Head of People

Overview

In this role you will lead the People strategy for East SILC, a large, multi-site SEND organization. You will influence senior leadership and the Governing Board to shape workforce culture, capacity and sustainability. You’ll drive recruitment, retention and data-driven decision-making across complex settings, and help embed a values-led, high-performing culture that benefits learners, families and staff. This is a strategic, impact-focused leadership opportunity in a mission-driven council context.

Pay / Benefits

• Local Government Pension Scheme
• wellbeing support via Schools Advisory Service
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme
• VIVUP employee benefits platform
• ongoing professional development and leadership opportunities

Responsibilities

• Drive sustainable recruitment and retention in a challenging labour market
• Use workforce data and insight to shape strategic decision-making and organisational improvement
• Shape and embed a values-led, inclusive and high-performing organisational culture
• Lead the People function with autonomy, influencing workforce sustainability, staff experience and organisational performance at scale
• Provide expert, credible advice to an Executive Principal and Governing Board
• Collaborate with cross-sector partners within education, health and care to influence system-wide practice
• Support safeguarding and professional development through strategic people leadership
• Contribute to long-term sustainability and transformation across a complex SEND environment

Key requirements

• Substantial experience of senior HR/People leadership within a complex organisation
• CIPD Level 7 (or equivalent) with strong employment law expertise
• Proven track record delivering workforce strategy and organisational change
• Highly analytical with data-driven decision-making skills
• Ability to build credibility and trust with leaders, staff, unions and external partners
• Leadership or executive-level professional development would be desirable
• Commitment to safeguarding and values-led leadership

• Strategic and values-led mindset
• Strong communication and influencing abilities
• Credibility and relationship-building with stakeholders
• Employment law expertise
• Workforce planning and analytics
• Data-driven decision making

…