The Senior HRBP (Academic) acts as a trusted advisor to our Academic teams working across both Winchester College and the Pilgrims' School. This is a broad and active role supporting the unique needs of colleagues working in an independent, boarding school environment. In addition to their primary role as Business Partner this role will also align the day-to-day activity of the HR Business Partnering team ensuring that HR advice is delivered consistently across all areas and will act as a deputy for the HR Director.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as a trusted advisor for academic managers and employees on day-to-day people matters, providing timely and practical advice aligned to relevant policy and practice.
- Coach and guide academic managers in handling the full range of people issues.
- Manage employee relations casework for the academic client group, ensuring disciplinary, performance, grievance and other formal matters are handled appropriately and in compliance with policy and legislation.
- Act as an escalation point for complex employee relations cases arising in other client groups, providing advice as required.
- Provide operational leadership for the HR Business Partnering function, managing the HRBP, HR Advisor and HR Officer. Ensure consistent delivery of day-to-day HR advice across both schools, enabling the HR Director to focus on strategic priorities.
- Maintain a thorough understanding of the unique contracts and working practices of academic roles, ensuring people practices support the effective running of the schools.
- Support the HR Director with threshold progression for teachers, ensuring assessments are completed and clear feedback is in place.
- Lead the planning and delivery of cyclical people processes, such as performance reviews and pay review cycles, enabling managers to participate effectively and on time.
- Work with the recruitment and development team to ensure effective workforce planning is in place for the academic client group.
- Advise and support the recruitment and development team on recruitment activity for academic teams, ensuring that up-to-date job descriptions and attraction plans are in place. Support the delivery of recruitment days and be a participant on key interview panels.
- Act as the link between the specialist areas of the HR team, including Recruitment, Development and HR Operations, and the academic client group's employees and managers, ensuring a joined-up and consistent experience of HR support and projects.
- Deputise for the HR Director in relationships with the Headmaster, Bursar, and governing body committees, as required.
- Design and deliver strategic projects as assigned by the HR Director, supporting delivery of both schools' people plan.
- Ensure the accuracy of documentation relating to changes affecting the academic client group.
- Cross-cover the professional services client group during absence, maintaining continuity of casework and manager relationships.
Reporting Lines
The Senior HRBP (Academic) and Deputy Human Resources Director will report directly into the Human Resources Director
PERSON SPECIFICATION AND KEY QUALITIES
Professional Experience
- CIPD level 5, or above, or equivalent experience.
- Significant experience of managing complex employee relations casework.
- Experience of managing an HR team
- Experience of working in a school, ideally in an independent, boarding setting.
- Experience advising senior leaders on HR matters.
- Experience working with unions is desirable.
- Experience of managing or coaching teams for high performance
Skills and Knowledge
- Maintain up to date knowledge of employment legislation and best practice, advising the leadership team as and when relevant, and taking a lead in the HR team for more complex issues.
- Strong organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise competing demands.
- Ability to build strong relationships with school leaders, with experience of working with a broad range of stakeholders, providing challenge and support.
- Sound numerical reasoning, with the ability to make complex remuneration calculations.
- Understanding of safeguarding responsibilities in employment practice, to ensure that safeguarding is at the core of all practice.
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Senior HRBP/Deputy HRD in Winchester employer: Winchester College
Winchester College is an exceptional employer, offering a nurturing work environment where RSCN-qualified nurses can thrive. With a strong emphasis on professional development and a collaborative team culture, employees are encouraged to grow their skills while making a meaningful impact on pupil health and wellbeing. Located in a historic setting, the college provides unique opportunities to engage with a vibrant school community dedicated to health education and support.
