Head of HR

Purpose

Lead fair employment practice and safer recruitment, ensuring workforce records, training and wellbeing support effective care.

Reporting line

Directors

Working arrangements

Agreed weekday schedule with planned management meetings and exceptional case cover within safe hours.

England; specific location and weekly hours confirmed before appointment. Maximum eight-hour shifts include one hour of paid uninterrupted break with competent cover.

Key responsibilities

• Own recruitment controls, pre-employment checks and approval records.
• Maintain clear contracts, benefits schedules and working-time arrangements.
• Lead fair employee relations, performance reviews and investigations with legal advice.
• Monitor training, professional registration and induction completion.
• Coordinate occupational health, reasonable adjustments and confidential wellbeing support.
• Audit rotas, paid breaks, leave and safe workforce capacity.
• Protect HR information through role-based access and retention controls.
• Report workforce risks and trends to management without unnecessary personal disclosure.

Experience

At least 15 years of relevant HR experience, including senior management and complex employee relations.

Qualifications and registration

Relevant HR qualification or equivalent senior competence; CIPD membership or equivalent professional development evidence preferred.

Essential capabilities

• Senior HR leadership and practical knowledge of UK employment requirements.
• Experience managing sensitive investigations and safeguarding interfaces.
• Ability to balance employee fairness with children's protection.
• Strong records, reporting and data protection practice.

Desirable experience

Experience in regulated social care, education and clinical workforce management.

What good performance looks like

Recruitment files are complete, concerns receive fair handling and staff have clear employment terms.

Benefits and safer recruitment

All employee benefits and recruitment standards apply, including 32 days holiday plus bank holidays, 8% employer pension, family medical and dental cover subject to insurer terms, and the clean driving licence criterion with reasonable adjustments where required. Required vetting is completed before a final contract.

Apply for AL15

Email hr@astha.org quoting this reference. HR will discuss the location, hours, secure application route and adjustments.