People Director

People Director

Both parts of the title matter

People

People are your business. You will spend time with colleagues and leaders across our academies, understanding what is happening, giving advice and helping resolve problems. You will know employment law, terms and conditions and entitlements inside out, and be able to apply that knowledge confidently to real situations.

Some conversations and situations will be straightforward; others will be difficult. You need to be comfortable with both.

This is a hands-on role in a small team, so you will be fully involved in the work yourself. You will know our people, understand our academies and be visible across the Trust.

Director

You will bring professional expertise and judgement to the Executive Team and help shape the Trust's approach to its workforce.

You will give clear advice, including when that means challenging established thinking or saying something people may not want to hear. You will help us make fair and consistent decisions while recognising that people and circumstances are different.

You will work with other Directors and academy leaders to identify what needs attention, improve the way we work and make sure our practice is lawful, fair and workable.

You will have the authority of a Director and the willingness to get involved in the detail when that is what the job requires.

About the role:

As People Director, you will act as the Trust's principal adviser on workforce strategy, organisational development, culture and employee experience. Reporting directly to senior leaders and working alongside fellow Directors, you will ensure that people decisions support educational excellence, organisational sustainability and exceptional outcomes for children and young people.

What you’ll de doing: 

The role covers the full range of people matters across City Learning Trust. This includes:

• advising colleagues and leaders on employment matters

• managing employee relations casework

• working with trade unions and employee representatives

• supporting recruitment and safer recruitment

• maintaining effective HR systems and accurate workforce information

• developing and reviewing people policies

• ensuring our employment practices meet legal and statutory requirements

• providing workforce advice and information to the Executive Team and Trustees

• supporting organisational change where people expertise is required

The exact balance will change according to what is happening across the Trust. You will need to be comfortable moving between immediate issues and longer-term work.

What we need from you:

• You will need substantial HR experience and excellent current knowledge of employment law.

• You will be able to work confidently with colleagues at every level, including providing professional challenge when required. You will need to make sound judgements, communicate clearly and deal appropriately with sensitive and confidential matters.

• Experience of working in education is useful, but it is not essential. Understanding people and knowing your profession are much more important to us.

• A Level 7 CIPD qualification is desirable.