Head of People - Parke Lane People : Job Details

Our client, a leading educational establishment is seeking a Head of People to join their busy team.

The successful candidate will be a skilled HR generalist with the experience necessary to enable them to lead on all related matters across the business. In addition to a sound understanding of employment law and HR practice, the role will require strong communication skills, a practical hands-on approach, and a natural empathy with colleagues at all levels. Whilst experience in a educational setting is not necessarily required the successful candidate will need to have a good understanding of the complexities and culture of working in HR in a educational setting and will need to gain an understanding of all compliance matters, in particular safer recruitment.

The Head of People will lead a small team of two part time HR Officers and will work closely with the School’s Senior Leadership Team. Given the structure of the team you will be expected to carry out a variety of tasks.

Duties and Responsibilities

This list is not exhaustive and will include additional responsibilities.

• Developing and delivering a People Strategy to enable the recruitment and retention of the very best talent.
• Overseeing the Single Central Register and ensuring compliance with all matters of safer recruitment and employment.
• Providing accurate and professional advice and guidance to all colleagues whilst ensuring compliance with all aspects of employment law.
• Recruiting all colleagues in accordance with safer recruitment practices.
• Supporting Heads of Department with the induction, training and development of colleagues.
• Developing, updating and implementing HR policies, plans and procedures.
• Maintaining the HR information system (CIPHR) and colleague records.
• Producing all HR documentation.
• Ensuring compliance with GDPR.

Essential skills and qualifications:

• CIPD Level 7 of equivalent experience
• Sound knowledge of current employment legislation
• Demonstrable experience in a generalist HR role, preferably at a senior level
• Experience of working with an HR system. The business currently uses CIPHR for their HR, Recruitment and Payroll system.
• Experience of providing advice and support to a senior leadership team or management board
• A clear and succinct communicator
• Strong management and organisational skills
• Detail orientated
• A practical, hands-on approach and a willingness to engage with all colleagues across the business
• Ability to be adaptable and solve problems
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Commitment to the protection and safeguarding and well-being of children
• Adept at working under pressure and with competing priorities
• Willingness to share expertise, skills and knowledge and ability to encourage others to follow suit
• Is resilient and demonstrates ability to work in a variety of settings
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Sensitivity to the needs of others
• Openness and willingness to address and discuss relevant issues

The following are desirable qualities:

• Educated to degree level or equivalent
• An interest/knowledge of the Independent Schools / education / charity sector
• Knowledge of safer recruitment and the Single Central Register in schools.
• Experience of managing payroll and its processes.

In return, my client is offering a competitive salary, enhanced benefits package, and some flexibility around hybrid working.