The role
holder is a commercially astute HR professional with significant experience in employee relations case management, including Employment Tribunals, and acts as the first point of escalation for complex matters.
Safeguarding knowledge is essential, and the role includes ownership of people policies, process development, and contributing to broader change programmes within the organisation.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Team & Operational Leadership
1. Lead, motivate and manage the day-to-day workload of the People Services team ensuring timely, compliant, and consistent service delivery.
2. Act as the first point of escalation for complex or sensitive cases including disciplinaries, grievances, absence management, performance, and safeguarding matters.
3. Work collaboratively with the Senior People Manager to ensure service excellence and team development.
4. Ensure appropriate resource allocation, workload balancing, and prioritisation across the team.
Advisory & Case Management
5. Provide expert HR guidance to managers and stakeholders across the business on all employment-related matters, including high-risk or high-profile cases.
6. Oversee and support complex employee relations cases and prepare documentation for Employment Tribunals, representing the business as required.
7. Ensure all advice and interventions are compliant with employment law, OFG policies, and best practice.
Policy, Safeguarding & Compliance
8. Promote safeguarding principles and ensure all team members understand their responsibilities in protecting children, young people, and vulnerable adults.
9. Monitor casework for legal compliance and escalate risk appropriately.
People Strategy & Continuous Improvement
10. Contribute to the development and implementation of People initiatives and change projects, aligned to the People Strategy and business goals.
11. Lead or support projects related to process improvements, digital systems, employee engagement, and culture development.
12. Collaborate with internal stakeholders (including L&D, Payroll, and Business Leaders) to deliver a joined-up People function.
Standard Responsibilities
13. Participate fully in the performance review process and lead reviews within your team.
14. Uphold the policies and procedures of the OFG Group and relevant employment and safeguarding legislation.
15. Maintain strict confidentiality at all times.
16. Comply with Health and Safety legislation and actively promote wellbeing within the team.
17. Undertake any other duties reasonably assigned by the Senior People Manager or Head of HR.
EXPERIENCE, SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS:
ESSENTIAL
18. Proven experience in a senior HR advisory or team leader role within a multi-site or complex organisation.
19. Customer service approach- willingness to support our leaders in making sound decisions
20. Ability to work with a variety of stakeholders and tailor their style to suit their needs.
21. Strong knowledge and practical experience of managing Employment Tribunal cases.
22. Demonstrable people management skills, including performance management and team development.
23. Excellent understanding of employment law and HR best practice.
24. Proven track record of supporting or leading organisational change projects.
25. Clear understanding of safeguarding responsibilities and commitment to child/vulnerable adult protection.
26. Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience drafting policies and formal documentation.
Desirable:
27. CIPD Level 5 or above (or working toward).
28. Experience in education, care, or regulated environments.
29. Familiarity with HRIS and digital people platforms (e.g., PeopleXD, etc.).
Why join Outcomes First Group?
About the Group
Outcomes First Group is the largest independent provider of high quality special needs education and care. We are a vital part of local communities in England, Scotland and Wales with a renowned reputation for quality and positive outcomes for the people we educate and care for.
We are really proud to say that in 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the fifth year running.
Our divisional brands include Acorn Education, Options Autism, Blenheim Schools and Momenta Connect.
Our Vision
Empower every child, whatever their ability, with a world-class education that nurtures potential, inspires lifelong learning, and equips them to thrive in a diverse and evolving world.
Our Mission
We commit to unlocking our pupils’ potential through personalised learning, innovation, and opportunity, supporting growth and aspirations.
Our Promise
We Listen.
We never assume.
We work together.
To make the remarkable happen.
We are accountable.
To each other and for one another.
Benefits
Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you’ll get an exceptional reward package including:
30. Life Assurance
31. Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
32. “Your Wellbeing Matters” – access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks
33. Family Growth Support - inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support.
And a market-leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package that’s right for you, including:
34. A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
35. 100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
36. Cycle to Work Schemes
37. Electric Car Purchase Scheme
38. Critical illness cover
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and we expect all employees to share this commitment and undertake appropriate checks.
All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS
We are an Equal Opportunities Employer.
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.