Join to apply for the Interim Chief People & Culture Officer role at Shaw Education Trust.
We are seeking an inspirational leader to join our Trust on an interim basis, bringing both strategic expertise and a people-first approach. This is a unique opportunity for someone who can operate confidently at Board level while shaping a thriving culture across our organisation.
Overview
The focus during the tenure will include:
* Strategic leadership and development, including delivery of our EDI strategy.
* Leading on induction, training, and support to ensure colleagues feel welcomed and empowered.
* Driving policy review and development, embedding best practice.
* Promoting and strengthening a positive, inclusive culture across the Trust.
* Supporting the recruitment of Trustees.
* Providing line management for our excellent colleagues within the People Team.
* Developing and enhancing Trust Board reporting.
The successful candidate will be a trusted advisor who combines strong knowledge of employment law with the vision, empathy, and integrity needed to lead cultural and organisational change. You will be a confident strategist, able to set clear direction while empowering others to thrive.
Responsibilities
* Operate at Trust Board or equivalent senior governance level.
* Advise strategically on employment law.
* Shape positive organisational culture and lead meaningful change.
* Talent Management — attracting, developing, and empowering a high-performing workforce.
* Shape and deliver strategy across a multi-school trust or similarly complex organisation.
Qualifications
* Proven experience operating at Trust Board or equivalent senior governance level.
* Strong knowledge of employment law, with the ability to advise strategically.
* A track record of shaping positive organisational culture and leading meaningful change.
* Experience in Talent Management — attracting, developing, and empowering a high-performing workforce.
* Expertise in shaping and delivering strategy across a multi-school trust or similarly complex organisation.
Culture and Impact
Culture is at the heart of everything we do. We are seeking someone who recognises its power to unite, motivate, and inspire both staff and pupils. In this role, you will have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on our Trust’s future — ensuring we grow with strength, purpose, and unity.
If you’re passionate about people, strategy, and creating lasting positive change, we would love to hear from you.
If you would like an informal discussion about working for Shaw Education Trust in this role, please contact Natalie Turner, Recruitment Manager in the first instance, natalie.turner@shaw-education.org.uk
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. We are proud to have high expectations of every student, preparing them for adulthood including further education, employment, or training in inclusive environments where integrity, equality, and opportunity thrive.
If you have the moral integrity, passion, and drive to help shape lives and create futures filled with promise, we would love you to join our incredible team.
Together, let’s make the remarkable happen.
Details
* Working hours: 37 hours a week, full time, all year
* Contract type: FTC until December 2025 - with potential for extension depending on recruitment of permanent post
* Location: SET Head Office located at Kidsgrove Secondary School site with School travel if required
To Apply - Chief People & Culture Officer (Interim) - careersite
Job function
* Human Resources
Industries
* Education Management
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.
Location-specific notes are omitted to keep the description concise.
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