At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead OHCAT's People agenda and drive organisational transformation.
- Company: Join a supportive Trust dedicated to special educational needs across London and beyond.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive workplace, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a mission-driven team committed to safeguarding and promoting welfare.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education for children with SEND and make a real difference.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading change within large organisations and strong people leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 75600 - 92400 £ per year.
Orchard Hill College Academy Trust (OHCAT) is a family of specialist academies supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities across London, Surrey, Sussex and Berkshire. The Trust operates 13 special schools, supporting over 2,000 learners with a wide range of needs, including autism, speech, language and communication difficulties, social, emotional and mental health needs, and complex physical and learning disabilities.
OHCAT was established under the sponsorship of Orchard Hill College (OHC), a specialist further education provider with a long-standing reputation for excellence in supporting learners with severe, profound and complex needs. As both organisations have matured and expanded, governance and leadership arrangements are evolving to reflect their respective scale and ambitions, with a move toward dedicated executive leadership for each, underpinned by a formal partnership agreement that will sustain the collaboration, shared learning, and mutual support that have defined their relationship.
This is a pivotal moment for OHCAT, and an exciting opportunity for an exceptional Chief People Officer to help shape the next phase of its development. Reporting to the Chief Executive and sitting on the Executive Senior Leadership Team, you will lead OHCAT's People agenda at a time of significant organisational change. You will help build the culture, leadership capability and workforce needed to deliver the Trust's Strategy to 2030, ensuring OHCAT continues to attract, develop and retain exceptional people.
Your remit will span organisational transformation, workforce strategy, talent, culture and engagement, reward and HR services. You will also oversee the continued delivery of HR services to Orchard Hill College through the existing Service Level Agreement, maintaining strong collaboration as the governance and leadership of the Trust and College evolve.
At the heart of the role is culture. You will be a key driver of OHCAT's 'One Trust' ambition, strengthening connection, engagement and shared purpose across the organisation and helping create the conditions in which both colleagues and learners can thrive.
We are looking for a strategic and values-led People leader with experience of working across a large, multi-site organisation and a strong track record of leading change. You will have shaped and delivered workforce and talent strategies, built strong relationships with senior leaders and Boards, and be able to influence across a wide range of stakeholders. Strong judgement, resilience and the ability to bring people with you will be important, as will a genuine connection to OHCAT's mission and values.
Experience in education, not-for-profit or the wider public sector would be welcome, but we are equally interested in candidates from other purpose-led organisations who can bring relevant insight and experience to the role. This is a significant opportunity to help shape OHCAT as it enters its next phase: strengthening its identity, building organisational capability and creating the culture and workforce needed to deliver outstanding outcomes for children and young people with SEND.
Closing Date: 16th October 2026
Safeguarding Statement: Orchard Hill College Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Appointments made will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. In line with the statutory guidance in Keeping Children Safe in Education, the Trust will request and review references and carry out online searches on shortlisted candidates prior to interview as part of our safer recruitment process. Any concerns raised will be followed up with the applicant before a recruitment decision is made.
Disability Confident Statement: Orchard Hill College Academy Trust is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer, committed to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace for all. Orchard Hill College Academy Trust endeavours to make any necessary reasonable adjustments to the job and working environment to enable access to employment opportunities for disabled job applicants or continued employment for any employee who develops a disabling condition.
Chief People Officer Orchard Hill College Academy Trust in London employer: Orchard Hill College
Orchard Hill College is an exceptional employer that prioritises the professional growth of its staff while fostering a collaborative and supportive work culture. Located in a vibrant educational environment, employees benefit from opportunities to make a meaningful impact on pupil outcomes, alongside competitive remuneration and a commitment to work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief People Officer Orchard Hill College Academy Trust 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!
✨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 Orchard Hill College!
✨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 Orchard Hill College.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief People Officer Orchard Hill College Academy Trust 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 Orchard Hill College. 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 Orchard Hill College 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 Orchard Hill College. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Orchard Hill College'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 Orchard Hill College
✨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 Orchard Hill College.
✨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 Orchard Hill College 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 Orchard Hill College and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
