HR Manager

Summary of the Role

We are looking to recruit an enthusiastic and proactive HR Manager to work at Newton Prep. Our staff are our greatest resource, and our HR Manager will hold a key role. Our atmosphere is full of happiness and enthusiasm with a sense of purpose and achievement as both pupils and staff aim high. We are seeking someone who mirrors this approach and is a model for best practice, as we look forward to a new chapter in the School’s life.

The theme is continuity and development – to build on the School’s culture and many achievements to date, not least of all its most recent ISI report issued following inspection in January 2025. Applications are invited from candidates who are CIPD qualified (Level 5 or 7 or equivalent), with excellent communication and organisational skills. You will need a proven track record in your previous roles and will need to show dedication and commitment to develop in this role.

To start September 2026
, or as soon as possible thereafter.

• Lead on all Employee Relations cases working closely with the Head, Bursar, Deputy Heads and line managers; including but not limited to investigations, disciplinary, grievances, capability, redundancies, restructures and dismissals.
• Follow up on sickness absence triggers, including referrals to occupational health when required, advising and working closely with line managers and occupational health where applicable. Ensure compliance with UK Employment law and best practice in Human Resources
• Manage and advise employees and managers on leave of absence, family leave and other leave requests in line with School policies and procedures

• Ensure the School’s compliance with all aspects of employment law applicable to Schools incorporated as a limited company, The Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014, the school’s status as a UKVI sponsor in relation to employees, other regulations, DfE requirements, insurance requirements and best practice
• Manage the school’s Single Central Register, including conducting at least termly audits with the Bursar to ensure that it is up to date and accurate so that we are ever ready for any inspection
• Comply with all aspects of safer recruitment and Keeping Children Safe in Education
• Organise safer recruitment training for the School on a cyclical basis
• Lead annual reviews and updates of the School’s suite of employment contracts and HR policies
• Keep up to date with future employment regulation and law applicable to the School, and prepare for changes in ways that mitigate risk
• Update policies and procedures in line with employment law changes, submitting proposed changes to the Governing Body via the Bursar Liaise with the School’s legal advisors on staff related issues together with the Governing Body

• Manage recruitment, including the production of adverts, job descriptions, person specifications, shortlisting processes, interview schedules and safer recruitment processes
• Keep up to date with labour market trends and how this affects the School’s ability to recruit, including the use of AI (for example, in assisting drafting)
• Utilise recruitment campaigns and sourcing channels as required for roles advertised and work with the Communications Team to make these go live
• Design fair and inclusive assessment approaches which identify the right candidates for the roles
• Use campaign, recruitment and onboarding data and feedback to drive better people experiences and more effective recruitment approaches
• Manage onboarding and offboarding processes, reviewing and re-designing the processes where necessary and updating the School’s induction policy accordingly
• Ensure that all staff receive appropriate advice and support on conditions of service, policies and procedures, ensuring they are effectively and consistently inducted and communicated with throughout their service at the School and kept abreast of changes to school policies
• Facilitate exit interviews with all departing staff members, analyse staff turnover and exit…