Head of Human Resources

Bedales School is seeking a talented HR professional to lead its HR function as Head of Human Resources. This position will be key in shaping and implementing a forward-thinking ‘people strategy’ in the broadest sense, aligned to Bedales’ overall aims. The Head of HR will be responsible for building management competence and capacity in middle and senior leaders to allow all staff to perform at their best, as well as developing a whole-school strategy for a culture of staff wellbeing. They will have the opportunity to devise and implement a strategy to diversify the workforce and develop flexible working practices and will lead on all People and Human Resources matters, including recruitment, contract management, employee relations, staff welfare and development, and providing strategic guidance to, and being a member of, the Executive Leadership Team.

Bedales School is a unique educational establishment, set in the beautiful Hampshire countryside. Our aim is to create an environment where questioning, divergent thinking and freedom to learn from mistakes are all encouraged. Central to our success is the sense that each person is a member of our community whose voice is entitled to be heard and treated with respect. Both our staff and students expect of each other the best kind of relationships – co-operative, authentic and trustful.

Experience & Background

The successful candidate will bring significant HR experience at a senior level, including experience of training and development, performance management, employee relations, recruitment and retention, and legal and regulatory compliance. They will have experience managing an HR team and the demonstrable ability to communicate with all stakeholders clearly and effectively. The successful candidate will be able to work in a systematic manner with great attention to detail and will display an unwavering commitment to and understanding of the safety and welfare of children.

Salary

The salary will be dependent on experience and will be commensurate with the seniority and level of responsibility for this role. The post holder will be automatically enrolled in the School’s pension scheme.

Benefits 

• Free on-site parking 
• Funded Healthcare Cash Plan 
• Pension with Royal London 
• Salary Extras Benefits Platform 
• Lifeworks Employee Assistance Programme 
• Free lunch and breakfast is provided during term time   
• Sport facilities are available for staff use

How to Apply

For further details on how to apply, please visit the recruitment portal on the Bedales Schools website via the Apply button. 

Closing date: 9:00am, Friday 5 November 2021

First-stage interview date: w/c 15 November 2021

Second-stage interview date: w/c 29 November 2021

Pre-Appointment Checks

All candidates will undergo a Safeguarding Suitability Interview and application for an Enhanced DBS and Barred List check and be asked to provide evidence they are eligible to work in the UK, on an on-going basis, at the shortlist stage of the selection process.

Safeguarding Statement 

Bedales is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. All candidates will undergo a Safeguarding Suitability Interview and child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers, a Prohibition from Teaching and Management Check and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

The safeguarding responsibilities of the post include: 

• safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children; 
• fostering a culture of openness, safety, equality and protection; 
• providing a safe and welcoming environment where both children and adults feel secure, able to talk and believe that they are being listened to; 
• playing a key role in prevention of harm and an equal responsibility to act on any suspicion or disclosure that may indicate a child is at risk of harm;  
• when concerned about the welfare of a pupil, acting in the best interests of the pupil. 

All staff have a key role to play in identifying concerns early and in providing help for children.

The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the School is therefore permitted to ask job applicants to declare all convictions and cautions (including those which are "spent" unless they are "protected" under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children.