Position Start Date: Immediate Contract Type: Full-time Contract Term: Permanent
Application Close: 20/06/2025 Midday Date of Interviews: WC 23 June 2025
LIAISON WITH: Headteachers/ Heads of School/College, Teaching Staff, Support Staff, Trustees, Governors, Local Authority, DFE, other schools
WORKING HOURS: 37 Hours per week, 52.14 weeks per year / Monday to Thursday 9am to 5pm (30 mins for lunch) / Friday 9am to 4.30pm (30 mins for lunch) / Some flexibility will be required
JOB LOCATION: Hybrid - travelling between the sites will be required
About Us
Hope Learning Community is a successful and forward-thinking Multi-Academy Special Needs Trust comprising of four schools and two colleges across mid and north Essex.
At Hope, we are committed to going the extra mile and making that difference to our pupils and their families. We have the drive, passion, determination and influence, and we are committed to delivering high-quality education and fostering a supportive and inclusive working environment for our pupils and staff.
As we continue to grow, we are seeking an experienced, strategic, and people-focused Trust HR Manager to lead and develop our HR function across the Trust. This is a pivotal role that ensures consistent HR practice, legal compliance, and the fostering of a positive and high-performance culture across all schools.
Purpose of the Role
The Trust HR Manager is responsible for the effective delivery of HR strategy, policy, and practice across the Trust. This includes leading on employee relations, recruitment and retention, safeguarding compliance (including the Single Central Record), workforce planning, and HR data management.
The postholder will work with senior leaders, headteachers, and line managers to ensure high-quality, compliant, and consistent HR support and act as a trusted advisor on all people matters.
Key Responsibilities/Job Description
Strategic HR Leadership
Develop and implement the Trust's HR strategy in alignment with strategic objectives and growth plans.
Advise the Executive Team and Headteachers on workforce planning, succession planning, and organisational design.
Drive a culture of continuous improvement, professional development, and high performance.
Operational HR Oversight
Provide expert advice and support on complex HR issues, including disciplinary, grievance, capability, and absence management cases.
Ensure fair and legally compliant application of HR policies and procedures across all schools.
Support change management initiatives, including TUPE transfers, restructures, and policy roll-outs.
Compliance & Safeguarding
Oversee the Trust's compliance with employment legislation, safeguarding standards, GDPR, and safer recruitment practices.
Ensure all schools maintain accurate and up-to-date Single Central Records and that recruitment practices align with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSiE).
Manage the Trust's response to HR audits and inspections, including Ofsted and DfE reviews.
Recruitment & Retention
Lead the Trust's approach to recruitment and talent acquisition, ensuring consistency, branding, and safer recruitment standards.
Develop and implement staff retention and wellbeing strategies.
Analyse and report on recruitment trends and staffing challenges across the Trust.
HR Systems & Data
Maintain and enhance HR information systems and ensure accurate record-keeping and reporting.
Produce workforce data and KPIs for senior leaders, trustees, and external reporting requirements (e.g., DfE returns, gender pay gap).
Identify trends and use data to inform decision-making and workforce planning.
What We Offer
* A central role in shaping the future of the Trust's people strategy.
* Supportive senior leadership and governance team.
* Continuous professional development and access to networking across the education sector.
* Access to employee wellbeing and support programmes.
* Flexible working arrangements considered.
Interviews: Wednesday 25th June 2025
For more information and to discuss the role further, please contact Chloe Jennings chloe@hopelearningcommunity.org.uk
All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.
Documents
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Gary Smith
Market Field School, School Road
Elmstead Market, Colchester
Essex, CO7 7ET Telephone: 01206 825195
Email: hrenquiries@marketfield.essex.sch.uk
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