judgement to advise senior stakeholders on sensitive and complex employment matters.
- Excellent written skills, with the ability to turn complex legislation and technical information into clear, accessible policies, briefings and guidance.
- Strong stakeholder and communication skills, including the confidence to deliver briefings, training and constructive professional challenge.
- A proactive, pragmatic and solutions-focused approach, with the ability to manage competing priorities and work independently.
Experience of working within education or a complex multi-site organisation would be advantageous, as would experience of working with the NEU, but this is not essential.
Please note, first stage interviews will be held online on 1st and 3rd December.
Who we are
The Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST) is the UK’s leading group of 24 independent girls’ schools and two academies across England and Wales.
We educate around 19,000 students and employ 4,000 staff, all united for a shared purpose: to help girls learn without limits, so they can go on to lead lives without limits and make the world a better place for us all.
As recognised leaders in girls’ education, we combine more than 150 years of expertise with a forward-thinking approach to what education can be.
Across our schools and Trust Office, our values shape how we work
- We put girls first.
- We think and act fearlessly.
- We are forward-thinking.
- We are a family of schools.
- We want our people to have fulfilling and purposeful careers.
- Why join us
Whatever your role, you will be part of a community committed to giving girls an exceptional education and helping the GDST continue to lead the way in girls’ education.
Our benefits include
- Competitive salaries and pay progression
- Access to extensive professional development opportunities
- Training grants for qualifications
- A discount of up to 50% on fees for children at GDST schools
- Generous pension schemes
- Free life assurance benefit
- Interest free loans for training, computer purchase loans and travel season ticket loans
- A Cycle to Work scheme
- Competitive terms and conditions of employment
- Our commitment
The GDST is committed to diversity, inclusion and creating an environment where every colleague feels valued, respected and supported.
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and communities.
People Policy and Union Engagement Manager in London employer: GDST
Kensington Prep School - GDST is an exceptional employer that fosters a nurturing and collaborative work environment, where teachers are empowered to inspire young minds. With a strong commitment to professional development, you will have access to ongoing training and support, ensuring your growth as an educator while making a meaningful impact on the lives of our pupils. Located in a vibrant community, our school offers a unique opportunity to be part of a dedicated team focused on delivering high-quality education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land People Policy and Union Engagement Manager in London
✨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!
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We think you need these skills to ace People Policy and Union Engagement Manager in London
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 GDST. 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 GDST 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 GDST. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to GDST'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 GDST
✨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 GDST.
✨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 GDST 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 GDST and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
