Specialist HR Support for Independent Schools
Practical, professional, sector-specific HR consultancy for schools that want to stay compliant, confident, and people-focused.
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20 Years in Independent Education HR
I have 20 years' experience as a senior HR professional in the independent education sector, most recently as Director of People, on the SLT at a leading Boarding & Day school in Suffolk. This means I fully understand the unique pressures schools face — from safer recruitment, parental expectations and complex employee relations to the nuances of term time/term time plus contracts and governance oversight.
I provide clear, pragmatic HR support for Heads, Bursars, and HR Teams to make confident decisions and maintain a positive, people-focused school culture.
Whether you need support strengthening legal compliance, navigating complex people issues with confidence, my work blends deep sector knowledge with practical, no nonsense support tailored to meet the unique demands of your school.
With the Employment Rights Act 25 introducing the largest legislative changes in decades, I can work with you to ensure that your policies and practices are compliant with both current and upcoming employment law changes.
Being fully aware of the financial challenges that the independent sector is currently navigating, I am looking to offer professional cost-effective HR support and employment law advice.
Whether your school needs ad hoc expert HR guidance and support, or an ongoing HR partnership, please do get in touch for a free 30 minute consultation to discuss your needs.
Sally Wood Chartered MCIPD
[email protected]Services
How I Can Support Your School
HR Audits & Documentation
Comprehensive review and updating of documentation including: • Employee handbook, policies and procedures aligned to ISI/KCSIE/ERA 25 • Employment contracts, zero hours and VMT agreements and contracts for services
Safer Recruitment & SCR
• Expert guidance on Safer Recruitment processes and SCR management including audits and policy review. • Support with onboarding including interview design and participation. • Advice on managing probation in line with new ERA 25 legislation
Employee Relations & Casework
Support and advise on complex people issues including; • Disciplinary, grievance and performance management processes • Absence management • Investigations (including safeguarding linked HR issues) • Mediation and conflict resolution • Workforce planning support with redundancy and restructure processes
HR Strategy & Leadership Support
Strategic HR input for Heads, Bursars, and Governors — helping you build a positive, high-performing school culture. • Governance support (briefings, reports, recommendations)
Training for HR Teams, SLT and Line Managers
Development of practical, sector specific training sessions on HR fundamentals including: • Safer recruitment training • Managing difficult conversations • Managing probation and other Line Management essentials • Employment law essentials for SLT • Conducting investigations • Managing probation under new ERA 25 legislation
Retained HR Support Packages
Flexible, ongoing HR support tailored to your school's size and needs — your trusted HR partner, when you need them.
Why Schools Choose Me
Trusted by Heads, Bursars, and Governors
Independent schools have unique HR challenges that generic consultants simply don't understand. I bring deep sector knowledge and a calm, practical approach to every engagement.
Testimonials
What Schools Say
"Sally has been exceptional to work with within the independent school sector. She is knowledgeable, practical and delivers her guidance and next steps with measure and confidence. I found myself considerably more at ease in any meeting she joined, because of the unimposing authority and expertise she brings to even the most challenging of conversations. I would not hesitate to recommend her."
Simon Roche, Headmaster
Independent Preparatory School
"Over many years we have relied on Sally's expertise for complex employee relations matters. Sally has a very in-depth knowledge of the law and regulations governing employment and this provides full comfort that we are in safe hands. She is always calm, thorough and focused on the right outcomes for the school."
Nick Rudston, Bursar
Independent Senior School
"I have worked closely with Sally for the last seven years and in that time, she has led the HR department at Framlingham College exceptionally well. Sally's HR knowledge is extensive, detailed and up to date. Her advice is always carefully thought through and has enabled me to approach difficult matters with confidence. I trust her implicitly. Efficient, meticulous and timely in her preparation and delivery of information. Sally is also astute, articulate and utterly professional. Sally has exceptionally high standards and expectations both of herself and of her team and she cares deeply about her work. I will continue to draw on her support and guidance in her role as HR consultant."
Louise North
Principal of the College & Head of the Senior School
Pricing
Transparent, Sector-Specific Pricing
From flexible hourly rates to retained packages and fixed-fee projects — support tailored to your school's size and needs.
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Book a Free 30-Minute HR Consultation
Let's discuss your school's needs and how I can support you.