Appointment of the Director of People and Culture

Epsom College

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Welcome

Epsom College is an inspiring place to work, renowned for delivering an excellent all-round education to 1,100 girls and boys aged 11-18. We are proud to have been judged ‘Independent School of the Year 2023’ and named by The Sunday Times as the “UK’s Most Improved School” in its 2024 Parent Power league tables.

The College has grown significantly in the past six years, with pupil numbers rising 38% as the result of the opening of our Lower School in 2016, and strong growth throughout the rest of the College. We admit pupils into Years 7, 9, and 12, with an average of five applicants for every space.

Epsom is a happy school. The College values of kindness, ambition and integrity are at heart of all that we do. Almost all our pupils remain with us for their A-levels, and staff retention is equally strong. Around 60% of staff live onsite, which lends the College a sense of community and togetherness.

Our focus on delivering an all-round education that develops the whole child, is regularly celebrated. In the past four years, in both the TES and Independent School of the Year Awards, we have been a finalist in the categories of Boarding School of The Year, Co-Ed School of the Year, SLT of the Year, Creativity in Teaching, Student Wellbeing, Community Initiative, and Sporting Achievement.

We hope that you will want to come and join the fantastic team at Epsom College.

About Epsom

 

The College

Epsom College is an independent day and boarding school in Epsom, Surrey, UK, for students aged 11-18. Founded in 1853 by John Propert as the Royal Medical Benevolent College, it initially supported the sons of medical professionals and became fully co-educational in 1996, welcoming both day and boarding pupils. The college is set on a picturesque 72-acre estate featuring Gothic revival architecture and offers outstanding facilities for academics, sports, and extracurricular activities. Known for its strong academic performance and emphasis on pastoral care, Epsom College provides a supportive environment for its students. Students can engage in a wide array of clubs, societies, and volunteering opportunities, promoting a well-rounded education.

Our co-curricular programme – which features a vast array of clubs, societies and activities each week – is award-winning (picking up the ‘Best of the Best’ accolade from The Week for six consecutive years); our CCF is one of the largest in the UK; and our Duke of Edinburgh programme currently has over 100 pupils completing their Gold or Silver award.

In addition, our timetable features wellbeing lessons, an award-winning Personal Social Development offering, and an hour each week for volunteering in the community. Last year Epsom pupils gave 8,500 hours of their time to help local charities, schools, and community groups.

From 8am until 6pm, our campus is alive with learning; academic lessons also take place on Saturday mornings meaning that pupils have time each day to learn and develop outside the classroom. When pupils aren’t busy, they can relax and catch up with friends in their House. We have 13 single-sex Houses for all our pupils from Year 9 upwards (whether they are day pupils or boarders). This combination of single sex accommodation within a co-ed environment provides pupils with the best of both worlds.

The fact our Houses are physical buildings, where pupils can step through the door into a space that’s entirely their own, is key to the success of our pastoral programme. The Carnegie Centre for Excellence in Mental Health in Schools honoured us with their Gold Award – making us one of just four UK boarding school to receive their top accolade – and in 2023 we were judged Independent School of the Year for Student Wellbeing.

Sport is central to the College. Last year, we won national titles in Squash, Tennis, Rugby and Shooting; and reached the national finals in Hockey, Golf and Swimming. Over 22 sports are offered to our pupils, and the aim is to encourage participation for all – we regularly field D and E teams, and see an average of 90% of pupils playing competitive fixtures.

A great place to work

One of the happiest places to live in Surrey, surrounded by open space, a beautiful campus and supportive colleagues. Epsom College is the Independent School of the Year, and a great place to work.

We are:

  • The second happiest place to live in Surrey – according to the ONS (2021)
  • The seventh happiest place to live in the UK – according to Rightmove (2017)
  • Independent School of the Year: Student Wellbeing (2022)
  • One of the UK’s leading Independent Schools and one of only four UK boarding schools to win Gold from the Carnegie Centre for Excellence in Mental Health in Schools, for the wellbeing of our staff and pupils.

Our location:

  • 60% of staff live on-site, creating a warm welcoming community.
  • Two train stations walking distance from the College, with trains to Victoria and Waterloo.
  • Only 15 miles from Central London, 30 minutes from Gatwick and 45 minutes to Heathrow.
  • Nestled on the edge of the Surrey Downs, and the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)
  • Epsom College itself is situated within a 72-acre Victorian estate
  • The perfect marriage of proximity to the capital, and access to the countryside.

The role

Director of People and Culture (AQ3109)

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JOB DESCRIPTION

The Role

Epsom College is seeking a dynamic and experienced Director of People and Culture. This role combines the operational and strategic oversight of traditional HR functions with a proactive approach to fostering a positive and engaging workplace culture.

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), and as a key member of the Operational Leadership Team, the Director of People and Culture will develop and implement a new People, Culture and Organisational Development Strategy which is aligned to the overall College Strategy. They will lead on all HR matters and manage the HR function to ensure the delivery of an effective HR service for the College.  A key focus will be on modernising HR systems, data management, and practices to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. Another key focus will be working with academic colleagues and the COO to ensure teaching and operational staff have a development programme that supports them in their career at Epsom.

It is an exciting time at the College with the recent commencement of the 16th Head of Epsom College. He and the COO are now in a position to set and deliver a new and ambitious strategy for the College, building on its success and ensuring a modern operating and learning environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic HR Leadership:

  • Develop and implement HR strategies aligned with the college’s overall goals and objectives.
  • Oversee recruitment, onboarding, and retention strategies to attract and retain top talent.
  • Ensure compliance with all relevant employment laws and regulations.
  • Develop and lead on the People, Culture and Organisational Development strategy ensuring it aligns with the College’s new strategy and values.
  • Overall responsibility for the HR Department and its staffing.
  • Provide professional advice and guidance to Managers on HR strategies, policies and procedures which support the College’s business objectives whilst fulfilling its obligations to employees and ensuring legislative compliance.
  • Support the Governors, Head, and Chief Operating Officer on all employment, staffing and HR matters.

Cultural Development:

  • Foster a positive and inclusive workplace culture that reflects the college’s values and mission.
  • Implement initiatives to enhance employee engagement, satisfaction, and well-being.
  • Lead diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts to create a supportive environment for all staff.

Performance Management:

  • Manage and enhance performance appraisal systems to drive high performance and professional growth.
  • Provide ongoing feedback and support to staff, ensuring alignment with the college’s goals.
  • Lead and implement the support staff appraisal system and to give professional guidance and advice on appraisals to HoDs/line managers as required.

Training and Development:

  • Identify training needs and develop comprehensive development programs.
  • Facilitate learning opportunities to enhance staff skills and career progression.
  • Establish, maintain and deliver the training and development programmes as necessary to ensure staff are equipped to deal with staffing and line management responsibilities.
  • Work with the Operational Leadership Team to develop effective training, development and appraisal processes for operational staff.

Employee Relations:

  • Address employee concerns and disputes in a fair and consistent manner.
  • Promote open communication and a collaborative work environment.
  • Provide advice to staff on employment relations issues. Through the application of best practice ensure that appropriate decisions and actions are taken, following the relevant policies and procedures.

Compensation and Benefits:

  • Manage the college’s compensation and benefits programs, ensuring competitiveness and internal equity.
  • Conduct regular reviews and updates to maintain market alignment.

HR Operations and Modernisation:

  • Oversee HR operations, including, benefits administration, HRIS management and liaising with the payroll team.
  • Lead the modernisation of HR systems and data management practices to improve efficiency and data-driven decision-making.
  • Implement best practices in HR technology and data analytics to enhance HR processes and employee experience.

HR Data and Analytics:

  • Utilise HR data and analytics to inform strategic decisions and measure the effectiveness of HR initiatives.
  • Ensure accurate and secure management of employee data, in compliance with data protection regulations.
  • Ensure that employee records are maintained to the highest standards and are able to meet the information needs of the College.
  • Implement a system of monitoring staff attendance and ensure that associated management information is available. Give advice and guidance to relevant managers in the monitoring of sickness trends.

Compliance and Safeguarding:

  • Have a clear understanding and ensure recruitment processes comply with Safeguarding and Child protection statutory procedures.
  • Lead and be the point of contact on the ISI statutory safer recruitment regulations.

Policy and Procedure Development:

  • Regularly review current HR policies and procedures documentation, including staff handbooks.
  • Represent the HR function at relevant meetings. Set up and lead working groups as appropriate to develop and implement HR policies and procedures to ensure best practice.

Other Responsibilities:

  • Undertake any other duties that will assist in the achievement of College objectives.
  • To contribute to the development of a motivated and flexible bursarial team.

 

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Qualifications:

  • Chartered member or Fellow of the CIPD or equivalent recognised professional HR qualification.
  • Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field
  • Proven experience in a senior HR role, with a strong focus on both HR operations and cultural development.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a degree of emotional intelligence and the ability to deal with people at all levels confidently, sensitively and diplomatically.
  • Strong knowledge of employment laws and regulations.
  • Experience with modern HR systems and data analytics.
  • Ability to think strategically and implement innovative solutions.
  • Excellent writing skills with the ability to assimilate and analyse complex information into accessible board papers.
  • A firm commitment to the safeguarding principles and practices within a pupil focused environment.
  • Capacity to prioritise work and meet targets and deadlines across a diverse portfolio of activity.
  • Flexible and adaptable with energy, stamina and enthusiasm.
  • Enthusiastic and self-motivated with tenacious approach to problem-solving.
  • Resilient and willing to go the extra mile in a busy boarding school community.
  • A holistic approach equality, diversity and inclusion across the College community and beyond.

Personal Attributes:

  • Empathetic and approachable, with a genuine interest in employee well-being.
  • Adaptable and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Intelligent and insightful, with a strategic mindset.
  • Committed to fostering a positive and inclusive workplace culture.
  • A strong commitment to the aims, values and ethos of Epsom College.

The College is committed to the principles of equal opportunity, diversity, and inclusion. We are committed to attracting and retaining the very best staff, ensuring that our staff body reflects the diversity of our students and local community.

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Terms of appointment

Hours: This is a full-time role working throughout the year.  The hours per week will be 45, with such additional hours as are reasonably necessary to fulfil the requirements of the role. Normal operating hours are based around the school day of 8am to 6pm.

Salary: This is a substantive role and a competitive salary package commensurate with the seniority of the post will be offered, reviewed annually, and paid monthly in arrears on 25th of the month.

Holidays: The holiday entitlement is 28 days paid holiday per annum plus bank holidays. Additional discretionary days are offered by the COO during the Christmas and New Year period.

Pension: The College operates the Epsom College Automatic Enrolment Scheme. The Scheme is administered by the Pensions Trust.  In addition to the statutory contribution rate, the College will pay an enhanced contribution rate equating to a total of 7% and the employee contribution is 5%.  There is the option to increase the employee contribution by way of AVCs.

Employee Benefits include:

  • Life Assurance: Members who are automatically enrolled or who choose to opt into the College Pension Scheme will be provided with life assurance cover at two x contractual annual basic salary at no cost to the employee;
  • School Fee Discount: Generous school fee discount available subject to qualifying conditions;
  • Private Health Plan: Offered to staff subject to qualifying conditions
  • Employee assistance programme: this including free counselling service to employees and close family.
  • Dining Facilities and Refreshments: Whilst at work a free meal and refreshments are available when the dining room is open;
  • Health Fitness and Wellbeing: Free use of Fitness suite and swimming pool are available to staff  at certain times;
  • Cycle to Work: The College offers an interest free cycle to work loan subject to a qualifying conditions.
  • Parking: Free car parking for staff is available on campus;
  • Computer Loan: The College offers an interest free computer loan subject to a qualifying conditions.

 

Offer of Post:

In compliance with safer recruitment regulations, the post will be offered subject to receipt of satisfactory written references, pre-placement medical assessment, proof of appropriate qualifications, a check of online search engines and websites of publicly available information that does not identify the candidate as potentially unsuitable to work within a school setting, a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service and overseas police check if appropriate, as well as confirmation that the successful candidate is able to work in the UK. Prior to interview, an online search of internet search engines, websites and other publicly available and publicly accessible platforms to ascertain applicant’s suitability to work within a school environment will be undertaken on applicants that have been shortlisted. Please note whilst the Enhanced DBS check will be paid by the College if an overseas police check is required it will be at the cost of the successful applicant

The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and as part of the selection process a criminal check by the Disclosure and Barring Service will be required. Epsom College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment.

How to apply

The College has appointed recruitment specialist Anderson Quigley to support this appointment.

Closing date for applications: Sunday 2nd March 2025
First stage interviews: Thursday 13th March 2025
Final Interview: Thursday 20th March 2025

Applications should consist of:

  • Applications should consist of a CV and covering statement (of no more than 1,000 words) outlining key matching experience and rationale for applying for the post.
  • Shortlisted candidates will be required to complete the College application form online with safer recruitment practices.

Should you wish to discuss the role(s) in strict confidence, please contact Melanie Pye at melanie.pye@andersonquigley.com or +44 (0)7743 927786.

The College is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supporting gender equality & Race Equality Charter.

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