School HR & Compliance Officer - Independent Secondary...

A long-established independent secondary school in Surrey is seeking a meticulous and proactive HR & Compliance Officer to join its senior support team. This is a key operational role within a well-regarded co-educational day school known for its strong pastoral systems, academic consistency and carefully managed governance.

The school has invested significantly in strengthening its HR and compliance processes in recent years and is now looking for a capable professional to oversee and maintain high standards across safer recruitment, staff records and regulatory compliance.

The Role

Working closely with the Bursar and Senior Leadership Team, you will take responsibility for the full employee lifecycle from recruitment to exit, ensuring all procedures meet statutory and Independent School Standards requirements.

Core responsibilities include:

• Managing safer recruitment processes, including DBS checks, references and SCR maintenance

• Maintaining the Single Central Record to inspection-ready standard

• Drafting and issuing contracts, variations and HR documentation

• Monitoring probation reviews, appraisal documentation and CPD tracking

• Overseeing safeguarding and compliance training records

• Supporting policy review and implementation in line with ISI expectations

• Acting as first point of contact for HR queries from staff

• Assisting with absence monitoring and personnel record management

This role requires both accuracy and discretion. You will be entrusted with confidential information and expected to maintain robust documentation at all times.

The School

This independent Surrey school educates pupils from 11–18 and has a strong academic profile alongside a well-established co-curricular programme. Governance and compliance are taken seriously, with clear systems in place and a culture of preparation rather than reaction.

The school has undergone recent ISI inspection and places significant importance on maintaining inspection-readiness. Documentation, record-keeping and safeguarding compliance are priorities within the operational structure.

The staff body is stable and professional, and the Senior Leadership Team works collaboratively with the support staff to ensure smooth school operations.

Working Environment

You will be based in the central administrative offices, working closely with finance, admissions and senior leaders. The school benefits from a calm, organised operational culture — processes are structured, expectations are clear and standards are high.

Unlike many larger institutions, this role offers genuine ownership. You will not simply process paperwork; you will maintain systems, identify improvements and contribute meaningfully to compliance strategy.

About You

• Previous HR experience within a school or regulated environment

• Strong knowledge of safer recruitment and safeguarding compliance

• Experience maintaining a Single Central Record

• High attention to detail and strong organisational skills

• Confident communicator able to liaise with leadership and external bodies

• Discreet and professional when handling confidential information

Experience within the independent sector is desirable but not essential for candidates with strong compliance backgrounds.

What’s on Offer

• A respected independent school environment with clear governance

• Competitive salary reflective of experience

• Access to independent sector pension scheme

• Free on-site parking and term-time lunches

• A stable and professionally run setting with low staff turnover

• Opportunity to take ownership of HR compliance processes

This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled HR professional who values structure, precision and contributing to a well-run independent school.