Director of People and Culture

Overview

We are seeking an exceptional and values‑driven leader to join our Executive Team as Director of People and Culture across Heartwood Learning Trust. Our Trust’s values of Kindness, Respect, and Teamwork underpin the vision ‘Life in all its fullness – a place to thrive’ and are central to all Trust activities and aims.

This is a significant strategic leadership opportunity for an experienced HR professional who is passionate about people, organisational culture, and educational improvement. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the successful candidate will lead and develop a high‑quality Trust‑wide HR function, providing both strategic direction and operational leadership across all aspects of people management, workforce development, and organisational culture.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with senior leaders, Principals, Trustees, and colleagues across the Trust to attract, develop, and retain talented staff.
• Lead on workforce strategy, employee relations, organisational change, wellbeing, inclusion, talent development and compliance.
• Influence at a senior level, build trusted relationships, and lead with integrity, warmth, and clarity.
• Ensure a culture where collaboration and professional excellence flourish.
• Travel across all academies within the Trust.
• Safeguard and protect children and young people, ensuring compliance with all safeguarding policies and procedures.

Qualifications

• Substantial senior HR experience, ideally within education or the public sector.
• Expert knowledge of employment law and people practice.
• Strategic leadership experience from similarly complex organisations is welcome.
• Ability to influence at senior level, build trusted relationships and lead with integrity.

Job Details

• Hours of Work: 37 hours per week, all year round.
• Position Type: Permanent.
• Line Manager: Chief Operating Officer.
• Travel Required: Yes.

Benefits

• Experienced and supportive leadership with a collaborative approach and an appreciative culture.
• An established, experienced and friendly central team.
• Holiday entitlement 25 days (increases after 5 years continuous service) plus bank holidays.
• Local Government Pension scheme.
• Occupational Health.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Cycle to Work scheme.