Human Resources Manager and Assistant Exams Officer

Abbotsholme is a co-educational boarding and day school situated on a spacious, picturesque estate at the border of Staffordshire and Derbyshire. Our commitment to a holistic educational philosophy drives us to nurture and cultivate our pupils' strengths and abilities through outstanding academic achievements, exceptional pastoral care, and a distinctive, diverse extra-curricular program.

We are looking for a highly organized, proactive, and people-oriented professional to join our team as Human Resources Manager & Exams Assistant. This unique dual-role opportunity within our dynamic boarding school allows for a significant impact on both staff experiences and student academic outcomes.

1. Recruitment & Onboarding
● Oversee the recruitment process, which includes drafting job descriptions, posting job openings, managing relationships with recruitment agencies, conducting interviews, and handling onboarding procedures for new staff, including contract preparation.
● Ensure that all pre-employment checks are conducted in accordance with safer recruitment policies.

2. Employee Relations & Performance Management
● Offer guidance on employee relations issues, encompassing performance management, disciplinary actions, and grievance processes.
● Assist line managers in addressing staff performance and conducting annual Personal Development reviews.
● Carry out all tasks while maintaining strict confidentiality at all times.

3. Payroll
● Support the finance department with payroll processes, ensuring that accurate information regarding new hires, departures, and employment changes is communicated effectively.
● Collaborate with the Finance Manager regarding sick pay, maternity pay, paternity pay, and holiday pay.
● Aid the finance department in the development and administration of occupancy agreements.

4. Compliance & Policy Development
● Ensure adherence to employment laws and school policies, including maintaining a current Single Central Record (SCR).
● Keep precise iSAMS HR information, including the addition of new employees and removal of leavers.
● Create and review HR policies and procedures to align with best practices and legal standards.
● Assist the admissions team with the Annual Census.

5. Staff Training & Development
● Organize staff training and professional development initiatives, including mandatory training and continuous professional development (CPD).
● Track and maintain staff training records to ensure compliance and facilitate career advancement.

6. Absence Management & Wellbeing
● Oversee staff attendance, conduct return-to-work interviews, and provide support for staff dealing with long-term absence issues.
● Implement wellbeing initiatives for staff and serve as a contact point for inquiries related to wellbeing programs.

7. Examinations Administration
● Assist in organizing exam entries and managing all internal and external examinations in accordance with examination board guidelines.
● Help prepare and distribute examination schedules for students and staff.
● Ensure that examination materials are securely stored and handled in compliance with JCQ regulations.

8. Exam Logistics & Invigilation
● Coordinate examination venues, seating arrangements, and necessary equipment for assessments.
● Aid in the organization, training, and support of exam invigilators, ensuring they are properly briefed and assigned.
● Facilitate the smooth operation of examination sessions, ensuring compliance with all examination regulations.

9. Results & Data Management
● Support the administration of examination results, including the secure receipt and distribution of results and certificates to students.
● Assist with inquiries regarding results, including re-marks and appeals as needed.
● Maintain accurate examination records and ensure that student data is correctly submitted to examination boards.

10. Access Arrangements & Compliance
● Collaborate with the SENCo and Exams Officer to implement approved access arrangements for students during exams.
● Ensure that all examination protocols comply with JCQ regulations and examination board requirements.
● Safeguard the confidentiality and security of all examination materials and candidate information.

The ideal candidate will likely possess a degree and be pursuing a professional leadership qualification, such as CIPD. Abbotsholme welcomes applications from diverse backgrounds and will make reasonable adjustments to ensure equal treatment for all candidates during the interview process and upon taking up the position. Applicants requiring assistance during the interview should make this request after receiving an interview offer from the school.

Application Process
- Please contact the school at 01889 590217 or email Susan Riley at s.riley@abbotsholme.co.uk to request an application form.
- Complete the application form and return it to Susan Riley via email, along with your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.

We reserve the right to appoint before the closing date, so early applications are encouraged. If you have not received a response within two weeks of the closing date, please assume that, regrettably, your application has not been successful.

Safeguarding
Abbotsholme School is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of children and young people, and we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All positions are subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), and shortlisted candidates will undergo an online check.

GDPR Personal Data Notice
In accordance with GDPR regulations, we can only process your Sensitive Personal Data (such as racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious beliefs, trade union membership, genetic data, biometric data, health, sex life, or sexual orientation) with your explicit consent. You will be required to complete a consent form when applying; please refrain from including any Sensitive Personal Data unless you choose to do so in your cover letter. Additionally, do not include contact information for referees without their prior consent.

Child Protection Statement
We acknowledge our moral and statutory duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of all pupils. We strive to provide a safe, welcoming environment where children are respected and valued. We will be vigilant regarding signs of abuse and neglect and will follow our procedures to ensure that children receive effective support, protection, and justice. This policy applies to all staff, volunteers, and governors.

Due to the nature of this role, it is exempt from section 4 (2) of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974. Amendments to the ROA 1974 (Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020) mean that it is permissible to disclose information concerning convictions that would otherwise be considered “spent” in relation to the applicant’s suitability for employment. Any such information will be treated with confidentiality and used solely for assessing the applicant's suitability for the position.

If shortlisted, you are required to disclose all convictions, cautions, or bind-overs you may have, even if they would usually be regarded as “spent” under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

Equal Opportunities
We are an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment for all colleagues.