Head of People - The Vale Federation of Schools
Location: Aylesbury
Overview
The Vale Federation of Schools is seeking an exceptional and forward‑thinking Head of People to join our Senior Leadership Team and lead the strategic development of our most important asset — our staff.
This is a rare opportunity for an experienced HR leader to influence organisational culture, strengthen workforce development, and ensure our Federation remains a place where colleagues feel valued, supported, and inspired to deliver the very best for our pupils.
If you are passionate about people, thrive in a dynamic environment, and want to make a meaningful difference in education, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Hours: 37 hours per week, 42 weeks per year
Salary: Range 8
Location: Multi site (Aylesbury area)
Closing date: 08/03/2026
Interview date: To be confirmed
Start Date: As soon as possible
Shape the culture. Empower our people. Drive our future.
About us
The Vale Federation encompasses two Special Schools (one primary, one secondary-aged) in Aylesbury across two locations. We support children and young people who are amongst the most vulnerable in our society. All children within the school have severe or profound learning difficulties and come to us as our specialist provision is required to support their often wide-ranging needs.
Staff across all departments make a difference to the lives of every child who comes to one of our schools. We work together as a team, to ensure we deliver everything we can to make all elements and departments of The Federation the very best that it can be.
At The Vale Federation of Schools, every role is essential in achieving the best outcomes for our pupils. Each team member is deeply passionate about their work and committed to contributing towards our shared goals.
Website: www.thevalefederation.com
About the role
As our Head of People, you will:
• Provide strategic leadership across all HR functions, ensuring best practice and legal compliance
• Advise senior leaders on employment law, HR policy, organisational change, and workforce planning
• Lead on recruitment, safer recruitment, induction, and talent development
• Oversee HR systems, data accuracy, reporting, and continuous improvement
• Manage and develop the HR and Payroll teams
• Lead on staff wellbeing, engagement, and absence management strategies
• Support performance management, CPD planning, and staff development pathways
• Work closely with unions and professional associations to maintain positive relationships
• Lead on organisational change processes including restructuring, redundancy, and TUPE
• Report to and advise the Governing Board on all HR and employment matters
• Ensure HR policies, procedures, and documentation remain current, compliant, and effective
This is a strategic role with significant influence across the Federation, requiring a leader who can combine professional expertise with emotional intelligence, clarity, and a people centred approach.
About you
We are looking for a confident, knowledgeable, and values‑driven HR professional who brings:
Essential Experience & Skills
• Senior‑level experience within HR
• Strong understanding of employment law, safer recruitment, and HR best practice
• Experience working in the education sector
• Line management experience
• Experience developing and operating HR systems
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship‑building skills
• High levels of accuracy, attention to detail, and professional integrity
• Ability to work under pressure, prioritise effectively, and meet deadlines
• Strong IT skills, including Microsoft 365
Qualifications
• CIPD Level 5 in Human Resources
• GCSEs in English and Maths
• Full UK Driving Licence
Desirable
• Knowledge of Access Education People
• Knowledge of Arbor MIS
• Mental Health First Aider training
• Business acumen
Personal Qualities
• A commitment to the Federation's ethos and values
• Integrity, honesty, loyalty, and fairness
• Emotional intelligence and empathy
• Resilience, adaptability, and a positive approach to change
• A collaborative mindset and a passion for supporting others to thrive
Other information
Why Join The Vale Federation?
• A supportive, ambitious, and values driven leadership culture
• The opportunity to shape the Federation's people strategy and staff experience
• A varied and rewarding role with real strategic impact
• Strong commitment to professional development and CPD
• A chance to make a meaningful difference to the lives of children and young people
Apply for the role via: https://www.eteach.com/careers/thevalefederation/application-register?vacancyId=1533177&lang=en-GB&src=BucksCCJobs
Visits to the school are warmly welcome. To arrange a visit or to find out more about the role, please contact our school office on the number below.
Tel No: 01296 427221
Email: [email protected]
The Vale Federation of School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children which will be reflected throughout recruitment. All posts are subject to pre-employment checks, satisfactory references will be sought and successful candidates will need to undertake an enhanced DBS check and online health check.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare:
• All unspent convictions and conditional cautions
• All spent convictions and adult cautions that are not protected (i.e. that are not filtered out) as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2020).
For further information on filtering please refer to Nacro guidance and the guidance issued by the Ministry of Justice (see, in particular, the section titled ‘Exceptions Order’).
It is an offence to apply for the role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. All shortlisted applicants will be required to complete self-disclosure form and return prior to interview.
