St Francis Catholic Multi Academy Trust · Rotherham
To lead and deliver a progressive, highly responsive, and
legally compliant human resources service across all academies within the
Trust. The post holder will ensure that all people management strategies,
policies, and practices actively align with and support the Catholic mission,
values, and spiritual life of the Trust.
Key Responsibilities
1. Ethos and Strategic Alignment
Work under the guidance and
direction of the Director of People in delivering all aspects of the job
description of this role. Ensure that all HR practices reflect
the teachings of the Catholic Church, promoting a culture of dignity, respect,
and pastoral care for all staff. Work closely with the Diocese and
the Catholic Education Service (CES) to implement and adhere to approved model
workplace policies and employment contracts. Provide dynamic advice to the
Executive Team, school leaders and Trust Board to balance operational
objectives with the Trust's faith mission.
2. Employee Relations & Casework
Management
Provide professional,
solution-focused timely advice on complex employee relations matters, including
grievances, disciplinaries, capability/performance, and sickness absence. Act as the primary point of contact
and lead negotiator with regional trade unions and professional associations,
maintaining positive industrial relations. Oversee any TUPE (Transfer of
Undertakings) processes stemming from new schools joining the MAT,
standardising structures while mitigating organisational risk.
3. Safer Recruitment &
Compliance
Act as the Trust’s expert on Safer
Recruitment, guaranteeing rigorous compliance with the statutory Keeping
Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) framework. Provide strict oversight of each
academy’s Single Central Record (SCR) and lead regular internal compliance
audits. Ensure all recruitment processes
align to the Trust vision and that senior and foundation leadership
appointments strictly adhere to legal exemptions regarding the appointment of
practicing Catholics where permitted.
4. Policy, Pay, & Performance
Manage the implementation of
national and local terms and conditions of service, specifically the School
Teachers' Pay and Conditions Document (STPCD) and the National Joint Council
(NJC) Green Book for support staff. Design, implement, and monitor
robust appraisal frameworks that foster professional development and continuous
improvement. Utilise HR metrics and data
dashboards to analyse workforce trends (turnover, absence, diversity) and
present findings to the Executive Team and Board of Directors.