Strategic HR Manager — Safeguarding, Compliance & Talent in Boreham

We are seeking a Human Resources (HR) Manager to provide lead operational activity across the School, ensuring the continuation of a high-performing, values-led workforce. The role supports the School's educational mission by delivering effective people management, robust safeguarding practice, and compliance with employment legislation and regulatory requirements. They will be responsible for the day-to-day delivery and management of the HR function at New Hall School.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and deliver the School's HR strategy aligned to its vision, values, and long-term development plan, including workforce-related financial planning.
• Advise senior leadership on organisational design, workforce strategy, and culture to support whole-School improvement.
• Oversee end-to-end recruitment and selection processes, ensuring full compliance with safer recruitment and safeguarding requirements.
• Manage workforce planning to attract, retain, and develop high-quality staff.
• Ensure all pre-employment checks, staff records, and the Single Central Register are accurate, compliant, and inspection-ready.
• Maintain compliance with employment law, safeguarding regulations, ISI standards, and GDPR, acting as the key contact for inspections.
• Provide expert HR advice to leaders and manage employee relations cases (disciplinary, grievance, capability, absence).
• Develop, implement, and review HR policies and procedures in line with current legislation and best practice.
• Oversee performance management, CPD initiatives, succession planning, and talent development across staff.
• Manage payroll, pay reviews, pensions, and benefits, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and effective coordination with finance and payroll providers.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Hold CIPD Level 5 qualification.
• Have strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice.
• Have proven experience of safer recruitment and safeguarding responsibilities.
• Be able to operate operationally in a busy School environment.
• Have excellent communication, organisational, IT, and management skills.
• Have excellent interpersonal skills and the confidence to advise senior leaders.
• Have excellent attention to detail and strong organisational skills.
• Have a high level of discretion, integrity, professionalism, and emotional intelligence.

All adults employed by the New Hall School have a responsibility for data protection and must observe the principles of the GDPR. All applicants must provide evidence of their Right to Work in the UK prior to commencement of employment. As part of compliance with UK immigration rules, applicants will also provide Home Office stipulated documentation prior to interview.

Benefits:

• 35 days' holiday (including bank holidays).
• Excellent benefits & CPD.
• Lunch without charge in term time.
• Discounted annual membership for New Hall Sport Club.

New Hall School offers an exceptional working environment. The main campus occupies the stunning Grade I listed former Tudor palace of Beaulieu. The School's conference and events venue is at the Grade I listed Boreham House, one mile away. New Hall is a warm, welcoming, and supportive community, with a staff of around 300. Beaulieu Park railway station is at the entrance to New Hall's Avenue: 30 minutes to Stratford and 38 minutes to London Liverpool Street. The Elizabeth Line at Shenfield (13 minutes by train) terminates at Heathrow airport. There are nearby airports: London Stansted, London Southend and London City.