Navigating HR Challenges in Schools: Insights and Future Trends

As schools prepare for the new academic year, HR strategies are more critical than ever. In a recent Keystone Knowledge webinar, Pip Lloyd, Head of HR at Keystone, shared invaluable insights into crafting effective HR strategies and navigating the evolving landscape of education. Here's a comprehensive summary of the key takeaways and actionable insights from the discussion.

Pip Lloyd emphasises the importance of separating HR into two distinct but interconnected areas: the operational and the people aspects. "HR practices have traditionally focused on operational functions—policies, procedures, and systems. However, we're now recognising that our people are not just resources but human beings. It's crucial to address both the 'people' and 'HR' elements to create a successful strategy," she explains.

Actionable Insight: Develop a balanced HR strategy that includes operational elements like compliance and systems, and people-centric elements like culture and well-being.

Effective HR strategy requires alignment with the school's overall objectives. "HR doesn't operate in isolation. It needs to align with the goals of the trust or school. This involves communication and collaboration across different departments," Lloyd notes.

Actionable Insight: Foster regular communication between HR and other departments to ensure that HR strategies support the broader goals of the school or trust.

Lloyd highlights the pitfalls of siloed operations within schools. "Historically, departments worked in silos. Today, it's crucial for HR to engage in meaningful conversations with all stakeholders to understand their needs and align strategies accordingly."

Actionable Insight: Break down departmental silos by scheduling cross-functional meetings and integrating feedback into your HR strategy.

The role of HR leaders in board meetings is another critical area. "Having HR leaders attend board meetings can be beneficial. They bring a unique perspective and can offer insights that may not be visible from other angles," says Lloyd.

Actionable Insight: Consider involving HR leaders in board meetings to ensure HR strategies align with the overall governance and strategic direction of the school.

The recent legislative shifts, such as changes post-Brexit and evolving employment laws, pose significant challenges. Lloyd observes, "The impact of legislative changes on HR strategies is profound. Schools must adapt to rapid changes in employment law and funding."

Actionable Insight: Stay updated on legislative changes and integrate them into your HR strategy to remain compliant and agile.

Recruiting and retaining top talent in a competitive market is a major challenge. Lloyd suggests, "To attract quality candidates, schools need to think creatively about recruitment strategies. This might include leveraging university job boards, hosting recruitment days, or considering less conventional methods."

Actionable Insight: Explore diverse recruitment channels and consider initiatives like recruitment days or partnerships with local universities to broaden your talent pool.

Utilising existing staff and volunteers effectively can address staffing shortages. "Consider growing your own talent through internal development or leveraging volunteers. This approach can fill gaps and enhance retention," Lloyd advises.

Actionable Insight: Develop programmes to upskill existing staff and utilise volunteers as part of your recruitment strategy.

With the decoupling of performance and pay, Lloyd highlights the importance of managing both aspects effectively. "Professional development should be separated from pay progression. However, maintaining clear policies for both areas is essential for managing expectations and performance."

Actionable Insight: Create distinct policies for professional development and pay progression, ensuring clarity and consistency in how each is managed.

Lloyd warns against using inexpensive labour as a temporary fix. "When involving students or volunteers, ensure that they are not just seen as cheap labour. They should be offered fair terms and conditions," she cautions.

Actionable Insight: Develop clear contracts and expectations for students and volunteers to ensure they are treated fairly and are motivated to stay engaged.

Finally, Lloyd stresses the importance of maintaining and integrating policies. "Keep a list of policies and their interconnections. This helps in reviewing and updating them effectively when changes occur," she advises.

Actionable Insight: Implement a policy management system to track and update policies, ensuring that all related documents are aligned with current legislation and practice.

By following these insights and strategies, schools can better navigate the complex HR landscape and build a more resilient and effective workforce. As Pip Lloyd aptly puts it, "HR is about finding solutions and making a positive impact. By applying common sense and strategic thinking, we can overcome challenges and support our schools in achieving their goals."