APPLICATION PACK. Head of Human Resources. Closing date: 28/11/18

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1 APPLICATION PACK Head of Human Resources Closing date: 28/11/18

2 Welcome The Aims of our Trust Ensuring all our students benefit from high quality inspirational teaching which instils a love of learning and improves life chances as they prepare for a bright future Providing all our students with high levels of challenge and the highest expectations through a culture of continued improvement which enables them to strive for success and fulfil their potential Severn Academies Educational Trust (SAET) works for over 3000 students and their families from nursery provision all the way through to post 16 study. As stand out schools in their own right each school maintains its own identity whilst making the most of the opportunities created by learning from each other. Being part of SAET provides a strong base from which all schools work closely together to enable the very best practices to be shared and gives all students in the Trust the very best opportunities to be the best they can be. Whilst high quality teaching and learning is at the heart of everything that takes place, all SAET schools recognise the importance of a broad and enriching curriculum experience that goes beyond strong academic achievement. SAET recognises that all the additional and extra-curricular experiences students take part in support their growth and development into well-rounded individuals. Improving outcomes and life chances for all of our students is our core aim. All of our leaders are driven to ensure an effective School Improvement Strategy unlocks the potential of our staff and students. Chris King Chief Executive Officer Enabling all our students and staff to embrace and respect our community and the partnerships that help us to achieve our aims Ensuring all our students feel safe, secure and valued and are able to grow as confident, independent citizens who are able to thrive in an ever-changing world

3 Dear Applicant Thank you for your interest in Severn Academies Educational Trust. This pack is intended to give you a flavour of our Trust and our broader vision as well as information about the post of Head of Human Resources. SAET was founded in 2016 and has grown into a multi academy trust of seven schools: two secondary and five primary schools, all within close proximity. We recognise that our success starts with the talent and dedication of our people and staff recruitment is a high priority to support our ambition to ensure every one of our students exceeds their targets and expectations. Our standards are high but in return we provide extensive support and development opportunities for our staff. We work collaboratively with others and seek ways to ensure we maintain our reputation as a provider of first class training and development for those working in education. This is a new role for a skilled and enthusiastic professional with experience, although this does not necessarily have to be in an education setting. The postholder will lead a small team to deliver excellent advice, guidance and support for a whole range of HR requirements, from recruitment and employment practices, writing policies, performance and absence monitoring and employment law advice when necessary. Your expert advice will support the leaders and staff in our schools, shape our staff offer and support our ambition to be an employer of choice. A start date as soon as possible is required. The successful candidate will be based at our central office but will be expected to travel between schools as necessary. If you would like to apply for this post please complete the application form that can be found on our website and return to recruitment@saet.co.uk. If you have any queries please contact Andrea James on The closing date for applications is 12pm on Wednesday 28 November We look forward to meeting you soon. Yours sincerely Mr C King Chief Executive

4 Head of Human Resources Grade PO3: hours/week 25 days annual leave We recognise that people are our most important asset and are investing in our aim to make Severn Academies Educational Trust a great place to work. We currently employ approximately 550 staff across two secondary and five primary schools in north Worcestershire, with excellent transport links to Birmingham, Wolverhampton and Worcester. An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced HR professional to join our growing and forward thinking team. The Head of Human Resources will work closely with our CEO, Headteachers and senior leaders across the Trust leading the development of outstanding HR practice and providing direction on policy, practice, employment legislation and all related administration activities. The Head of HR will play a vital role to ensure that our Trust attracts, develops, rewards and retains the very best talent to ensure outstanding outcomes for our young people. This is a new role for an experienced professional with strong employee relations and change management experience. Previous HR management or consultant experience is essential. We are looking for someone with high levels of commitment, energy and enthusiasm and a strong can-do approach. If you are CIPD qualified (at least L5) with the ability to build and maintain strong relationships at all levels and have outstanding knowledge of employment law we would like to hear from you. We can offer: the chance to shape our organisational design an environment that supports creative and innovative employment practices and opportunities the potential to develop your own team and play a pivotal role in the growth of our Trust a supportive working environment with an emphasis on CPD opportunities some flexible working during school holiday periods membership of local government pension scheme To apply Visit and download the application pack and application form.. Closing date for applications is Wednesday 28 November 2018 at 12pm If you would like further information about this role please contact Andrea James on

5 Severn Academies Educational Trust Job Description/Person Specification Post: Head of Human Resources Post Holder: Responsible to: CEO Grade: PO3: hours/week, full year General The Head of Human Resources (HR) will work closely with and in support of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the Trust Directors, the Chief Financial Officer, the Headteachers and other senior leaders within the Trust. The postholder will lead the development of outstanding HR practice throughout the Trust and will provide direction on policy, practice and employment legislation. Specific The specific requirements of the post are: Provide the strategic and professional leadership of HR within the Trust, including the development and implementation of an annual HR plan and leadership of the Trust HR team (as it develops from the inception of this post). Introduce and embed a commercial, business focussed and fit for purpose HR provision that challenges convention and delivers best practise in line with employment legislation parameters. Ensure that Severn Academies Educational Trust is operating within a legally robust HR policy and procedural framework that is fit for purpose. Provide robust professional advice and clear recommendations for action to the CEO, the Trust Directors, the CFO, the Headteachers and other senior leaders within the Trust, on all aspects of HR policy and practice. Work to ensure that outstanding HR management and practice becomes standard practice within the Trust by ensuring best practice is shared and that there is consistency. Key Responsibilities: Develop and implement an annual agenda for HR strategy in line with the Trust and School strategic plans. Provide written and verbal HR reports to the Trust s Board of Directors and its committees as required. Hold the overview of all Trust HR policies and implement a consistent set of legally compliant Trust HR policies, ensuring that these are subject to a programme of regular review as well as being updated in the light of changing legal requirements. Ensure that relevant legislative and educational employment knowledge is kept up to date within the Trust and schools, advising on the interpretation and implementation of changes to ensure that all policies and procedures are up to date and legally compliant.

6 Provide legal and HR updates for school leaders, Governors and Directors. Lead and oversee the continuous improvement of the operational HR support team and its systems, including supporting payroll processing, salary forecasting, pensions arrangements, recruitment, sickness monitoring and OH referrals, performance management and appraisal, and other operational areas (in conjunction with the Finance Team where appropriate). Ensure that contracts of employment, offer letters and all other correspondence is fit for purpose and consistent, promoting the Trust s ethos and values. Ensure that the Trust is compliant with equalities requirements in terms of the arrangements for pay and conditions across its academies, giving professional recommendations and implementing action plans to address any inconsistencies of approach. Lead on casework and employee relations and support on behalf of the Trust, liaising with stakeholders and trade unions as appropriate. Lead on the provision of support and advice to the Trust and school leadership teams on HR related issues as required, including providing professional developmental support to senior and middle leaders in all aspects of HR including the application of Trust policies. Lead on HR aspects of Trust projects as required. Be known and present in all the Trust s schools in order to give confidence and support to staff and leaders. Work with the Director of Teaching School to become an employer of choice, to promote staff well-being and work life balance initiatives and actively seek means of engaging staff. Put in place a Trust wide system to monitor and manage staff absences and support Headteachers and senior leaders with any concerns. Audit school s SCR and seek advice from the Trust s safeguarding consultants to provide guidance to all schools on best practice. Align recruitment practices across the Trust, ensuring that job descriptions, person specifications and advertisements are consistent and that all new staff are recruited in line with Trust structures and grades. Instigate clear authority to recruit guidelines. The post-holder will be asked to recommend the purchase and implementation of a HR package across the Trust. The post-holder will oversee the centralisation of HR and transactional staffing services from schools to the Trust and ensure that training and development is provided to all stakeholders. Line Management The postholder will line manage the HR team as and when it grows General Accountabilities: So far as reasonably practicable, the post-holder must promote safe working practices by employees in school premises / work areas to maintain a safe working environment for employees and service users. These are defined in SAET Health and Safety policy. Work in compliance with the Codes of Conduct, regulations and policies of the Trust and its commitment to equal opportunities. Ensure that output and quality of work is of a high standard and complies with current legislation / professional standards.

7 Person Specification Skills and Experience Required/Desired: Formal qualification in Human Resources Management and membership of the CIPD (essential). A generalist HR background with experience of dealing with a complex workforce (essential). A proven track record of providing inspiration and strong strategic leadership of HR (essential). Previous experience of leading a team (desirable). Able to recognise the value and responsibility of working in a team, actively support and develop team members and identify and problem solve any issues (essential). Ability to work to deadlines and adapt to changing conditions (essential). Ability to work to a high level of detail with an excellent standard of accuracy (essential). Ability to generate effective and pragmatic solutions to new situations and problems as they are presented (essential). Exposure to TUPE and confident in handling TUPE situations. Understanding of all legal implications and ability to resource plan accordingly and comply with legal obligations (desirable). Strong working knowledge of employment law issues and the ability to apply these to a variety of situations using a pragmatic and common sense approach (essential). Makes sensible, intelligent decisions in difficult and deadline driven situations (essential). Excellent attention to detail (essential). Respected and held in high regard by colleagues (essential). Approachable and a good listener (essential). Personal Attributes: Demonstrates passion and enthusiasm. Committed to upholding professional standards. Takes ownership of the HR service and responsibility for own actions. Demonstrates the ability to focus time wherever it is needed, and take a hands on approach. Visibly supports the leadership team(s) and their agenda(s). Results-focused and committed to achieving goals. Tenacious approach to delivery, quality of output and organisation. Capable and clear communication skills handles complex and difficult situations with clarity, thought and confidence. Ability to deliver appropriate information to the right people. Ability to explain detailed legal information to staff in a straightforward way. Displays integrity is sincere in own behaviour and in dealings with others. Self-motivated and self-aware recognises own strengths and weaknesses and is committed to personal development. Ability to influence and develop others is committed to developing an excellent team. Takes a broad interest in the success and development of Severn Academies Educational Trust and its reputation.

8 Support: The post-holder will have access to external legal advisors and HR consultants who will be the first point of contact for support until, and if, their support is not deemed necessary.

9 Becoming an employer of choice Staff recruitment and retention is effective in gaining and keeping the very best staff and leadership succession planning is in place across the Trust to nurture and maximise potential. Supportive staff structures ensure all schools receive efficient and effective delivered support including value-added opportunities for employees to enhance health and well-being. Effective HR support ensures best and consistent practices across our Trust whilst excellent professional development opportunities for staff enables further development of skills, experiences and effectiveness at every level. Our Staff Council has representatives from all our schools and shapes our staff vision; by working collaboratively, the group aims to ensure our schools are a good place to work and where everyone is valued. Training & Support Across the Trust As a partnership of schools, our Trust provides and shares our skills, experience, talent and capacity to help and improve learning and achievement throughout the Trust and across Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire. Our School Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) programme is the longest established school-based training provider in Worcestershire. Offering training and support to all partner schools, we believe that being part of a group makes us stronger together. We provide nationally accredited and bespoke leadership, training, support, research and development opportunities to school staff across the region and have a bank of nationally and regionally recognised experts that can act as a task force to help schools and individuals in need of support. School Improvement at Scale School improvement is the key to school effectiveness and is at the heart of the process of raising standards. It allows us to deliver an education for all children that is of the highest quality. Our Trust is driven by the core purpose of improving outcomes and life chances for students and believes that an effective School Improvement Strategy is the key to unlocking the potential in its leaders, staff and students. A coherent programme of continuing professional development, school to school support and school-centred initial teacher training is embedded alongside clear self-evaluation and quality assurance structures which provide supportive identification of need within schools with standardised collection points, analysis and scrutiny of performance. All schools offer capacity to support other schools and to access help when needed. This includes Specialist Leaders in Education (SLEs) and Trust Improvement Leaders (TILs) who provide effective subject leadership to oversee aspects of specialist work across schools. Financial Sustainability & Economies of Scale Our financial operations are effective in supporting our finance and accounting requirements and financial economies of scale are continually sought. Income generation plans are effective in supporting the Trust s aims. Standardised monitoring and delivery of finance systems ensures clear targets for savings and use of surplus. Curriculum led financial strategic planning ensures high quality and broad and balanced provision.

10 If you would like to know more about working with us please get in touch Severn Academies Educational Trust c/o The Stourport High School & VI th Form College Minster Road Stourport on Severn Worcestershire DY13 8AX T: E: