We are delighted to be partnering with a wonderful school in Reading to recruit a Head of HR Responsible for all HR matters, providing crucial support and guidance to the schools dedicated staff. We're seeking a proactive and compassionate individual with strong professional expertise. Job Purpose: Reporting to the Head, you'll provide specialist HR advice on people management, recruitment, and regulatory issues. A deep understanding of safeguarding and confidentiality is advantageous, alongside exceptional organisational and interpersonal skills. Key Responsibilities: Recruitment: Lead end-to-end recruitment, ensuring safer practices (DfE guidance, KCSIE), manage SCR, and conduct thorough pre-employment checks. Employee Relations: Advise on complex HR matters, manage casework (performance, discipline, absence), and support change management. Policies & Practice: Develop and review HR policies, ensuring legal compliance and best practice. HR Administration: Maintain accurate staff records (GDPR, ISI), manage HR systems (Every HR/ISAMS), and oversee leave and absence processes. Professional Development: Support the PDR process and coordinate training initiatives. Team management: Managing a small team of 2 in HR Qualifications & Experience: HR Qualification (ideally CIPD Level 7) or equivalent experience. Significant HR experience, ideally within a regulated environment (school advantageous). Strong knowledge of current employment law and safeguarding requirements. Proven experience in managing recruitment, employee relations, and HR administration. Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organisational skills. Person Specification: You will be highly organised, proactive, and able to work under pressure, with a strong commitment to confidentiality and ethical practice. You'll possess excellent communication skills to engage effectively with all staff and a passion for promoting a positive and inclusive work environment. If you are an experienced and dedicated HR professional looking for a rewarding opportunity, we encourage you to apply Huntress Search Ltd acts as a Recruitment Agency in relation to all Permanent roles and as a Recruitment Business in relation to all Temporary roles. We practice a diverse and inclusive recruitment process that ensures equal opportunity for all we work with, irrespective of race, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability, age or gender. As an organisation, we encourage applications from all backgrounds and will ensure measures are met when required, to allow a fair process throughout. PLEASE NOTE: We can only consider applications from candidates who have the right to work in the UK.