Job Specifications
Employer Girls' Day School Trust (GDST) Location London, Greater London Contract Type Permanent Hours Full Time Salary Trust Office Grade 4
Posted 24th February 2026 Start Date As Soon As Possible Expires 5th March 2026 10:00 AM Contract Type Permanent Start Date As Soon As Possible Job ID 1535794
Start Date As Soon As Possible
Contract Type :Permanent
Job ID: 1535794
Share :
LinkedIn Facebook X WhatsApp Email
Print
The Girls’ Day School Trust is seeking an experienced Employee Relations Specialist to join our Trust Office People & Culture team.
Reporting to the Senior People Partner, you will play a key role in delivering high-quality, consistent and pragmatic employee relations support across our network of 23 independent schools, two academies and Trust Office.
This is a dynamic and varied role, suited to a confident HR practitioner who enjoys managing a broad caseload, building trusted relationships and providing clear, balanced advice in a complex educational environment. You will work closely with school HR colleagues and senior leaders, tailoring advice to individual school contexts while ensuring alignment with GDST policies, employment legislation and our organisational values.
You will join a small, collaborative and supportive People Partnering team, with scope to develop professionally while making a tangible impact across the Trust.
What skills and experience you’ll bring to the role
CIPD Level 5 qualification (or equivalent experience)
Proven experience in employee relations, ideally in education
Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice
Ability to manage a high-volume caseload proactively and independently
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build trusted relationships with a variety of stakeholders
Adaptable, pragmatic approach tailored to school-specific contexts
Ability to handle sensitive matters with discretion and sound judgement
Who We Are
The Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST) is the UK’s leading group of 23 independent girls’ schools and two academies across England and Wales. We educate around 19,000 students and employ 4,000 staff, all united for a shared purpose: to help girls learn without limits, so they can go on to lead lives without limits and make the world a better place for us all.
The Organisation’s Values Serve As Guiding Principles
We put girls first
We think and act fearlessly
We embrace a forward-thinking mindset that shapes the educational offer for girls
We are a family of schools
We provide careers that are fulfilling and purposeful for our staff
As recognised global leaders in girls’ education, we combine 153 years of expertise and experience with a progressive and pace-setting vision for the future. We are dedicated to giving our students the tools to thrive, offering them access to innovative educational practices, excellent facilities, and an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued.
Why join us
Benefits
As part of the GDST, the UK's leading network of independent girls' schools, we can offer a variety of benefits, such as:
Competitive salaries and pay progression
Access to extensive professional development opportunities
Training grants for qualifications
A discount of up to 50% on fees for children at GDST schools
Generous pension schemes
Free life assurance benefit
Interest free loans for training, computer purchase loans and travel season ticket loans
A Cycle to Work scheme
Competitive terms and conditions of employment
There are many other good reasons to work with us. Each of our schools and our Trust Office has its own sense of community, and you’ll be part of it. You’ll be in the company of some of the best and brightest people in independent education. Most importantly, no matter what your role, you’ll be playing a major part in the highly regarded education we give our girls.
Our commitment
The GDST is committed to diversity, inclusion and real change. We want every colleague to feel valued, respected and supported, and we actively welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities.
Attachments
Safeguarding Statement
2602 ER Specialist Job Description
The Girls’ Day School Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection checks appropriate to the post, including online searches and checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Fast Apply
View all jobs from school
About the Company
A family of 26 girls’ schools, including 24 independent schools and two academies, across England and Wales.
We have over 4,000 staff, over 19,000 students between the ages of three and 18, and an alumnae network of over 100,000 - the largest of its kind in the UK.
As a charity that owns and runs a network of girls' schools in England and Wales, it reinvests all its income in its schools.
Founded in 1872, the GDST has a long history of pioneering innovation in the education of girls, and is the largest single educator o...
Know more