I am currently working with a well-established independent school nestled in the beautiful countryside of West Sussex. The school is set on expansive, picturesque grounds, providing a peaceful and inspiring environment for both staff and students. The campus features a blend of historic and modern facilities, surrounded by well-maintained gardens, sports fields, and woodland, making it an ideal setting for learning and personal development. The school is easily accessible from nearby towns, yet retains a tranquil, rural charm.
Due to recent expansion, they are looking for an HR Manager to support this period of growth. The role will involve overseeing recruitment, employee relations, and ensuring a positive workplace culture that aligns with the school's values. This expansion reflects the growing demand for the school's exceptional education and nurturing atmosphere, which prioritises both academic success and the well-being of its community.
Hours: 40 hours per week
The HR Manager will be a member of the school's Senior Management Team.
Duties & Responsibilities:
Oversee all aspects of the school's HR management, coordinating with the Executive Assistant to the Principal and the Finance team as needed. This includes:
- Managing staff attendance in collaboration with the Senior Leadership Team (SLT).
- Coordinating the school's Leave of Absence scheme and supporting the administration of the annual leave scheme, including managing maternity/paternity leave.
- Administering the school's Staff Attendance Policy.
- Monitoring and supporting the moderation of staff Performance Management.
- Conducting annual reviews of Job Descriptions and Person Specifications to ensure roles meet the school's needs.
- Managing all recruitment campaigns, including drafting adverts, Job Descriptions, and Person Specifications.
- Investigating, preparing, and presenting documents related to grievance and discipline cases.
- Maintaining a suite of HR policies in line with legislation and best practices, consulting on and drafting new or revised policies, and obtaining approval.
- Undertaking Mental Health Awareness training and understanding the school's Mental Health Policy and procedures to support broader wellbeing strategies.
- Preparing documents related to employees' employment for the school and local authorities, including maintaining the school's HR information system.
- Supporting the DBS checking procedure, including discussing positive disclosures with staff within legal guidelines.
- Resolving pay queries and liaising with the third-party payroll service.
- Assisting with Occupational Health requests, including managing long-term and repeated short-term absences.
- Ensuring adherence to performance management policies and advising on competency/capability issues.
- Assisting in developing and delivering a training plan for all employees.
- Supporting the staff induction process.
- Monitoring probationary periods for new staff and securing recommendations for future employment.
- Providing reports on recruitment/turnover, absences, and cover costs.
- Supplying the Senior Leadership Team with statistical data as requested and presenting it at SLT meetings.
- Supporting other Senior Leadership Team members as needed.
- Advising and supporting the governors on HR issues.
- Attending and reporting to the governor's personnel committee and the full board upon request.
- Performing any other duties necessary for the smooth running of the school.
Candidates should have:
- A thorough understanding of legal requirements for employers and best practices in employment.
- Experience in HR management within a medium-sized to large UK organisation, ideally within an educational establishment, though this is not essential.
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