We are delighted by your interest in the HR Business Partner position at The Gallery Trust. This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled and dynamic individual to join our high-performing HR team and contribute to our mission: improving outcomes and life prospects for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in Oxfordshire.

About Us

As a successful and expanding multi-academy trust, The Gallery Trust has grown from a single special academy in 2013 to the largest special school MAT in Oxfordshire, now comprising seven schools across the county. Our growth continues, with a new free special school in development and several innovative initiatives underway, including Outreach services, short breaks provision, and our Training Hub.

About the Role

To deliver a high quality, professional HR Business Partner Service, offering advice, guidance, direction and support to colleagues in Trust schools and the central team, underpinned by a commitment to promoting the vision and values of the Trust.

Several of the key responsibilities include:

● HR Casework; To provide advice and guidance to schools on routine and complex HR matters including, but not limited to, disciplinary and grievance, probation, performance management and capability

● Support schools with absence management

● Attend school-based HR meetings in person

● Manage and maintain accurate and up to date HR casework records, maintaining confidentiality at all times

● Work closely with the Head of HR on the HR dashboards and analysis

● Partner with schools to embed Trust HR policies and processes

● Deputise and / or provide cover in the absence of the Head of HR

● Work with the Designated Safeguarding Manager to ensure compliance in Safer Recruitment and statutory obligation for KCSIE are met

● Management of the recruitment cycle for Trust central positions

● Support the Head of HR with change management projects, including organisational development, staffing reviews and restructures

● Lead wellbeing liaison across the Trust

● Manage Trust wide template and toolkit creation for all HR procedures

● Support payroll processes linked to HR, providing the Senior Payroll Officer with HR guidance and employment law advice, where required

● Support the Finance and Operations Director with internal/external audit

● Work effectively with Trust leaders, managers and staff to achieve the objectives of the post, fostering a culture of openness, transparency and a solution focused approach

About You

● English and Math’s GCSE grade C/4 or above and CIPD qualification or relevant experience

● Achieved, or working towards CIPD qualification

● Experience of managing employee relations cases and advising senior managers

● Experience of managing end to end recruitment process

● Knowledge of employment law and legislation

● Understanding of absent management process and their application in practice

● Basic knowledge and understanding of payroll administration

● Knowledge of change management projects e.g. organisational development

● Ability to maintain strict confidentiality

● Knowledge of national terms and conditions or employment relating to schools, including STPCD, The Burgundy Book and The Green Book

● Excellent verbal and written communication skills

● Physical and emotional resilience; Able to work accurately under pressure

● Proven commitment to own professional development