Head of People

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Newfriars College is seeking a proactive, people-focused Head of People to lead our HR function and shape the future of our inclusive, values-driven college community. Reporting to the Finance & Operations Director, you will play a key role in developing a positive, high-performing culture that supports both our staff and our students.

Working Hours: All year, 22 hours per week over 3 days - can be flexible on days for the right candidate

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and delivery of our People Strategy, ensuring it supports our mission and growth
• Oversee all aspects of the employee lifecycle, including recruitment, retention, and professional development
• Champion safer recruitment practices in line with our SEND specialism
• Provide expert guidance on employee relations, case management, and performance improvement
• Drive initiatives to enhance employee engagement, wellbeing, and recognition
• Ensure full compliance with safeguarding, GDPR, and employment legislation
• Partner with leaders across the college to foster a culture of inclusion, collaboration, and continuous learning

The ideal candidate will:

• CIPD Level 7 qualification (minimum) with proven HR leadership experience (Desirable)

• Strong knowledge of employment law, HR best practice, and safeguarding requirements

• Experience in education and/or SEND environments (desirable)

• Excellent communication, influencing, and relationship-building skills

• A collaborative, solutions-focused approach with a genuine passion for people and inclusion

This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real impact in a college that puts inclusion, wellbeing, and professional growth at the heart of everything we do.

Newfriars College aim is to transform the lives of young people through partnership, collaboration, enterprise and innovation. Our vision is to maximise opportunities within the community and provide a breadth and richness of experience that enables all our learners to reach their full potential and be part of an inclusive society. Newfriars College is an Independent Specialist Day College in North Staffordshire dedicated to supporting young people with learning difficulties and disabilities aged 16-25.

We provide specialist resources and facilities for all our learners and have an excellent support network within the local area. This provides the college with many opportunities including transition routes into the wider community, employment and supported work experience, independent living and specialist support from highly skilled multi-agency professionals and therapists. Learning in the community and vocational education is extremely important and we are eager to successfully prepare our young peoples for adulthood.

Our College works in partnership with Shaw Education Trust who believe that "every young person can achieve great things, whatever their abilities and whatever their background".

We are driven by our vision for a society in which young people with disabilities are able to realise their potential and are given the skills, support and assurance to have a better future.

Shaw Education Trust offer the following employee benefits with your Teaching or Support Staff employment:

• An excellent Local Government Pension Scheme (Support Staff) / Teachers Pension (Teaching Staff)
• Support Staff only based on working full time, all year - Generous holiday entitlement from your first day of employment (37 days holiday rising to 39 days after 5 years' service including Bank Holidays)
• Access to Medicash Health & Wellbeing Plan: Enjoy health services designed to support your well-being.
• Free DiscountForTeachers Scheme for all staff (Support and Teaching), Exclusive discounts to save money with a wide selection of discounts and exclusive offers from hundreds of the biggest brands.
• Free Eye Tests
• Cycle to work scheme
• Access to our Institute of Education and fantastic opportunities to help you grow, contribute and flourish in your role and in the Trust.

We know our people are the key to our success and so we're committed to ensuring the employment experience at Shaw Education Trust is a rewarding one.

Actual Salary: £38,649

Working Hours: All year, 22 hours per week over 3 days - can be flexible on days for the right candidate