Knowledge Schools Trust Head of Human Resources - Maternity Cover
Location flexible including homeworking but regular attendance and visits to all Trust schools (Bedford and London) and the MAT Office in Hammersmith will be expected.
This role is for a fixed term of one year, covering a period of maternity leave. Start date ideally March / April 2025. This role is on a part-time basis for 2 - 3 days per week, which can be flexible. The salary range for this role is £60,000 - £64,000 full time equivalent, pro rata for part time days as agreed.
Reports to: CEO
Part Time, 52 weeks per year
Key Purpose of the Role
The role is based within the central MAT team providing leadership, direction, and advice and support for all matters of HR across a Trust of two secondary and seven primary academies located in London and Bedford.
This key role oversees the recruitment, retention and development of staff across the Trust, ensuring that HR policies and practices align with the Trust’s values, objectives and legal requirements. The Head of HR will work closely with leadership teams at MAT and school levels to create a supportive and high-performance culture across all academies in the Trust, through a “best in class” HR service.
This role is for a 1 year fixed term contract to cover a period of maternity leave. During the year of this contract, planned project work will need to take place, which will need to be led by the Head of HR. Therefore, experience of managing projects successfully on a multi-site level would be extremely advantageous.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Leadership and HR Service
* Lead a team of two HR advisors and one HR administrator to provide a full HR service to nine academies, plus the Central KST team.
* Create and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders across the Trust, including Headteachers, academy leaderships teams, the Executive team, Trustees and the CEO.
* Implementation of project work over the 12-month period of the contract.
* Liaison with external partners e.g. solicitors, systems providers.
* Attendance and presentation at required Trustee meetings as directed by the CEO.
* Analyse key HR data to inform decision making and planning.
Employee Relations
* Lead on all casework across the Trust, providing expertise and support on process, policy, risk and pragmatic solutions, with a particular expertise on safeguarding cases.
* Provide advice on all high-level HR and people matters which would not fall into the remit of the HR Advisors, including to Headteachers, Executive team and the CEO.
* Ensure compliance with employment law and Trust policies, managing risk effectively.
* Lead on all Trust staff wellbeing initiatives and monitor and promote external support services (e.g. Employee Assistance Programme).
* Lead on all Transfer of Undertaking (Protection of Employment) processes across the Trust.
HR Operations
* Responsibility for all HR-related aspects of payroll, including managing relationship with payroll provider and holding them to account, ensuring the flow of information and processes between the central HR team, schools and central Finance team, and dealing with complex pay issues and queries.
* Overall responsibility for the Single Central Record (SCR), ensuring that it is reflective of the required checks under KCSIE, is kept up to date by the HR team with no gaps and risk assessments in place if necessary. Ensure that the SCR is checked regularly by the Headteacher, Designated Safeguarding Lead and school Governor, and lead on termly checks with KST Safeguarding Trustee.
HR Systems and Processes
* Responsible for the implementation and review of all HR systems (including payroll, HRIS, SCR software, Applicant Tracking System and DBS provider) to ensure that they provide best value for money and service to schools.
* Ensure that all HR related systems, including the maintenance of personnel files, is robust and in line with Data Protection Regulations.
* Review and improve HR processes such as onboarding, performance management, appraisals, and staff development.
Recruitment and Safeguarding
* Oversee recruitment strategies and processes to ensure that they are efficient and offer best return on investment, including the management of advertising platforms and applicant tracking systems.
* Overall responsibility for safer recruitment checks for all employed staff, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.
* Monitor and evaluate recruitment trends in the sector to ensure competitive and innovative approaches.
Policy Development and Compliance
* Review and update HR policies and procedures to ensure compliance with the latest legislation, best practices and Trust objectives.
* Ensure that the HR team are well trained and versed in all HR policies and procedures and that these are shared with schools, with appropriate training put in place if required.
* Lead on all HR-related projects as agreed with the CEO to provide a “Best in Class” service.
* Work with the CEO / CFO / Headteachers to review pay annually in line with policy, budgets and market.
* Create and implement a HR strategy which supports the Trust’s vision and strategic goals.
* Lead on HR aspects of all compliance checks, including Ofsted inspections and audits.
* Monitor and be fully appraised of changes in employment law and education policy, advising the Trust on necessary adaptations.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
* Champion equality, diversity, and inclusion across the MAT, ensuring HR practices are inclusive and fair.
* Implement initiatives to promote diversity at all levels of staffing, addressing any gaps in representation.
* Foster an inclusive environment where all staff feel valued, supported, and empowered.
Leadership and Team Management
* Lead, manage, and develop the HR team, ensuring high levels of professional practice, performance, and job satisfaction.
* Foster a collaborative and supportive environment for all HR staff, enabling their professional growth.
* Ensure the HR team is adequately resourced, trained, and equipped to deliver a high-quality service to the Trust.
Job Types: Part-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 12 months
Pay: £60,000.00-£64,000.00 per year
Expected hours: 15 – 22.5 per week
Benefits:
* Company pension
Education:
* Diploma of Higher Education (preferred)
Experience:
* HR: 5 years (preferred)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in London W6 0GY
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