Human Resources Business Partner

What skills and experience we're looking for

We are seeking a confident, credible HR Business Partner to join our Central Team and provide a high‑quality, proactive, and visible HR service across our academies.

The Role

We are seeking a confident, credible HR Business Partner to join our Central Team and provide a high‑quality, proactive, and visible HR service across our academies. You will be joining a supportive team of colleagues and be able to contribute to the development and continuous improvement of the service.

We are looking for candidates that can play a key role in all aspects of HR, with responsibility to deliver the Trust’s vision by aligning people strategies with organisational priorities and manage employee relations across the Trust.

As HR Business Partner, you will work closely with Headteachers, senior leaders and Trust leaders to provide expert HR advice that supports school improvement, workforce sustainability, and high standards of professional conduct.

Your responsibilities will include

• Leading and developing the Trust’s HR function to deliver a responsive, consistent service.
• Lead on casework, ensuring timely, consistent and fair outcomes.
• Lead on the design and delivery of briefings and training in respect of HR issues to a wide range of audiences.
• Provide advice and support to leaders and employees across the full range of HR issues including pay and conditions, local and national agreements, employment law and good practice.
• Coach and provide professional challenge to leaders to develop their capability and confidence with their people management skills.
• Analyse HR data to identify potential risks, areas for improvement and initiate appropriate action plans.

You will bring

• Substantial experience in employee relations and employment law, ideally within an academy trust or maintained school environment.
• A strong understanding of the education sector, including the regulatory requirements in education, safeguarding responsibilities, Keeping Children Safe in Education and safer recruitment.
• Excellent communication, influencing and coaching skills.
• Proven experience of developing and maintaining effective relationships with a range of stakeholders, including positive relationships with trade unions.
• Experience of working in a senior HR/People leadership role with academies and/or maintained schools is highly desirable.

If you are a flexible, positive and proactive team‑player with excellent communication, administrative and IT skills, with the ability to build effective working relationships with a wide range of colleagues, we would love to hear from you. It is important that you can work confidently and be committed to providing a quality HR service to all our stakeholders.

What the school offers its staff

Flexible Working

Wherever possible, we promote flexible working arrangements to help colleagues balance their professional responsibilities with personal commitments.

Staff Recognition

We recognise and celebrate the dedication and achievements of our staff through trust‑wide and school‑level recognition initiatives.

Pension Schemes

• Local Government Pension Scheme (support staff)
• Teachers’ Pension Scheme (teaching staff)

Generous Annual Leave

Support staff benefit from an enhanced annual leave entitlement.

Healthcare and Wellbeing Support

• Free, confidential telephone support (Employee Assistance Programme)
• Face‑to‑face counselling and GP services
• A range of wellbeing resources and guidance.

Staff Voice

We actively encourage staff feedback through regular surveys and forums, ensuring colleagues have a meaningful voice in shaping trust policy and practice.

Discounts and Perks

• Health Cash Plan – helps colleagues manage everyday healthcare costs by offering money back on a range of routine treatments, supporting both wellbeing and peace of mind.
• Cycle to Work – eligibility for the Blue Light Card, offering a wide range of national and local discounts.
• Discounted gym membership.
• Free on‑site or nearby parking at all trust schools.

Pay progression

Automatic pay progression for all colleagues in line with their grading structure.

Family Leave

Enhanced family leave benefits and pay to offer you support in life’s most important moments.

Continuous Service

We honour continuous service with other local authorities and Multi‑Academy Trusts.

Commitment to Safeguarding

Cascade MAT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare and safety of children and young people and expects all staff to share in this commitment. Our Safeguarding policy and Safer Recruitment policy can be found on Cascade’s website.

In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education advice, the Trust will carry out online searches for shortlisted candidates. Shortlisted candidates are required to complete a self‑declaration criminal history form prior to interview and any disclosures will be discussed with candidates at the interview stage. The successful candidate will be required to complete an enhanced DBS prior to employment commencing.

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