Trust Deputy Lead for People and Culture - Solent Academies Trust

Portsmouth City Council; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 47,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in Portsmouth seeks a Trust Deputy Lead for People and Culture. This full-time role focuses on leading HR and recruitment functions while fostering a relational culture. You will support the values of the trust and make a genuine impact on staff experiences. Applicants should be passionate about people and relationships, and have relevant experience in HR practices. The role offers competitive salary and benefits, including a generous pension scheme.

Benefits

Local Government Pension Scheme

Confidential Counselling & Wellbeing Support

CPD opportunities for career development

Employee Referral Scheme

Qualifications

• Experience in HR functions and recruitment.
• Strong understanding of relational culture and practices.
• Ability to lead teams and manage diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead HR and recruitment functions.
• Ensure people practices reflect trust values.
• Support staff wellbeing and development.

Skills

Relational leadership

Effective communication

Problem-solving

Job description

Trust Deputy Lead for People and Culture - Solent Academies Trust

Location: Portsmouth City Council, Portsmouth, Hampshire

Salary: £47,181 - £51,356

Contract: Full time, 37 hours per week, 52 weeks

Band: 11

Posting status: NEW

Overview

Are you passionate about people, relationships and creating environments where everyone can thrive? Do you believe that a strong, relational culture is the foundation of a successful organisation? Solent Academies Trust is seeking a Trust Deputy Lead for People & Culture to play a key strategic and operational role in shaping an exceptional staff experience across our family of academies.

Responsibilities

Working closely with the Executive Lead for People & Culture, you will help lead the Trust's HR and recruitment functions, ensuring that our people practices reflect the values of our Relational Culture Charter – where trusting relationships sit at the heart of everything we do. This is a varied, rewarding role where you will make a genuine difference every day.

Relational Culture Charter

• Valuing Difference
• Effective Communication
• High Challenge & High Support to Empower
• Respect for All
• Solution-Focused Approaches

Benefits

• Excellent staff induction with a commitment to high quality professional development in relational leadership and HR excellence.
• A culture rooted in relational practice, belonging, and wellbeing.
• A workplace where your values, voice, and contribution truly matter.
• Local Government Pension Scheme with option of a 50/50 contribution to build over time.
• 17.9% employer pension contribution.
• Confidential Counselling & Wellbeing Support Service.
• Life Insurance – 3 times annual salary for members of the pension scheme.
• Wellbeing Inset Day to support staff wellbeing.
• Free on‑site parking at most academies.
• Increase of annual leave after 5 years of service from 27 to 31 days.
• CPD opportunities to support career development.
• Employee Referral Scheme.
• Employee Benefits Platform.

Application Details

If you have any questions or wish to submit an application, please email [e-mail].

Applicants must complete the Solent Academies Trust application form. The closing date for applications is Monday 8th December at 9am. Interviews will be held on Friday 12th and 19th December 2025.

Equality and Diversity

Solent Academies Trust welcomes applications regardless of age, gender, ethnicity or religion. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.