Job Description

MAT Recruitment is supporting a multi-academy trust to appoint an experienced HR Business Partner. This is a school-based role supporting headteachers and colleagues across the Trust, helping schools provide an effective, consistent and people-focused HR service.

You’ll offer practical HR guidance, manage a varied range of casework and help ensure that employment processes are handled fairly, accurately and in line with Trust policies and relevant legislation.

The role

In this role, you will:

• Provide structured HR advice and support to headteachers on a range of employment matters.
• Support HR casework, including flexible working requests, disciplinary matters, grievances and capability processes.
• Lead Stage 1 absence meetings and coordinate Occupational Health referrals.
• Monitor long-term sickness and support appropriate return-to-work arrangements, including phased returns, risk assessments and reasonable adjustments.
• Oversee absence procedures and help managers support staff welfare and attendance.
• Prepare wellbeing passports and staff risk assessments where required.
• Check contractual paperwork is issued and returned promptly.
• Maintain accurate HR records and staff training information using relevant systems.
• Prepare HR reports and management information, interpreting data where needed.
• Support the delivery of HR projects, changes and training across the Trust.
• Work collaboratively with HR colleagues and provide cover or support across the Trust when required.

About you

You will have:

• CIPD Level 5–7 or an equivalent qualification.
• Experience delivering an HR service and a sound understanding of relevant employment legislation, policies and guidance.
• Knowledge of School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions.
• Strong communication, interpersonal and active listening skills.
• The ability to manage sensitive situations, handle conflict and build effective working relationships.
• Good organisational skills and the ability to prioritise work, meet deadlines and stay effective under pressure.
• Confidence using Microsoft Office and HR or management information systems.
• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

Experience supporting school-based HR, working across multiple sites or within a multi-academy trust would be advantageous.

The successful candidate will be resilient, flexible and emotionally intelligent, with a commitment to providing a high-quality service that helps make a difference for young people.

Safeguarding and checks

The role involves contact with children. The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting children’s welfare, and the successful candidate will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. The role also requires advanced-level fluency in English.

To apply, please submit your CV and a supporting statement outlining your relevant HR experience and suitability for the role.