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- Tasks: Support a cluster of academies with HR solutions and employee relations.
- Company: Join Shaw Education Trust, a dynamic family of schools making a real impact.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, health plans, pension scheme, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape lives and futures while thriving in a supportive, collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR with strong stakeholder management skills required.
- Other info: Hybrid role with travel to various academies and a focus on wellbeing.
The predicted salary is between 39000 - 44000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced, confident, and proactive HR Business Partner to join our People Team on a maternity cover fixed-term contract, supporting a cluster of academies within our 31-school Trust.
This is a rewarding role for a strong HR practitioner who thrives in a fast-paced, unionised environment and enjoys working closely with senior leaders to shape and deliver effective people solutions.
As HR Business Partner, reporting into the HR Director, you will work in true partnership with Trust Leaders, Headteachers, School Leaders, and HR colleagues to develop and deliver HR plans aligned to our organisational and People strategies. You will provide a first-class, pragmatic HR service, supporting leaders across the full employee lifecycle and acting as a trusted advisor on complex people matters, including:
- Employee relations investigations and case management
- TUPE processes and organisational restructures
- Grievance and disciplinary hearings
- Coaching and advising leaders through change
You will bring:
- Proven experience as an HR Business Partner or in a senior HR advisory role
- Strong generalist HR knowledge with confidence handling complex ER matters
- Experience working in a unionised environment (education sector experience desirable)
- Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to challenge and influence at senior level
- The ability to manage conflicting priorities across multiple sites while remaining professional and solutions-focused
At Shaw Education Trust, we believe every role holds the power to transform a life. Our mission is to unlock opportunity for every young person—whatever their background, ability, or starting point. Our people are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to their growth.
Shaw Education Trust offers the following employee benefits:
- An excellent Local Government Pension Scheme (Support Staff) / Teachers Pension (Teaching Staff)
- Generous holiday entitlement from your first day of employment (37 days holiday rising to 39 days after 5 years’ service including Bank Holidays)
- Access to Medicash Health & Wellbeing Plan
- Free DiscountForTeachers Scheme for all staff
- Free Eye Tests
- Cycle to work scheme
- Access to our Institute of Education and fantastic opportunities to help you grow, contribute and flourish in your role and in the Trust.
Working hours: 37 hours a week, full time, all year
Contract type: 15 months FTC
Start date: April 2026
Location: This is a hybrid role, combining remote working with travel as required to a cluster of academies within the Midlands and Head Office in Kidsgrove for training and team meetings.
Shaw Education Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This position is subject to robust vetting procedures, including an online search for all shortlisted candidates, in line with our Trust’s commitment to safer recruitment.
Shaw Education Trust is an Equal Opportunities employer. We are fully committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection processes promote equality, diversity, and inclusion at every stage.
In accordance with our safer recruitment policy CVs alone will not be accepted. We reserve the right to appoint before the closing date as we review applications on an ongoing basis and interviews may be arranged as suitable candidates are identified, therefore, we encourage early applications. Successful candidates will be subject to a fully Enhanced DBS check along with other relevant employment checks.
HR Business Partner employer: The Shaw Education Trust
Contact Detail:
The Shaw Education Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Business Partner
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector and let them know you're on the lookout for an HR Business Partner role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the Shaw Education Trust, understand their values, and think about how your experience aligns with their mission. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their people strategies and support their leaders.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Bring examples of your past HR successes to the table during interviews. Whether it’s handling complex employee relations or leading change initiatives, make sure you highlight your skills that match the job description.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Shaw Education Trust family!
We think you need these skills to ace HR Business Partner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the HR Business Partner role. Highlight your relevant experience in handling complex employee relations matters and working in a unionised environment, as these are key aspects of the job.
Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills: We want to see how you’ve successfully influenced and challenged senior leaders in your previous roles. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to manage conflicting priorities and deliver effective people solutions.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your qualifications and experiences quickly.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! This ensures that we receive all your details correctly and helps us keep track of your application efficiently.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Shaw Education Trust
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your HR knowledge, especially around employee relations and TUPE processes. Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced in a unionised environment, as this will show that you understand the context of the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences as an HR Business Partner or in senior advisory roles. Use specific examples to illustrate how you've successfully managed complex ER matters and supported leaders through change.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you can demonstrate your stakeholder management skills during the interview. Be ready to share examples of how you've influenced senior leaders and navigated conflicting priorities across multiple sites.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your interest in the Trust's mission and values. Inquire about their approach to employee wellbeing and professional development, showing that you're keen to contribute to their culture of support and growth.
