We are seeking an experienced, confident, and proactive HR Business Partner to join our People Team on a maternity cover fixed-term contract, supporting a cluster of academies within our 31-school Trust. We welcome applications from candidates interested in term-time working. This is a rewarding role for a strong HR practitioner who thrives in a fast-paced, unionised environment and enjoys working closely with senior leaders to shape and deliver effective people solutions. As HR Business Partner, reporting into the HR Director, you will work in true partnership with Trust Leaders, Headteachers, School Leaders, and HR colleagues to develop and deliver HR plans aligned to our organisational and People strategies. You will provide a first-class, pragmatic HR service, supporting leaders across the full employee lifecycle and acting as a trusted advisor on complex people matters, including: Employee relations investigations and case management TUPE processes and organisational restructures Grievance and disciplinary hearings Coaching and advising leaders through change You will bring: Proven experience as an HR Business Partner or in a senior HR advisory role Strong generalist HR knowledge with confidence handling complex ER matters Experience working in a unionised environment (education sector experience desirable) Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to challenge and influence at senior level The ability to manage conflicting priorities across multiple sites while remaining professional and solutions-focused Join Shaw Education Trust – Support, Teach, Lead… Make the Remarkable Happen At Shaw Education Trust, we believe every role holds the power to transform a life. Whether you're supporting behind the scenes, inspiring in the classroom, or leading with vision, you’ll be part of something extraordinary. We are a dynamic and growing family of Primary, Secondary, and Special Schools, proudly serving communities from Birmingham to Bury. Our mission is to unlock opportunity for every young person—whatever their background, ability, or starting point. Our people are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to their growth. Through high-quality training, apprenticeships, talent acceleration, and research opportunities, we empower our staff to thrive as skilled, confident professionals and we champion wellbeing, value every voice, and create a culture where you feel supported, motivated, and inspired to make a real difference. You will join a collaborative network of schools where shared expertise and professional community fuel success. Every academy in our Trust has an equal voice, and every colleague plays a vital part in shaping tailored learning experiences that raise aspirations and build brighter futures. At the heart of our work is a deep respect for the children and young adults we serve—our “precious cargo.” We are proud to "exactly like nothing else” and bridge the gap between education and the wider world, preparing every student for further education, employment, or training in inclusive environments where integrity, equality, and opportunity thrive. If you have the heart, passion, and drive to help shape lives and create futures filled with promise, we would love you to join our incredible team. Support. Teach. Lead. Belong. Thrive. Together, let’s make the remarkable happen. Shaw Education Trust offer the following employee benefits with your Teaching or Support Staff employment: An excellent Local Government Pension Scheme (Support Staff) / Teachers Pension (Teaching Staff) Support Staff only based on working full time, all year - Generous holiday entitlement from your first day of employment (37 days holiday rising to 39 days after 5 years’ service including Bank Holidays) Access to Medicash Health & Wellbeing Plan: Enjoy health services designed to support your well-being. Free DiscountForTeachers Scheme for all staff (Support and Teaching), Exclusive discounts to save money with a wide selection of discounts and exclusive offers from hundreds of the biggest brands. Free Eye Tests Cycle to work scheme Access to our Institute of Education and fantastic opportunities to help you grow, contribute and flourish in your role and in the Trust. We know our people are the key to our success and so we’re committed to ensuring the employment experience at Shaw Education Trust is a rewarding one. Working hours: 37 hours a week, full time, all year Contract type: 15 months FTC Start date: April 2026 Location: This is a hybrid role, combining remote working with travel as required to a cluster of academies within the Midlands and Head Office in Kidsgrove for training and team meetings