Elstree School

Woolhampton. Reading. . RG7 5TD 0118 9713302

www.elstreeschool.org.uk

Candidate brief for the position of Head of HR May 2021

Elstree School

School

Contents

The School 3

The Role 4

Package 7

How to apply 7

2 Candidate brief - Head of HR (Permanent) to commence ASAP Elstree School

School Elstree School

Thank you for your interest in working in our Bursary department at Elstree School. We hope the following information is useful for you:

Set in 150 acres of stunning parkland in rural , Elstree welcomes boys and girls aged 3-13 years. Originally founded in 1848, it moved to its current location in 1939 and opened its Pre-Prep school in 1993. It offers boarding, both flexi and weekly, from Year 4 onwards.

We are a close community and pride ourselves on the very special, warm environment that has evolved since our inception, influenced largely by the family principles of Elstree School. We understand each parent’s desire for their child to feel happy and secure and consider our role in the children’s development and happiness to be a very privileged one. Our committed, energetic and enthusiastic staff look forward to working in partnership with parents throughout their child’s time at Elstree. All children are valued as individuals and are encouraged to explore and develop their talents to the full.

School Life Whilst the emphasis on the academic side is vital, every child is encouraged to have a go at a very broad range of activities and all of their achievements are celebrated, whatever the field. Our teachers ensure that each child is given the opportunity to shine in many areas of school life and so develop a sense of accomplishment and personal worth.

Boarding We firmly believe in the benefits of the boarding experience – it enables pupils to learn to live as part of a community; it builds up their self-confidence, independence and organisation skills; to pursue a wealth of activities and interests and to build up strong friendships. There is a wide range of Boarders’ Clubs to get involved in – from bridge to cookery, fishing and shooting to judo and touch rugby and many more.

3 Candidate brief - Head of HR (Permanent) to commence ASAP Elstree School

Academic School Our whole school Curriculum Policy offers a wide choice of experiences, skills and subjects from the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), through Key Stages 1 & 2, to Common Entrance and Scholarship level and aims to realise the highest academic expectations for all pupils within a framework of proven learning, techniques and innovative and exciting teaching methods.

Performing & creative arts Alongside the pursuit of academic excellence, rooted in the School’s ethos is the importance of giving children a proper childhood; participating in group and individual activities that develop their own characters and relationship with others. Art, Music, Drama and DT are therefore vital subjects in the education of children and it is important they receive equal standing with all other parts of the curriculum.

Sports Elstree offers a broad and extensive range of sports in the weekly games program and gives every child the opportunity to unlock and maximise their potential. It is fully inclusive and aims to challenge, develop and improve their knowledge and skills at the appropriate level. We fortunate to have a highly experienced and dedicated staff who coach both junior (Year 3 and 4) games and senior (Year 5-8) games every day.

4 Candidate brief - Head of HR (Permanent) to commence ASAP Elstree School

School

Head of HR, Permanent

JOB DESCRIPTION Appointed by and reporting to: The Bursar The primary function of this role is to design and embed strong HR processes across the school, coupled with leading the HR and compliance activities on a day-to-day basis. Providing effective and efficient HR & recruitment support and advice to the Headmaster, Bursary team and the staff of Elstree School.

Key responsibilities:

• Managing the day-to-day HR activities, including 1 direct report, keeping the Headmaster & Bursar up to date as needed • Overseeing the recruitment to all vacancies across all open posts • Undertaking interviews in conjunction with the Headmaster, Head of Pre prep or the Bursar • Ensuring the prompt and timely completion of all pre-employment enquiries and checks • Reviewing offer letters and contracts of employment prior to their authorisation by the Headmaster and Bursar • Ensuring the completion of all recruitment processes in advance of the new employee joining and signing off new starter files • Ensuring that the Single Central Register for the school is up to date, accurate and fully compliant at all times, including reviewing the Single Central Register at least once a term with the Deputy Head and safeguarding Governor • Overseeing all changes to terms and conditions for the school, ensuring they are put in writing in a timely manner and that personnel files are up to date at all times • Ensuring leavers are processed in a timely manner and ensuring all paperwork is up to date at all times • Liaising with the Finance Manager to ensure accurate payroll information is provided on a timely basis for all employee • Ensuring all policies are reviewed in a timely manner and updated in accordance with changes to employment law and best practice • Supporting the development of new policies as required • Keeping up to date with legislative changes • In conjunction with the Bursar, ensuring school accommodation is fairly and appropriately allocated each year • Ensuring that all work in relation to school accommodation moves are completed in a timely manner • Overseeing the organising, tracking and administration of all staff training including Child Protection training and induction • Managing all absence records, ensuring they are up to date and accurate at all times and that the Headmaster, Head of Pre Prep & Bursar are aware of any sickness absence issues that arise • Working with staff who are absent to ensure a timely, and appropriate return to work, supporting the Head of Department as appropriate • Design and embed an appropriate performance review cycle and supporting Heads of Departments with any management issues including performance and sickness absence management • Providing HR guidance on performance management issues including disciplinaries, grievances and capability • Introducing, developing and maintaining a culture of employee wellbeing across Elstree by leading a wellbeing group and associated initiatives

5 Candidate brief - Head of HR (Permanent) to commence ASAP Elstree School

• Working with the FSchoolinance Manager to continually develop the staff benefits offering to maintain a motivated and engaged staff body • Liaising with the School’s external counsel as and when required • Ensuring that any performance concerns across the school are addressed, documented, and resolved and the Headmaster & Bursar are kept appraised • Supporting regular appraisals for all staff and keeping the Headmaster, Head of Pre Prep & Bursar up to date on a regular basis • Performing other projects and duties as directed • It should be noted that the above list of duties and responsibilities is not necessarily a complete statement of the duties of the post. It is intended to give an overall view of the position and should be taken as guidance only

Wider School Community and Commitments: • Play a full part in the life of the school community, supporting the ethos of the school, and encouraging staff, parents and pupils to do likewise. • To keep informed of current relevant developments through documents, meetings and in-service courses. • Play as full a part as possible in the corporate life of the school, such as undertaking a contribution to the extra-curricular life of the school (as reasonably required by the Bursar)

Person Specification We are looking for someone who: • Enjoys working as part of a team • Is forward thinking, looking for ways to improve or make efficiencies • Is organised and manages time effectively • Has a good sense of humour and a positive outlook • University degree (or equivalent) • Level 5 CIPD qualified and ongoing membership of the CIPD • Leadership and Management experience • Current & working understanding of UK employment law • Strong Microsoft office skills with the flexibility and ability to use varying IT systems • Understands the importance of both the business and employees and places them both at the centre of their work • A strong understanding of effective communication techniques and an ability to build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders • Ability to switch effectively between detailed administrative processes and delivering an engaging ‘front of house’, best in class HR experience • Experience of managing, inspiring and motivating teams Unafraid to challenge the status quo • An enthusiasm and drive to implement new and forward-thinking strategies to increase recruitment and retention across all the school • An ability to think creatively and demonstrate initiative, dealing calmly with different situations as they arise • Excellent written and verbal communication skills • Excellent attention to detail and high standards of work and organisation • Ability to work with limited supervision and to prioritise work and multitask • A cheerful and friendly disposition

6 Candidate brief - Head of HR (Permanent) to commence ASAP Elstree School

• Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times • Self-motivated andSchool able to work on own initiative • Ability to work at a fast pace whilst maintaining accuracy and attention to detail at all times • Flexible approach to hours and duties • The desire to undertake further training as may be required in order to properly perform the duties in a changing and challenging environment

Desirable

• Experience with iSAMS software • A strong appreciation of HR and statutory requirements within the Independent School sector

Working capacity & benefits:

• We are seeking someone who can provide an initial period (of around 16-20 weeks) of full-time working capacity, Monday to Friday 8am-5pm • Followed by 60% working capacity, days and hours by negotiation • There may be a need to work outside normal working hours and a flexible approach to work and hours is required • 30 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, prorated for reduced capacity • Contributory pension scheme • Staff discount on school fees available by negotiation • Free cooked lunch during term time • Probationary period: 6 months

Salary According to experience, to be discussed at interview.

How to Apply If you are interested in applying for this post, please contact Mrs Alison Mason at [email protected] and she will send you all the required forms for the application. Please note that you may wish to submit your curriculum vitae but this will not be accepted in place of a completed application form.

Closing date for applications: Friday 21st May 5pm Short-listed candidates will be asked to attend a 1st round interview at the School (or via Zoom) on Friday 28th May, with a 2nd round to be arranged in 1-4th June. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us.

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Applicants must undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and Disclosure and Barring Service.

7 Candidate brief - Head of HR (Permanent) to commence ASAP