Head of Human Resources

ISC group; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

St Helen’s School is seeking an experienced Head of Human Resources to lead our HR function on a full-time, permanent basis. You will provide strategic leadership, oversee delivery of a professional HR service and support staff, managers and senior leaders across all people management areas.

Working with senior leaders, you will lead on employee relations, recruitment, policy development, performance management, staff wellbeing, learning and development, organisational change and workforce

Qualifications

• Significant generalist HR experience in a senior role, ideally in a school environment.
• CIPD Level 7 qualification or equivalent HR experience with CPD commitment.
• Experience managing complex employee relations matters: disciplinary, grievance, capability and absence.
• Ability to advise managers, employees and senior leaders and lead HR policies and recruitment.
• Understanding UK employment law and safeguarding in education.

Responsibilities

• Lead the HR function and provide strategic leadership for the school.
• Oversee delivery of a responsive and effective HR service for staff, managers and senior leaders.
• Lead on employee relations, recruitment, policy development, performance management, wellbeing and learning & development.
• Drive organisational change and workforce planning in line with strategic objectives.
• Provide expert guidance on employment legislation, safeguarding requirements and best practice.
• Champion The St Helen’s Way and foster a positive, inclusive workplace culture.

Skills

HR leadership

Employee relations

Staff development

Policy development

Recruitment

Stakeholder management

Communication

Organisational change

Safeguarding knowledge

Discretion & professionalism

Education

CIPD Level 7

Job description

Head of Human Resources

St Helen’s School

St Helen’s School is seeking an experienced and proactive Head of Human Resources to lead our HR function on a full-time, permanent basis.

This is an excellent opportunity for an accomplished HR professional with experience in the education sector to make a significant contribution to the ongoing success of the School. The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership and oversee the delivery of a professional, responsive and effective HR service, supporting staff, managers and senior leaders across all aspects of people management.

Working closely with senior leaders, the Head of Human Resources will lead on employee relations, recruitment, policy development, performance management, staff wellbeing, learning and development, organisational change and workforce planning. They will provide expert advice and guidance on employment legislation, safeguarding requirements and HR best practice, ensuring that the School’s policies and procedures remain compliant, effective and aligned with its strategic objectives.

The successful candidate will play a key role in fostering a positive, inclusive and high-performing working environment where colleagues feel supported, valued and empowered to succeed. They will champion The St Helen’s Way, ensuring that the School’s values, behaviours and expectations are embedded throughout the employee lifecycle and reflected in all people practices.

We are looking for someone who:

• Has significant generalist HR experience in a senior HR management or HR Business Partner role, ideally within a school environment.
• Holds a CIPD Level 7 qualification or has equivalent professional HR experience, with a commitment to continuing professional development.
• Has extensive experience managing complex employee relations matters, including disciplinary, grievance, capability and absence management cases.
• Can provide expert, practical and professional HR advice and guidance to managers, employees and senior leaders.
• Has experience developing and implementing HR policies and procedures, leading recruitment and selection processes, and supporting organisational change.
• Understands UK employment legislation, safeguarding requirements and the importance of safer recruitment within an educational setting.
• Has experience overseeing payroll, pensions and employee benefits queries, working collaboratively with finance colleagues and external providers.
• Can lead, coach and develop HR colleagues, promoting a collaborative and responsive approach to service delivery.
• Has strong interpersonal, communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to manage sensitive situations with discretion and professionalism.
• Is highly organised, analytical and solutions-focused, with the ability to prioritise competing demands and make sound, well-informed decisions.
• Is committed to promoting staff wellbeing, equality, diversity and inclusion, and creating a positive workplace culture built on accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Is passionate about championing The St Helen’s Way and contributing to the continued success of the School.

What we offer:

• The opportunity to play a key leadership role within a successful and ambitious school.
• A supportive and collaborative working environment with opportunities to influence and develop the School’s people strategy.
• The opportunity to shape HR practice, strengthen organisational culture and make a meaningful contribution to staff experience and the wider School community.

Closing Date: 09.00am Tuesday 3rd November 2026

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews may take place before the closing date. We therefore encourage early applications and reserve the right to close the vacancy early should a suitable candidate be appointed.