Head of HR (The Cavendish Education Trust)

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Job Description

Hours of work: 37
Working pattern: Full-time, Term-time only
(As the position is term-time only, the above salary will be pro rata)

Closing date: 9am Monday 22 September 2025

For more information and to apply for the above post, please contact:
Cavendish Education Trust
Eldon Road
Eastbourne
East Sussex
BN21 1UE

Phone: 01323 731340
Email: hr@cet.uk
Website: www.cet.uk

Please note, we do not accept CVs.

This post is covered by the Childcare Disqualification Regulations 2018.

The school will need to ensure that they are not knowingly employing a person who is disqualified under the 2018 Regulations in connection with relevant childcare provision. Accordingly, the successful candidate will be required to demonstrate to the school, by completing a self-declaration form as part of the pre-employment checks process, that they have not been disqualified under the 2018 Regulations.

If the preferred candidate is found to be disqualified under the 2018 Regulations, the offer of employment will be subject to the application by the preferred candidate to Ofsted for a waiver and the receipt of a waiver from Ofsted.

HEAD OF HR

Single Status Grade 11/12 (£40,109 - £45,850)

37 hours per week

Term Time Only + 3 holiday weeks (salary is pro-rated) or Full Time, 52 weeks per year.

Permanent contract. This is an in-person role to cover all Trust schools.

Closing date: Monday 9am 22 September 2025

Interview date: Friday 26 September 2025

Starting date: as soon as possible

Cavendish Education Trust (CET) is a Multi-Academy Trust, currently 3 schools, committed to excellence in education, staff wellbeing, and professional development. We are looking for a Head of HR to lead our Trust-wide human resources function, working both strategically and operationally to deliver outstanding support to our schools.

We advise applying promptly for this post as we reserve the right to close and interview early if sufficient suitable applications have been received.

The Role

You will:

• Lead HR strategy and operations across multiple sites
• Provide advice on employee relations, restructures, and performance management
• Lead attendance management, return to work and health review meetings
• Oversee payroll, pensions, recruitment, safeguarding and compliance
• Review and develop HR policies, systems, and processes
• Line manage and develop staff across the team.

About You
We're seeking someone with:

• CIPD Level 5+ (or equivalent) or commitment to undertake this training.
• Experience in HR, ideally in multi-site or education setting
• Knowledge of employment law and HR best practice
• A collaborative mindset with excellent communication and organisational skills.

Why Join Us?

• Play a pivotal role in shaping HR practice across the Trust
• Work alongside a supportive senior leadership team
• Enjoy variety, autonomy, and the chance to make a real difference for staff and pupils.

If you have any questions concerning the role, interested candidates should contact Jon Brown, Chief Operating Officer, via hr@cet.uk.

Please visit our website for further details as well as the application process https://cet.uk/vacancies/

We look forward to receiving your application, if you have any questions, please email hr@cet.uk

Please note that we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our students and expect all those who work with us to share this commitment. This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check with the Disclosure & Barring Services (previously the Criminal Records Bureau). For further information about what is required in this process please go to https://www.gov.uk/dbs-check-applicant-criminal-record. We give high priority to promoting diversity throughout the school

About Us

Additional Information

The Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All staff will be expected to hold or be willing to obtain an enhanced DBS check or Enhanced check for Regulated Activity with the Disclosure & Barring Services (previously the Criminal Records Bureau). For further information about what is required in this process please go to https://www.gov.uk/dbs-check-applicant-criminal-record.

All school based staff have the responsibility for promoting the safeguarding and welfare of children. All school staff should be aware of the school's Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy and work in accordance with this document at all times.