THE GIRLS’ DAY SCHOOL TRUST
Job Description
Title: HR Business Partner.
Reports to: Head of HR.
Base: Trust Office - Central London with travel to schools acorss the UK
Job Overview
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To support the Head of HR in the provision of a high quality operational HR service to
schools and Trust Office.
Partner with Senior Management in Trust Office and in Schools to provide operational
and strategic HR support to the organisation in achievement of the GDST Strategy
You will work in partnership with the Heads and SLTs across the trust to, by pro-actively coaching
senior managers in schools through all HR issues, with the objective of improving the quality of
people management and employee engagement across the GDST.
Specific Responsibilities
• Provide accurate Employment Law advice and guidance to senior management and
to advise on the implementation of HR policies and procedures, best practice.
• Advise & support Heads, and Senior Management Teams on strategic human
resource issues and the implementation and implications of business decisions.
• Actively work with Schools and Trust office managers to resolve people management
issues.
• Comply with legislative requirements to make any relevant reports, referrals and
provide information to official bodies i.e. Independent Safeguarding Authority,
General Teaching Council etc.
• In conjunction with the Education team, analyse learning and development needs
and recommended workable, cost-effective solutions, designing and delivering
workshops as necessary
• Work with HR colleagues to ensure the provision of seamless HR support across
whole of the GDST.
• In liaison with the Legal team, contribute towards policy development and
implementation in respect of staff health, safety and welfare at work.
• Develop and maintain systems (manual and electronic) to ensure that requirements
for management and employee information are met.
• With the Head of HR, ensure that key HR/Workforce performance indicators are
assessed and that there is pro-active development of action plans in response to any
identified trends or issues.
• Ensure that effective arrangements are maintained for employee involvement and
communication; and that employee consultation processes are operating effectively,
in schools and Trust Office.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of HR strategy.
• Responsibility for co-coordinating a specific HR activity (ies).
Job Descriptions are an outline of a role, and are not an exhaustive list of duties. You are
expected to carry out other activities that are within the scope of the role. You may also be
allocated specific project work from time to time as requested by the Head of HR
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GIRLS’ DAY SCHOOL TRUST
PERSON SPECIFICATION
HR Business Partner
I am committed to making a difference
I commit to GDST aims, objectives and values. I display a positive approach in the way I work and contribute to the wider
needs of the organisation and its stakeholders either directly or indirectly. At work I overcome difficulties, setbacks and
pressure, to get things. I recognise and encourage commitment in others
I gather and share knowledge
I seek and use information, knowledge and experience and create opportunities to share this with others. I look for new
developments and keep up to date with issues which impact my work. I interpret, distil and disseminate information. I manage
and protect others’ personal information professionally
I work in partnership
I build trust and partner with colleagues, other agencies and key people to facilitate the best outcomes for the GDST. I
overcome barriers and difficulties to bring people together and utilise relationships internally and externally to maximize
service provision and/or the use of resources. I support colleagues to achieve our objectives.
I communicate effectively
I use appropriate methods, styles and language to communicate to different audiences. I communicate succinctly using clear
language. I listen and take account of others’ views and needs. I show understanding and use logic to communicate. I check
that others have received and understood the intended message.
I adapt to changing priorities
I adopt a flexible, proactive approach to get the job done. I am responsive to change and recognise when tasks are urgent
and/or important, taking appropriate action. I prioritise activities and know when to say ‘no’. I deal positively with last minute
changes and interruptions. I look for practical solutions and know when to find different ways to achieve an objective.
I achieve professional standards
I comply with legislation, regulatory standards, GDST policies and procedures and quality standards. I know where to find
copies and where to get advice on them. I work in a systematic, organised and methodical way. I accurately record, monitor
and use data in accordance with laid down policies and procedures. I use my time and resources safely and efficiently.
Requirement
Education and
qualifications
Knowledge
Essential
CIPD qualified
Educated to degree level
Comprehensive knowledge of UK
employment law and its effective
application in the workplace
Experience
At least 3 years’ experience of
• providing generalist HR services
in a dispersed environment
• managing disciplinary and
grievance issues, inc
dismissals; advising on boardlevel appeals
• successfully managing
capability issues & developing
strategies for managing
absence
• advising on restructuring
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Desirable
MCIPD
Knowledge of HR in the
Education sector (public sector
or independent)
Experience of
• Working within a
unionised environment
• the Education sector
• managing ET claims;
inc successful
resolution
• managing TUPE
transfers
• designing and
delivering training