HR Business Partner

University Schools Trust, East London, London, E14 8AQ

14 days remaining to apply

• Start date details

  ASAP

• Closing date

  5 November 2026 at 9am

• Date listed

  22 October 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Other support role
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Working pattern: Full time
• Contract type: Permanent
• Full time equivalent salary: Scale PO4

HR Business Partner job summary

At University Schools Trust, we know that great schools are built by great people.

We're looking for an experienced HR Business Partner to join our People Directorate and play a key role in supporting our schools, leaders and colleagues to deliver outstanding education for children and young people across East London.

This is not a traditional HR role focused solely on policy advice or administration.

As the HR professional for a portfolio of schools, you will work closely with Headteachers, Principals and senior leaders, providing strategic challenge, expert advice and hands-on support across the full range of people matters. From leading complex employee relations cases and organisational change programmes to supporting workforce planning and leadership development, you'll be a trusted adviser who helps leaders navigate challenges and make informed decisions.

If you're looking for a role where you can influence organisational culture, support leaders through difficult conversations, and help shape the future of schools, we'd love to hear from you.

As HR Business Partner, you will be responsible for delivering both strategic and operational HR support across your allocated schools.

You'll work autonomously, managing a varied and often complex workload, while collaborating closely with colleagues across the wider People Team.

No two days are the same.

One day you may be coaching a Headteacher through a sensitive employee relations matter; the next you could be supporting a school restructure, analysing workforce trends, delivering management training or advising on succession planning and organisational development.

This role requires excellent professional judgement, resilience, credibility and the ability to build trusted relationships at all levels.

What We're Looking For

We're seeking an experienced HR professional who understands both the strategic and operational aspects of people management.

You'll likely have experience as:

HR Business Partner

Senior HR Advisor

HR Manager

Employee Relations Specialist

Senior People Partner

Ideally within education, public sector, not-for-profit or similarly complex environments, although we welcome applicants from other sectors who can demonstrate transferable experience.

This role is rewarding, challenging and occasionally demanding.

You'll need to be comfortable having difficult conversations, making balanced professional judgements and supporting leaders through complex workforce issues.

In return, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference, influence organisational culture and help create environments where both staff and pupils can thrive.

Further information about the job

The candidate will be required to undergo a full enhanced DBS check and must be eligible to work in the UK.

Visas cannot be sponsored.

If you're interested in teaching or training to teach in England as an international citizen, we can help you understand your next steps.

Commitment to safeguarding

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.

Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.

Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant):
childcare disqualification
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
medical
online and social media
prohibition from teaching
right to work
satisfactory references
suitability to work with children

You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.

Applying for the job

This school accepts applications through their own website, where you may also find more information about this job.

CVs will not be accepted for this application.

About University Schools Trust, East London

• Type: Multi-academy trust
• Website: University Schools Trust, East London website
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/university-schools-trust-east-london

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