HR Business Partner (Projects & Policies)

The Priory Learning Trust is seeking a highly motivated, solutions-focused People Partner (Projects and Policies) to play a pivotal role in supporting our schools through an exciting period of growth, collaboration, and transformation. This is a unique opportunity to join us at a defining moment, as we work closely with nine schools from CSET in South Gloucestershire, with a shared ambition to soon come together as the Pathway Trust.

Key Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with the Director of People, HR Leadership Team, Headteachers, and Senior Leaders to deliver high-quality, values-led people advice that supports organisational change and strengthens leadership capability across our schools.
• Lead and support key Trust-wide people projects, with particular emphasis on merger activity, harmonisation, integration and policy development.
• Ensure newly merged and joining schools are successfully integrated from day one, with clear policies, consistent processes and strong, embedded people practices across the Trust.
• Provide trusted operational people partnering to schools – coaching and empowering leaders to manage their teams with confidence, consistency and clarity.
• Analyse complex workforce data to deliver clear, actionable insights that inform decision‑making and mitigate people-related risks.

Candidate Profile

• Are highly motivated and solutions-focused, with significant experience in a senior HR or People Partner role.
• Have a proven track record of working closely with Headteachers and senior leaders, providing confident, pragmatic advice.
• Can work independently and proactively, navigating complexity with an agile, problem‑solving mindset.
• Have experience leading or supporting organisational change, projects or merger and integration activity.
• Bring strong analytical skills alongside a proactive, values-driven approach to HR.
• Are passionate about supporting schools to deliver the very best outcomes for children and young people.

Employee Benefits

• The PLaTform – Access to our dedicated wellbeing centre & exclusive shopping discounts.
• Healthshield – Funded Healthcare Scheme for employees and all dependents, with 24/7 GP line and healthcare cashback.
• Discounted nursery fees for parents and grandparents at our Academy pre-schools.
• Contributory pension scheme with generous employer contributions.
• CPD opportunities both internally and externally.
• A friendly school community with dedicated, supportive and inspiring colleagues.
• Health & fitness offers, including discounts on @Worle Sports Centre and Nuffield Health and a Cycle 2 Work Scheme.
• Flu vaccinations.

Legal & Safeguarding

The Priory Learning Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All paid positions which involve working regularly within academies are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. You must declare all convictions (including convictions with Absolute Discharge), cautions or bind-overs you may have, even if they would otherwise be regarded as ‘spent’ under this Act and where applicable any disqualifications under the Childcare Act. Offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and Disclosure and Barring Service clearance. Protecting the safety of children – the Trust honors the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975 (2013) that provide that certain spent convictions and cautions are ‘protected’ and are not subject to disclosure to employers.

Closing Date: 20 January 2026

Proposed Interview Date: 27 January 2026

Proposed Start Date: ASAP