Francis Holland is a group of leading independent girls’ schools steeped in history based in Central London. The group has delivered a significant improvement in educational results and business performance in the past two years and is well positioned for future expansion.
The Trust set up enables high quality service provision to be delivered across our schools and provides financial stability through the shared central services. Trust staff are supported by a council of professionals, pre-eminent in their fields, who provide well-informed advice and support to Trust staff and its schools via a structure of committees. They also take a broad strategic view on the business operations and the future growth of the Trust.
To reach our goals we understand we need to continue to invest in great people. Our aim is to attract and develop those who will play a positive role in our communities and beyond and it is this aim that make makes the appointment of our new Director of HR both exciting and important.
The Director of HR will need to be equally comfortable working with leaders with commerical or academic backgrounds. The role is a key enabler for us, working closely with the Bursary team and the Senior Leadership teams at both schools. We are looking for an HR leader who can embrace the school communities and add value to the education offering.
Having been at the Trust for the last nine years I am excited for what the future can hold and the ideas and innovation that you will bring to the trust. This is an exciting time to join, and I look forward to your application.
About the Trust
The Francis Holland Schools Trust is an educational charity which manages two independent day schools for girls in London.
Both schools were founded by Canon Francis Holland in the late 19th Century and both have been called Francis Holland School ever since. The Trust has equal responsibility for the two schools.
Established in 1878, the Trust provides financial stability through the shared Bursary and shared Board of Governors known as The Council. There are currently 17 members who are all pre-eminent in their professional fields, providing well-informed advice via a structure of committees to both schools.
Both Francis Holland Schools therefore benefit from not only a strong financial foundation but also shared best practice both educationally and administratively. The Trust however recognises the different characters of each school and great value is placed on the autonomy each Head has over their school in terms of staffing, curriculum, uniform and culture.
There is a close working relationship between the Chairman of Governors, the Heads and the Bursar ensuring a smooth running organisation.
Our Schools
FHS, Regent’s Park, is an academic day school for girls aged 11 to 18.
Our reputation for examination success is supported by a caring environment where girls can thrive. We offer an outstanding enriching curriculum delivered by some outstanding teaching staff. Our community is blend of cultures and diversity which add to our unique learning environment.
You can read Headmistress Katharine Woodcock’s welcome letter here.
FHS, Sloane Square, is an academic day school for girls aged 4 to 18.
Our ambition is to provide a curriculum and environment which will enable our girls to become the leaders, thinkers, innovators, designers, entrepreneurs and game-changers of tomorrow. We offer an outstanding experience of learning and culture by putting curiosity, critical thinking and problem-solving at the heart of our approach to learning.
You can read Headmistress Lucy Elphinstone’s welcome letter here.
Reports to Chief Operating Officer Direct
Reports HR & Compliance Co-ordinator, Office Manager, HR Advisor, HR and Recruitment Coordinator, (Sloane Square), School Office and HR Coordinator (Regent’s Park)
Key relationships Head teachers, schools’ senior leadership teams, the board of governors, finance and payroll teams, marketing and IT.
JOB DESCRIPTION
To support the COO in all areas of Human Resources leadership and management. The Director of Human Resources will ensure that Francis Holland Schools remains compliant with current HR and employment law best practice, develop and lead on key HR initiatives as required and play a hands-on role in the day-to-day operational running of the department.
Main duties and responsibilities
Human resources
Training and development
General
PERSON SPECIFICATION
All of the following criteria are essential.
Qualifications/ Professional Bodies
Knowledge
Location
Based primarily at the Bursary Office, 35 Bourne Street, London, SW1W 8JA, the Director of HR (DHR) is expected to provide a reassuring presence to our leadership teams, especially the School leadership teams (SLTs) during term time. The weekly working pattern will need to be flexible to allow for operational issues, but both SLTs would expect the see the DHR at least once a week.
Hours of work
09.00-17.00, full-time. The Trust supports flexible working and will consider requests for other working arrangements. This role is expected to be office based during term time with the flexibility to work from home outside of term time.
Salary
Circa £80,000, dependent on experience. Pension Scheme with generous employer contribution levels (6% during probation with the option to increase to 13.5% after six months)
Employee Benefits
Safeguarding
An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required as well as other safeguarding checks including references Safeguarding. The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Statutory checks references will be a requirement for this role. This role is classed as regulated activity with children as it involves working within the school on a day-to-day basis with regular and frequent opportunity for contact with children and is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act, 1974.
Anderson Quigley is acting as an advisor to the Trust, an executive search process is being carried out by Anderson Quigley in addition to the public advertisement.
The closing date for applications is noon on 30th April 2023.
Applications should consist of:
Should you wish to discuss the role(s) in strict confidence, please contact Hayley Mintern on hayley@andersonquigley.com, or +44 (0)7596 954 387.
The trust is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supporting gender equality & Race Equality Charter. Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.