Director of People

As we scale up, you will lead on workforce planning, organisational design START DATE: and HR compliance, ensuring that new schools joining the Trust are As soon as possible integrated seamlessly into a culture where every colleague feels valued and empowered. You will be a visible, influential leader, directly impacting the If you would like to apply to be part of ourexperience of every colleague, from those who have been with us for years Trust at this exciting time, please visitto those joining us as part of our growth., Achieve and Learn Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people; we expect all our staff to share this commitment. Robust vetting procedures are in place for all candidates prior to appointment. Our Vision Personal and academic achievement within a safe, inclusive and enriched learning environment: open minds and open doors. Our Values Ambition: we instil a lifelong love of learning and nurture skills and talents Inclusion: we welcome and respect people from all backgrounds, valuing and celebrating diversity Aspiration: we want people to be the best that they can be and for everyone to achieve their potential Community: we develop local and global citizens of the future, always committed to working in partnership Belief: we encourage everyone to believe in themselves and their future, providing opportunities to excel. In all things, we expect our staff to work towards achieving the vision for our Trust, embracing our values and showing ethical leadership at all times. Corporate Responsibilities

• To uphold our commitment to safeguarding and to promote the wellbeing of children.
• To actively promote the vision and values of our Trust with all stakeholders, including
trustees, local governors, colleagues, parents, visitors and the local wider community of all our schools.
• To robustly follow all policies, procedures, working practices and regulations, and in
particular to comply with policies relating to Safeguarding, Equal Opportunities, Academy Trust Handbook, Financial Procedures, Health & Safety, Confidentiality, Data Protection, reporting any concerns to the Chief Executive Officer.
• To contribute to a culture of continuous improvement.
• To comply with all reasonable management requests., Develop and implement a Trust-wide People Strategy aligned to the Trust's vision and growth
plans.
• Lead workforce planning, organisational design and HR systems to support growth and
efficiency.
• Provide expert leadership on HR compliance, employment law and employee relations
matters.
• Lead and manage TUPE transfers and onboarding of new schools.
• Embed a positive, inclusive culture.
• Develop and oversee HR policies and procedures.
• Act as a trusted advisor to the CEO, Board and senior leaders.
• Lead internal and external communications including online presence and PR.
• Ensure safeguarding responsibilities are upheld.
• Represent the Trust with external stakeholders.
Other Duties and Responsibilities All Trust staff are expected to:
• Take appropriate responsibility and action for safeguarding.
• Be prepared to provide additional support to the central Trust team and schools of the Trust
as required.
• Support the vision and values of the Trust and demonstrate a collaborative team working
approach to school and Trust improvement.
• Promote and act in accordance with the Trust's Staff Code of Conduct and all key policies.
• Maintain high professional standards of attendance, punctuality, appearance, conduct and
positive, courteous relations with students, parents/carers, colleagues and visitors.
• Work within the Trust's Equality Objectives to promote equity for all students and staff, both
current and prospective.
• Work within the Trust's Health and Safety policy to ensure a safe working environment for
staff, students and visitors to our schools.
• Attend Trust and school events as required and make a positive contribution during such
events.
• Participate in training and learning activities and staff appraisal as required.
• Be proactive in seeking appropriate advice and guidance where required.
• To undertake any other duties commensurate with the grading of the post as directed by the
Chief Executive Officer.

Trust website (Achieve and Learn Trust -We are seeking a dynamic HR leader who thrives in a fast-paced Careers in our Trust) environment of change. You will bring: where you will find an application form
• Qualifications: CIPD Level 7 qualification (or equivalent) or a
and more information on the schools willingness to gain the qualification swiftly. within our Trust. Experience: Senior HR leadership experience, with a proven ability Please send your completed application
• form to: to manage organisational growth, TUPE transfers or multi-site recruitment@achieveandlearntrust.com expansions .
• Expertise: Strong knowledge of employment law, employee
CLOSING DATE: relations, policies, HR and Comms best practice. Friday 15 May 2026 (midday)
• Leadership: A track record of leading and managing change and
the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels. SHORTLISTING:
• Sector Knowledge: Experience in a Multi-Academy Trust or
Monday 18 May 2026 education setting is desirable but not essential., CIPD Level 7 qualification (or equivalent), or willingness to work swiftly A/C/I Essentialtowards thisEvidence of relevant continued professional development A/C Essential2. ExperienceSenior-level HR or People leadership experience A/I EssentialExperience of organisational growth, transformation or change A/I EssentialExperience of TUPE transfers, multi-site or organisational expansion A/I EssentialExperience within a Multi-Academy Trust or education setting A/I DesirableExperience of communications, PR or online presence development A/I Desirable3. Knowledge & SkillsStrong knowledge of employment law, HR best practice and employee A/I EssentialrelationsStrategic thinking with ability to translate vision into delivery A/I EssentialExcellent communication and influencing skills A/I EssentialAbility to lead and manage change in a fast-paced environment A/I EssentialHigh level of professional integrity and discretion A/I Essential4. Personal AttributesValues-led and committed to the Trust ethos A/I EssentialCollaborative, resilient and adaptable leadership style A/I EssentialApproachable leader who builds trust quickly A/I EssentialCommitment to equality, diversity and inclusion A/I EssentialStrong commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of A/I Essentialchildren5. Attitude and ApproachSmart, professional appearance. I EssentialPositive and proactive approach to continuous improvement. A/I EssentialA willingness to undertake additional training, keep up to date with A/I Essentialdevelopments and changes in good practice.

The Achieve and Learn Trust has recently rebranded with new leadership at all levels. We are excited about this new strategic direction and the changes made to improve educational provision even more, for all our young people. Our Vision At the heart of the Trust's vision is the belief that students deserve the best educational experience with aspirational curriculum provision and enrichment opportunities. We strive for personal and academic achievement within a safe, inclusive and enriched learning environment. We believe we are opening minds and opening doors to learning opportunities and opening up pathways to Kim Earle, CEO successful futures. Achieve and Learn Trust The Trust acknowledges that each school has its own unique culture, identity and traditions which must continue to be embraced and celebrated. However, our team of Trust schools are also fully committed to working together as they know that collaboration is key to driving school improvement and securing the best possible outcomes for all our students. Our Values We believe that the Trust's values should be clearly evident across all schools, demonstrated by students and staff alike:
• Ambition: we instil a lifelong love of learning and nurture skills and talents.
• Inclusion: we welcome and respect people from all backgrounds, valuing and celebrating diversity.
• Aspiration: we want people to be the best that they can be, and for everyone to achieve their potential.
• Community: we develop local and global citizens of the future, always committed to working in
• partnership.
• Belief: we encourage everyone to believe in themselves and their future, providing opportunities to
• excel.
Our Aims Our aim is to ensure that all schools within the Trust aspire to be strong providers who demonstrate exemplary practice through creative approaches. Our Future We have an appetite for continuous improvement and development, with an overall ambition of expanding the Trust to develop a local partnership of schools, covering both primary and secondary phases. This will enable us to foster true partnership and collaborative work that both supports and challenges member schools. Our Governance We have five members who hold the board of trustees to account for the performance of the trust. In addition to the trust board, each member school has its own local governing body., LOCATION: This is both a strategic and hands-on leadership role. You will be Trust Hub at Altrincham College, Traffordresponsible for developing a Trust-wide People Strategy that not only LA, South Manchester (with travel to supports our current staff but also facilitates our upcoming growth and member schools) transformation .,
• An engaging, creative and welcoming The successful candidate will be expected to
environment.
• take up the appointment as soon as possible and
• Holiday entitlement of 26 days, plus Bank to abide by all Trust policies and procedures.
Holidays, increasing to 31 days after five years The Trust operates an Induction process of service.
• followed by a probationary review process
• Membership of Greater Manchester Pension (Support Staff) with which the successful
Scheme, with excellent employer candidate will be expected to comply. contributions. The post is based on 36.25 hours per week. The
• Free on-site parking. post is a salaried position and overtime is not
• On-site canteen facilities. paid unless due to exceptional circumstances.
• Staff room with free refreshments. The holiday year runs from 1 September to 31
• Employee Assistance Programme. August each year.
• Occupational Health and Counselling services The position will be based at the Trust Hub at
available.
• Altrincham College with travel to other schools
• The support of a talented, highly motivated, within the Trust.
committed and professional team of Our Trust operate a no smoking/no vaping policy colleagues.
• on all school or other sites.
• Active and supportive Trustees and Members.
• CPD opportunities for all staff.
• A great place to work!
  
  Permanent, full-time (flexible, hybrid Our Trust is seeking an exceptional HR and Communications professional
working available) for the newly created role of Director of People . This is a rare opportunity to join us at a defining moment in our journey. HOURS: With currently only two Secondary schools, the Trust has ambitious plans 36.25 hours per week (08:00 - 16:00) for significant growth over the next two years . We are looking for a leader who can build the robust people infrastructure required to support this expansion, ensuring we remain "Better, Together" as our community grows. PAY SCALE: We are also seeking someone who has communications experience, NJC Band 11 Points 40-43 especially in creating and enhancing an online presence to support our (Actual Salary £51,356 - £54,495) PR and Marketing strategy. Pay award pending.,
• A lead role in the strategic expansion of the Trust.
• A supportive and ambitious leadership team.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• A strong commitment to staff wellbeing and development.
• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).