Job Description

bigcreative.education



HR Manager

Job specification pack


Welcome to

Big Creative Academy

Big Creative Academy (BCA) is a specialist


creative arts college for 16-19 year olds based


in Walthamstow, E17.


Our intent is to provide young creatives from


diverse backgrounds with the entrepreneurial skills


and academic knowledge to have a powerful impact


in the creative industries.


Through access to higher education and the


development of cultural capital we will provide


students with the attitude and resilience to


succeed.


BCA job specification pack



As an organisation we provide a supportive,


developmental environment with a creative

and innovative approach to education. Choosing


to work for BCA will enable you to be part of a


successful organisation that offer a good work-

life balance to all employees, which includes

a flexible working approach, a friendly, positive


and purposeful working environment, and


plenty of opportunities for social interaction


between colleagues

We are a values-led organisation, award-winning in


equality, diversity, and inclusion and a best practice


college for LGBTQ+. We work with integrity


and passion, and are fiercely committed to


creating a truly meaningful work environment,


where individuals are empowered with the



tools, technology, and training to unleash

their full potential.



This is an exciting time to join BCA. We moved into


our 21m new building in January 2021 with all


new industry-standard studios and equipment. We


are expanding to launch the new Fashion Futures


Studio in September 2023.


BCT culture video >



BCA job specification pack



We have 440 young people per year enrolled onto

our Level 3 vocational programmes, and learners

take qualifications in maths and English if needed.

We have a job centre on site for learners and a


sister organisation, Big Creative Training, offering


apprenticeships. Progression outcomes for


students are filling local skills needs for a growing


creative arts sector.


The majority of our staff are dual practitioners,


teaching their professional craft. This makes BCA


an innovative environment in which to work.


Together with our industry ambassadors and


patron, Emeli Sande, all of our programmes are


industry led and forward thinking.


Benefits of working for BCA

Flexible Fridays, half day, to provide work-life balance


Employee assistance programme

Research-based professional development

Supportive, caring and developmental

environment with full staff wellbeing


programme
Excellent career development opportunities

and performance recognition
Staff social events Gym facilities for staff use

Cycle to work scheme


Sacha Corcoran, MBE (Principal)

I'm really proud of the team at Big Creative Academy all working


together to provide the best education possible for our learners.

Our values are incredibly important to us and we look forward to


welcoming you into the Big Creative family.



- Kindness - Respect - Inclusivity - Authenticity - Integrity -


What our learners


and graduates say...

96% of learners at BCA say their overall experience


is good. Here's what they had to say...



"The teachers always find time to help."



"I love the small class sizes, and the fun environment created."



"I get to do something I love with other people who have the

same interests as me."



BCA job specification pack



Not only did the college give us

the tools and knowledge to succeed,


they prepared us for life as creatives


of the future.

Georgia



If it wasn't for BCA there's no way


I would have become the person

I am today. Thanks for helping


me find myself!"

Amani


&


Person Specification



BCA job specification pack



Post Title: HR Manager


Salary: 38,000 to 45,000 Basis: Full Time (52 weeks) Start Date: 1st of August 2025

Reporting to: Academy Business Manager Location: Big Creative Academy, Clifton Avenue, E17 6HL

Annual leave: 35 days per annum


Purpose of the role:




To manage all HR functions of the Academy, to provide advice to the Principal and Senior


Management Team on HR strategy and employment law. Direct line management of the HR


Administrator to ensure that all administrator is completed accurately and within a reasonable


timeframe.


The Academy currently has 60 employees and still growing with new recruitment ready for the next


academic year.


continued...



BCA job specification pack



Key Responsibilities




Principal Accountabilities:



General


To lead, develop and deliver an outstanding HR service Work closely with senior and line managers to understand and implement policies and procedures such
as working conditions, performance management, equal opportunities, disciplinary procedures and absence


management.

Manage employee relations caseload including grievance, disciplinary, family leave, flexible working and
capability procedures


Keep up to date with changes in employment legislation and provide employment law and general HR
advice to managers

To manage HR team members To advise the Academy Business Manager and Principal on HR-related matters To always demonstrate, personal and professional integrity and to model the Academy's values To consult with staff and their representatives on HR issues as required to maintain good employee
relations.

To undertake HR-related project work as required Ensure adequate coverage is maintained for trained first aiders and fire marshals. Any other duties as required in this role. Information Management


Maintain HR records which meet legal and internal management requirements including the HR database
(iTrent) and personal files

Produce a variety of HR related reports as required Support the Business Manager with the completion of the annual returns to the DfE Ensure the Single Central Record is maintained in line with DfE requirements and make available for
termly inspection by Safeguarding Lead and Governor and to OFSTED during their inspections

Provide accurate and timely information to payroll and liaise with the payroll service as required To provide governors with reports and information regarding staffing, including turnover and a full staffing
profile

Recruitment

Practice safer recruitment in checking the suitability of staff and volunteers to work with children in
accordance with DfE requirements. Completion of all checks for new starters, including Governors,


volunteers and casual staff in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Record completed checks on


OnlineSCR.


Plan and manage consistent and effective recruitment selection processes. Liaise with senior leaders to
ensure the school is fully staffed.

Co-ordinate HR Assistant to respond to applicant queries and administer references. Arrange shortlisting, interview and selection panels and participate as required ensuring that at least one
panel member has undertaken Safer Recruitment training within the last three years

Ensure that all paperwork such as letters and contracts are produced accurately by the HR Administrator Provide accurate information to Payroll Advising managers on reasonable adjustments and supporting with Occupational Health referrals Carry out salary benchmarking reviews and provide advice to the Principal and Business Manager continued...

Probation

Manage the HR Assistant in the timely production and submission of probation policy forms and
reminder messages to line managers. Send confirmation of probation letters.


Co-ordinate and attend any formal probation-related meetings.

Terms and Conditions


Ensure that all employment related information is processed, including contracts (including fixed
term), employment amendments and leavers in iTrent, and that correct documentation is issued

Manage all statutory and occupational benefits and related staff enquiries

Leavers

Ensure leaver information is reported to payroll and leaver processes are followed Arrange exit interviews for leavers

Other Workers

Ensure that processes for the engagement and management of casual staff, supply staff,
volunteers and agency workers are completed

Liaise with SLT regarding staff cover arrangements and staff placements and ensure the school
is adequately staffed


Liaise with agencies regarding agency staff provision and terms of business Monitor agency staff hours and authorise timesheets

Absence and Wellbeing


Oversee the authorisation and recording of all staff absence types, including usage of correct
forms and updating iTrent

Ensure all back to work meetings and records are completed on staff return date Carry out informal back to work interviews with employees as required Co-ordinate, attend and minute all formal absence management meetings Arrange, attend and minute ill health capability meetings Ensure referrals to Occupational Health and counselling services are made in a timely and
sensitive manner

Support and suggest wellbeing initiatives and organise all staff wellbeing days Provide a first point of call service to staff and provide early intervention, signposting staff as
appropriate.

Training & Development / Induction


Take lead of ensuring a timely and accurate annual appraisal process Support managers in implementing an effective CPD programme for all staff ensuring that
managers and teams have the appropriate skills and capabilities to undertake their responsibilities


effectively

Prepare and review induction training of employees, workers, contractors and volunteers to
ensure effective introduction to the role, procedures, and safe working

Direct the HR Administrator is collating information and storing in line with data retention Source relevant and cost effective training solutions
continued...



In addition the postholder is expected to:


Work towards achieving Big Creative Academy's mission and actively participate in our culture, striving
towards outstanding teaching and learning, promoting wellbeing and bringing industry into the


classroom


Travel to and meet with key stakeholders as appropriate to the role

Undertake continuous professional development including research projects and a bespoke annual
plan


Actively promote equality and anti-racism at all times

Carry out duties at all times with due regard to Big Creative Academy's policies, including
safeguarding, health and safety and data protection and participate in training as required


To comply with and promote the Academy's safeguarding policies Work flexibly and to undertake any other duties that may reasonably allocated by the line manager,
which may include working occasional evenings and weekends



This job description is designed to outline a range of main duties that may be encountered. It is not


designed to be an exhaustive listing of tasks and can be varied in consultation with the post holder in


order to reflect changes in the job or the organisation.


Person Specification

A - Application I - Interview


BCA job specification pack



ATTRIBUTES REQUIRED DESIRABLE METHOD OF ASSESSMENT


Education and Qualifications


Level 5 CIPD Qualification X A



Training in Safer Recruitment X A



Degree qualification in relevant subject area X A



Knowledge and Skills


Good, up to date knowledge of employment law X I/A



Understanding of the requirements of the Single Central Register X A



Understanding of education policies X I/A



An understanding of payroll processes X A



Good organisation and planning skills X I/A



Excellent ICT skills including Microsoft Office, especially Word and Excel, as


well as Microsoft Teams



X A



Highly accurate with great attention to detail X I/A



Ability to multi-task, prioritise and meet deadlines X A



Ability to motivate, manage and inspire others X I



Ability to deal with difficult and sensitive situations in a diplomatic and


professional manner



X I/A



Good understanding of the data retention practices applicable to HR data x I/A



Experience

A passionate generalist people professional X I/A



Demonstrable experience in providing consistent and accurate advice and


guidance



X I/A



Experience of employee relations and staff wellbeing matters X I/A



Experience of producing employment contracts and maintaining terms and


conditions


X I/A



Experience of managing recruitment campaigns and employee lifecycle X I/A



Experience of managing complex employment relations cases X I/A



Previous experience inputting into people strategy X A



Commitment


Committed to the safeguarding of children and equality of opportunity X I/A



Committed to own Professional development. X I/A



Committed to providing excellent customer service X I/A


BCA job specification pack



How to apply



To apply you must complete the application form found on our website and send it to bca-hr@bigcreative.education .


Closing date for application is 1st June 2025


Interviews will be held on w/ 16th of June 2025


Safeguarding

BCA operates safer recruitment practice in accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education regulations. Please expect the


highest level of scrutiny and background checks. Appointments are subject to satisfactory references being obtained, and

an enhanced disclosure and barring service (DBS) check. New members of staff cannot start their positions until


these


documents are in place.


Warner Interviews

As a values led organisation we conduct Warner interviews as part of our


recruitment process. These are designed to help us understand your own


values and motivation for working with the specific cohort of young people


we serve. We recommend that you research this interview technique


should you be invited to attend an interview.


What our staff say...



I like the progressive nature of the


college and how we are always looking


to expand and offer a more rounded


experience for the learners.



The best part of my role is being able


to make a positive difference to the


lives of many, supporting our young


people in seeing their potential.



There is fantastic communication


between members of staff and


the management team.



I feel supported and encouraged


in my role, inspired to continue


working to deliver high quality


and engaging material.



The staff get on well with each other


and work together positively to benefit


the organisation.



Lovely working environment with a


supportive team and great students.



What we do, individually, and overall,


makes a huge impact on the lives

of these young people and


empowers them.



BCA job specification pack



I like the collaborative culture and


genuine care for staff, with time


and energy invested.



BCA is a small organisation with


a big heart and a great mission


to develop learners from


disadvantaged communities.



I am trusted by my manager to use


initiative and develop my area as

I see fit. I feel trusted and valued


in my ideas and opinions.



The environment at BCA is a huge


stand out to me. The staff are diverse


so it makes me feel very comfortable


at work.



The absolutely fantastic team of staff


that I work with - we all come from


different walks of life yet share the


same creative interests and goals

in improving learner's experience


and their lives in general.



The community feel to our college


is second to none.


BCA is an equal opportunities employer and positively welcomes


applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to

safeguarding all learners enrolled on our programmes and appointment


of successful applicants will be subject to satisfactory references being


obtained, and an enhanced disclosure and barring service (DBS) check.