Director of People & HR

Castleford Academy Trust is a cross phase Multi Academy Trust comprising currently of five schools: two secondary academies, one primary academy, one junior academy and one infant academy. The Trust is a medium sized family of schools all located within a geographic cluster within Wakefield.

Castleford Academy Trust is committed to “working together to achieve excellence for all”. Within Castleford Academy Trust, in our pursuit of excellence, we work hard to ensure that no child is left behind. Castleford Academy Trust is an exceptional place to work and has a team of dedicated and committed staff. We strongly believe in developing and nurturing talent by providing opportunities for staff training and development.

 Director of People and HR

Start date as soon as possible

(subject to notice period & completed pre-employment checks)

Term Time + 15 Days or Full time considered

FTE Salary range (Leadership Pay Scale) L8 - L12 (£59,167-£65,286)

This year, Castleford Academy Trust will be going through a significant period of growth, as we welcome the academies within Northern Ambition Academies Trust to our Trust. We are preparing for this growth by expanding our Trust Executive Team. This is an exciting opportunity for a highly skilled, motivated, and experienced HR professional or a leader with strong knowledge of People Management to join the Trust Executive Team.

The successful candidate will work closely with Trust and academy leaders to strategically lead and direct our responsive, effective, and professional people and HR function. This role is crucial in enabling academy leaders to focus on their core educational purpose of achieving the best possible outcomes for pupils. The key responsibilities for this role include leading the people strategy and HR services across the Trust, championing our most valuable asset – the people in our Trust, and ensuring the delivery of outstanding central services.

Your application will need to demonstrate that you have:

·      Significant experience in leading, managing and driving a proactive and consistent people management and HR service.

·      Expert knowledge of people and HR services including policy development, compliance, contract management, recruitment, retention and professional development. 

·      A proven track record of successfully developing and implementing people and HR strategies and practices.  

·      A strong commitment to nurturing, developing and supporting the workforce of the trust.

·      A passion for developing people and HR services that are underpinned by evaluation, reflective practice, and a desire to continually improve.

·      A strong commitment to personal development for all staff including yourself.

You will also be/have:

·      CIPD-qualified (or willing to obtain other relevant qualifications) with proven experience in a generalist HR/people management role.

·      Knowledge of employment law.

·      The ability to interpret information and to devise policy and practices.

·      The ability to work to deadlines with a high level of accuracy.

·      The ability to communicate on all levels with a high level of confidentiality.

·      Excellent literacy, numeracy, and IT skills.

·      Supportive of the Trust’s ethos and values at all times both within the trust academies and the wider community.

We can offer you:

·      A significant role in the Academy Trust working alongside a team of HR Managers.

·      Excellent professional development opportunities.

·      Nationally recognised qualifications.

·      Opportunities to work as a leader within the Trust and beyond.

·      Enthusiastic colleagues and supportive leaders, governors and trustees who drive improvements across the Trust alongside you.

The deadline for applications is 18th October 2024, midday, with interviews taking place the following week.

As part of our team at Castleford Academy Trust, you will have access to a comprehensive package of wellbeing support designed exclusively for schools, providing access to a team of in-house wellbeing experts, counsellors, nurses and physiotherapists.

Castleford Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. For all positions at Castleford Academy Trust, you are required to complete a Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced check prior to appointment.

Application forms can be downloaded from our website. Completed applications should be addressed to the CEO, Mr George Panayiotou at the Castleford Academy Trust address or via email to recruitment@castlefordacademy.com

For further information on the Trust, the role and how to apply please visit www.castlefordacademytrust.com or email Mrs Avril Smith, Director of Finance at asmith@castlefordacademytrust.com