Vacancies
HR Business Partner
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced HR professional to join our growing Trust as an HR Business Partner.
The Orchard Learning Alliance is a new Academy Trust, that has already grown to four schools and is due to increase to ten schools by the end of 2025. As part of this growth we are looking to appoint an HR Business Partner to support our schools with a range of people matters and timely strategic advice. The role will be busy and varied, and the successful candidate will join a passionate team who firmly believe in the unique culture of our schools and the Trust.
The main purpose of the role is to work with and support schools with everything people-related: performance management, grievances, policy and process advice, guidance on best practice, liaising with unions, staff contract terms and consitions, TUPE, and more. Please refer to the job description and person specification for full details of the post.
Applications will be reviewed upon receipt. Please contact our HR Administrator, Mollie Williams, should you wish to arrange an informal discussion about the role:
Email: Recruitment@orchardlearningalliance.com
Phone: 01189 690 336
| Salary Range |
Grade 9 SCP 35-40 (£44,711-£49,764 FTE) |
| Hours |
Flexible to meet the needs of the business, to include the core working day of 9am to 3pm. |
| Location |
Hybrid. 50% of time will be at the Central Office located in Woodley. Role will require travel to schools on occasion (currently Woodley, Early, Spencers Wood and Tilehurst) and some home working is also possible. |
| Contract Type |
Permanent, term time only plus 15 additional working days (role necessitates some work outside of term time, to be discussed with the successful candidate). |
| Reporting To | Chief Financial Officer |
Please complete the official Orchard Learning Alliance Application form as your application will not be accepted without it.
HR Business Partner Job Description and Person Specification
Central Team Clerk to the Governors
(no closing date)
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a dynamic Clerk to support up to four primary schools within our Multi Academy Trust and be part of the central clerking service. Some schools are academies in the Trust, and some are currently local authority maintained schools with academy orders to join the Trust in 2025. It is a very exciting time to join the Orchard Learning Alliance!
This role could be filled by one person or several people, so if you are looking for a flexible role which involves some in-person meetings and some working from home, please do apply.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a dynamic Clerk to support up to four primary schools within our Multi Academy Trust. Number of schools will be allocated depending on availability. We require someone who is motivated and able to work independently. Your supportive role will ensure that the administrative and procedural requirements are met and Local Government Boards can fulfil their statutory responsibilities. Administrative duties can be completed during hours that suit ensuring that deadlines are met.
Our schools that require a clerking service are Churchend Primary (RG30 4HP), Lambs Lane Primary (RG7 1YG), Highwood Primary (RG5 3JE) and South Lake Primary (RG5 3NA). While you will need to attend in-person meetings at your designated schools’ premises from time to time, much of your work can be completed from home.
You will be able to offer us:
- Proactive support, working with Chairs and Headteachers, with agenda setting and supporting paperwork;
- Your time to attend governing board meetings and additional training, team meetings, etc.
- Advice to the governing body on governance, constitutional and procedural matters (full training provided);
- Understanding and abiding by the confidential nature of the role at all times.
We will be able to offer you:
- Full initial training and continued professional development;
- Access to the National Governance Association (NGA), and Confederation of School Trusts (CST);
- Access to a Governance Forum and support with annual agenda planning;
- Laptop and IT support;
- A Governance Network;
- Governance platform: Governors Virtual Office (organised folders with accessibility to all you will need).
Please refer to our job description and person specification for full details of the post.
Applications will be reviewed upon receipt. Please contact our HR Administrator, Mollie Williams, should you wish to arrange an informal discussion about the role:
Email: Recruitment@orchardlearningalliance.com
Phone: 01189 690 336
|
Salary Range |
NJC Pay Scale Grade 5: £27,711 - £30,060 pro rata (pay award pending) depending on experience. Hourly rate: £16.37 - £17.76. |
| Hours |
Core commitment of 60 hours per year / 6 meetings per year (per school). Approx. 20-30 additional hours per year required for training, team meetings, etc. This equates to 1.5 hours per week on average (per school), or 10 hours per half term (per school), plus the additional hours. Flexibility to accommodate an irregular work pattern with in-person attendance at meetings, mostly in the evenings. Meetings will take place during term-time only, and you can choose when to complete the remaining work as long as agreed expectations and timelines are met. |
| Location |
Much of your work can be completed from home and you will be expected to attend in-person meetings at school premises during term-time. The schools are: South Lake Primary School (RG5 3NA), Highwood Primary School (RG5 3JE), Churchend Primary School (RG30 4HP), and Lambs Lane Primary School (RG7 1YG). |
| Contract Type | Part-time, permanent. |
| Reporting To | Governance Professional, Central Team. |
Please complete the official Orchard Learning Alliance Application form as your application will not be accepted without it.
Clerk to the Governors Job Description and Person Specification
Clerk to the Governors Application Form
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