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HR Services

At EPM, we provide expert, sector-specific HR support tailored to the unique needs of schools and multi-academy trusts across the UK. With a blend of transactional efficiency and strategic insight, our services help education leaders navigate complex employment legislation, manage risk, and make confident, people-focused decisions. Whether you're looking for day-to-day administrative support, advisory expertise, or long-term strategic planning, our experienced team is here to deliver. Built on trust, objectivity, and unrivalled educational knowledge, we are your partner in shaping safe, resilient, and high-performing educational environments.
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HR Essentials

HR Essentials is our foundational support service providing dependable, day-to-day assistance with people management for schools and trusts. This package delivers robust HR contracts administration, terms and conditions advice, and access to critical online resources.

Who it’s for:

  • Schools with existing in-house HR capacity
  • Smaller trusts seeking a reliable support base
  • Organisations that need access to accurate HR documentation
  • Leadership teams wanting a supportive safety net for basic queries

Key Benefits

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Legal Compliance

Ensures adherence to employment regulations and reduces non-compliance risks.

administrative-burden

Reduced Administrative Burden

Provides templates, policy documentation, and bulletins to streamline processes.

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Expert Guidance

Access to timely advice for basic HR queries.

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Horizon Scanning

Regular updates on upcoming legislative changes and HR best practices.

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Focus on Strategy

Frees internal teams to concentrate on strategic initiatives rather than administrative tasks.

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Documentation Support

Assistance with employment contracts, national agreements, and documentation updates.

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HR Solutions

HR Solutions offers a step up from our Essentials service, combining comprehensive documentation access with responsive, expert advice from our team of education HR professionals. This service provides ongoing telephone and email support, guidance through complex issues, and the reassurance of having a dedicated adviser just a call away.

Who it’s for:

  • Single academies and stand-alone schools
  • Smaller trusts requiring more than basic administrative support
  • Organisations not yet needing fully outsourced HR
  • School leaders seeking expert guidance for employee relations matters
  • Education settings wanting tailored advice that fits their unique context

Key Benefits

employee-relations

Employee Relations Support

Expert guidance for grievances, disciplinary matters, and performance issues with flexible on-site or virtual consultation options.

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Education-Specific Expertise

Advice from professionals with real-world school experience, providing solutions tailored to educational contexts.

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Confidence in Difficult Situations

Support for challenging conversations and proper procedure implementation to ensure best outcomes.

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Risk Reduction

Help avoiding missteps that could lead to costly tribunals while managing compliance issues.

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Contextual Approach

Solutions that consider your organisation's unique risk appetite and culture rather than one-size-fits-all advice.

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Practical Empowerment

Educationally relevant support that delivers value where it's needed most, helping you manage risk without sacrificing progress.

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HR Partner

The HR Partner model is our most comprehensive, proactive HR service - designed to act as an extension of your leadership team. This end-to-end solution goes beyond advisory support, with our team taking full ownership of HR cases, providing on-site presence when needed, and functioning as a true strategic partner integrated with your organisation.

Who it’s for:

  • Medium to large multi-academy trusts
  • Schools with limited internal HR capacity
  • Organisations seeking proactive rather than reactive HR management
  • Leadership teams needing strategic HR partnership
  • Education settings facing complex people challenges or significant changes

Key Benefits

end-to-end

End-to-End Support

Comprehensive HR support as a true extension of your leadership team - taking ownership of cases rather than just advising, with on-site delivery whenever needed.

strategic-partnership

Strategic Partnership

Shaping people strategies aligned with your Trust's values and goals, from HR Partners who guide change management, restructuring, and workforce strategy beyond day-to-day operations.

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One Trusted Provider

Access specialists across safeguarding, recruitment, payroll, and finance through one partner. Our breadth of expertise ensures support for any HR challenge - no need for multiple providers.

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Tailored Solutions

A service that adapts specifically to your organisation's unique challenges, through a customised approach rather than generic HR services.

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Critical Period Support

Specialised guidance during Ofsted inspections, TUPE transfers, or leadership changes, to help navigate complex transitions smoothly. We're a stabilising force when you need it most.

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Scalable Flexibility

High-level expertise with the flexibility to scale, ideal for organisations with limited internal HR capacity. Efficiently manage HR resources while maintaining quality service.

Case Study: Multi-Academy Trust Case Study

Challenge

A mid-sized multi-academy trust undergoing rapid expansion struggled to maintain consistent HR processes while managing multiple TUPE transfers. Their existing systems couldn't effectively support strategic growth objectives or provide the necessary foundation for scaling operations.

Solution

EPM's HR Partner model provided education-specific expertise for large-scale restructures and standardized policies across all schools. Our dedicated advisers offered strategic guidance tailored to the trust's unique structure while supporting complex processes like job evaluations and TUPE transfers.

"We returned to EPM after trying another provider—and the difference was night and day. EPM understands education. They’re not just quoting legal jargon; they apply knowledge to real-world school contexts. Having an adviser who knows our structure and gives strategic, yet practical advice is invaluable. They’re not just a service provider—they’re a trusted partner."

HR Lead, Multi-Academy Trust

EPM Model Executive Pay Policy Statement

STPCD 2025 FAQs

HR Committee Meeting Audit 2025-26

HSE Talking Toolkit for Education

EPM Model Trade Union Access Agreement

EPM Model Disciplinary Rules for all Employees

EPM Model Recruitment and Selection Policy and Procedure

Trust Policy Suite

Trust Suite

EPM Model Organisational Change Policy

EPM Model Leave of Absence Policy

EPM Model Flexible Working Policy

Speak to the Team

Contact us today and find out how we could help your school or trust to excel.