Head of HR

We require an enthusiastic and proactive People & Culture Business Partner to play a pivotal role in supporting the delivery of a proactive and forward-thinking HR service across our Trust. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced HR Advisor looking to step into a Business Partner role, or for an established HR Business Partner seeking to broaden their experience within a values-driven educational environment. As an experienced HR professional, you will understand how people practices contribute to organisational success and help bring our Trust vision and values to life. Working closely with academy leadership teams, you will provide expert advice and support across a broad range of employee relations matters, ensuring timely and effective resolution while helping leaders navigate organisational change and transformation programmes. WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR We are looking for a confident and credible HR professional who can build strong relationships with a wide range of stakeholders and provide practical, solution-focused advice. You will have: Proven experience across all aspects of operational HR delivery. A strong understanding of employment legislation and the ability to apply this effectively in practice, identifying and mitigating organisational risk. Experience managing a varied employee relations caseload independently and confidently. The ability to contribute to and support HR projects that drive positive change and continuous improvement across the Trust. Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to engage and support diverse audiences. Strong organisational skills, a calm and professional approach, and the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines effectively. Most importantly, you will be someone who enjoys working collaboratively while also being confident operating independently. As a trusted partner to our academies, you will regularly visit the schools you support, building positive relationships with leaders and colleagues, while also working closely with the central People & Culture team on Trust-wide initiatives and projects. WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU We recognise the importance of achieving a healthy work-life balance. While this role involves regular travel to the academies you support and collaboration with colleagues across the Trust, we offer a flexible hybrid working approach, including the opportunity to work from home one day per week. We are committed to supporting flexible working arrangements wherever possible, enabling our colleagues to balance the needs of the role with their personal commitments. Generous annual leave entitlement, starting at 29 days and increasing to 34 days after 5 years' service LGPS pension scheme A range of employee benefits, including a Cycle to Work scheme and free on-site parking. The opportunity to work alongside highly skilled and supportive professionals. A strong commitment to professional development and continuous learning. Wider career development opportunities across the Gosforth Group, enabling you to broaden your experience and impact. If you would like to discuss this vacancy further please contact Helen Taylor - Director of People & Culture, email: helen.taylor@gosforthgroup.org.uk. Applications are shortlisted for interview as they are received, and so early application is encouraged. We reserve the right to commence the interview process and close the vacancy prior to this date. The Trust is committed to equality, inclusion and diversity and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.