Head of People

East Specialist Inclusive Learning Centre (SILC) is a large, complex 2-19 generic special school with 475 learners on roll.

We operate across multiple sites and deliver a wide range of specialist services across the city, including partnerships with mainstream schools, the city-wide Physical Difficulties and Medical Service, and the Medical Needs Teaching Service for Leeds.

Exceptional Education for Exceptional Lives sits at the heart of everything we do.

This is a rare opportunity to join a highly ambitious, values-led organisation and play a pivotal strategic role in shaping workforce culture, capacity and long-term sustainability across a complex SEND environment. As Head of People , you will directly influence outcomes for children, families and staff across our organisation and the wider system.

What Makes This Role Different?

You will lead workforce strategy across a multi-site, city-wide SEND organisation —not a single-setting model

You will operate at the intersection of education, health and care , influencing system-wide practice

You will shape not only staffing structures, but the lived experience of learners with complex needs

You will work directly with an experienced Executive Principal and Governing Board , with genuine strategic influence

This is an exceptional opportunity for an ambitious senior HR leader seeking to make a meaningful and measurable impact.

Our Values

At East SILC, our work is underpinned by our core values of:

Kindness | Integrity | Ambition | Collective Responsibility

As Head of People, you will play a central role in embedding these values across all aspects of workforce practice, culture and leadership.

The Opportunity

This is a high-impact strategic leadership role where you will:

• Lead and deliver a long-term workforce strategy across a complex, multi-site SEND organisation
• Drive sustainable recruitment and retention in a challenging labour market
• Use workforce data and insight to shape strategic decision-making and organisational improvement
• Provide expert, credible advice to the Executive Principal and Governing Board
• Shape and embed a values-led, inclusive and high-performing organisational culture
• You will lead the People function with significant autonomy, influencing workforce sustainability, staff experience and organisational performance at scale.

About You

We are seeking a strategic and values-led people leader who thrives in complex environments and is motivated by making a tangible difference.

You will:

• Bring substantial experience of senior HR/People leadershi p within a complex organisation
• Hold CIPD Level 7 (or equivalent) with strong employment law expertise
• Demonstrate a proven track record of delivering workforce strategy and organisational change
• Be highly analytical, using data to drive insight-led decision-making
• Build credibility and trust with leaders, staff, unions and external partners
• Lead with integrity, professionalism and an unwavering commitment to safeguarding

Why Join East SILC?

Strategic Influence and Impact

A genuine opportunity to shape workforce strategy across a high-profile, values-led SEND organisation

Direct influence on organisational direction and long-term sustainability

Close working with senior leaders and governors

A Strong Wellbeing Offer

Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme

Access to independent wellbeing support through the Schools Advisory Service

A wide range of Leeds City Council benefits, including:

• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme
• VIVUP employee benefits platform

Professional Development and Leadership Growth

Ongoing professional development and leadership opportunities

A collaborative culture that prioritises coaching, reflection and continuous improvement

Opportunities to contribute to system-wide leadership and practice

East SILC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check and occupational health clearance. All shortlisted candidates will be required to complete a self-disclosure form.

It is illegal to apply if you are on the children’s barred list.

We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from all backgrounds. We seek to build a workforce that reflects the diverse community of Leeds.

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