Chief People Officer

Job Title: Chief People Officer

Location: Hybrid with opportunities for flexible working. Some travel is expected to get to know our academies and build relationships with key leaders

We think big: lead the way in Opening Minds, Opening Doors! 

An opportunity exists for an exceptional individual to join our 'C' suite executive and corporate leadership teams, leading our people strategy, working effectively with our board, other exec leaders and our Headteachers. 

This is a pivotal role for our trust. We are in a strong position to continue our positive culture and make a real difference to the people that work at E-ACT, ultimately benefiting the children we serve. 

The Role:

Our Chief People Officer (CPO) is a new role for E-ACT. As a key strategic leader, reporting directly to the CEO, you will work closely with the Chief Operating Officer, Chief Finance Officer and National Education Directors to ensure E-ACT attracts develops and retains high quality staff, ensuring that people practises drive exceptional outcomes for pupils. 

You will lead all HR operations, including talent management, organisational development, workforce planning, culture, diversity and inclusion, and employee engagement. 

You will operationalise these objectives into business planning delivering annual improvements to the employee experience. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Deliver the People Strategy
• Develop innovative talent acquisition strategies to recruit high calibre teachers, leaders and professional services staff
• Ensure operational effectiveness including a well-functioning HRIS.
• Drive E-ACT's commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. ensuring the principles are embedded into recruitment. talent management and Leadership Development
• Collaborate with academy and functional leaders to ensure alignment between the people strategy and operational needs.

Pay range: Competitive, reflecting experience

Qualifications and Skills:

• A professional qualification in HR, e.g. MCIPD, employment law or equivalent work experience.
• Evidence of relevant continuing professional development.
• Previous experience of leading a strategic People function within a complex organisation.
• The ability to understand the people issues impacting on Multi-Academy Trusts and apply best practice expertise in this context.
• Successful track record of using HR/People interventions to support organisational change.
• Experience of working with senior stakeholders to enable the organisational delivery of a strategic plan
• Proven track record in developing and delivering a People Strategy

For further information on the role please see attached Chief People Officer recruitment pack

What are we about? 

Strategic Vision: We firmly believe that coming from a disadvantaged background should not determine your future, and our ‘Opening Minds, Opening Doors’ (OMOD) strategy is about creating the conditions where children, young people and staff can thrive.   

Outstanding Leadership: Leadership is the key to unlocking exceptional outcomes for our team and the communities we engage with. We lead by example, fostering an environment of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. 

Inclusive Excellence: We are developing a people-first culture, celebrating the diversity of our team and the broader community. Co-construct the essence of an extraordinary workplace that values and leverages the unique contributions of each team member. 

System Leadership: Our ambition is to transform the lives of individuals and communities across the trust. We are though leaders on topics important to our communities and offer sector wide support to drive change. 

National Collaboration: Our exceptional team members share, and problem solve together across all functions. You will have the opportunity to share your skills, hear from experts and work with staff across the country to develop your practice.   

About E-ACT: 

Join a trust that is going places! 

Having recently won TES Team of Year 2024 and MAT of the Year 2023 at both the MAT Excellence Awards and National School Awards, this is a very exciting time to join us! Why do we feel we have been recognised as a strong MAT? It is down to our dedicated, talented staff that are committed in delivering nothing but excellence for all of our children and young people.  

We all pride ourselves in fostering a people-first culture, which extends to all our pupils, staff, and stakeholders. We are proud to lead a community of 38 academies, educating of over 25,000 pupils across our five core hubs. Our staff satisfaction is above national benchmarks and we run a range of projects and programmes to address key topics such as workload and wellbeing. 

Our Opening Minds, Opening Doors strategy is at the forefront of everything we do, we don’t just prepare our pupils for the world; we equip them to thrive and succeed within it. Through our collaborative approach to education, we aim to open doors to a world of opportunities, where every child can pursue their dreams

Want to be a part of something extraordinary? Find out more at www.e-act.org.uk 

Benefits: 

Collaborative Working: Thrive in an environment that values teamwork and collaboration, fostering a culture of shared knowledge and collective success. 

Support System of 38 Academies: Be part of a network of 38 academies, providing a dedicated support system and opportunities for professional growth and collaboration. 

Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Access to confidential counselling services, providing emotional support and guidance when needed. 

Cycle to Work: Enjoy a healthy commute with our cycle-to-work programme, making bicycles more affordable. 

Electric Car Scheme: Take advantage of our environmentally friendly initiative, making electric vehicles more accessible for a sustainable and efficient commute. 

Generous Pension: Secure your future with a robust pension plan, ensuring financial well-being during retirement. 

Holiday Entitlement: Enjoy 31 days annual leave plus statutory Bank Holidays. 

How to apply: 

Please click on apply to submit your application. For a discussion about this post please contact: Chris Wiseman, Chief Operating Officer: chris.wiseman@e-act.org.uk and Connect with Tom Campbell via LinkedIn

Closing Date: Friday 18 October 2024 and Interview Date Week commencing Monday 28 October. To be held in Birmingham.

Please read the supporting documentation carefully before completing and returning our application and equal opportunities form. 

E-ACT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults, and all appointments are subject to enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks and satisfactory references. 

E-ACT is also committed to promoting equality, challenging discrimination and developing community cohesion. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.