I joined Cann Bridge School in 2017 as an Administration Assistant, supporting the day-to-day operations of our busy school office and reception. Since then, I have progressed through a number of roles, including Fundraising Lead and HR Assistant, gaining extensive experience across school administration, human resources and business operations.

As the school's HR & Office Manager since April 2025 and a member of the Core Business Team (Extended Leadership Team), I play a key role in supporting both the strategic and operational functions of the school. I oversee the smooth and effective running of our front office while leading the school's dedicated HR provision, ensuring that staff, families, visitors and external partners receive a professional, efficient and welcoming service.

A significant aspect of my role is developing and nurturing a positive people culture across the school. I am passionate about supporting colleagues throughout their employment journey, from recruitment and induction to professional development, wellbeing and retention. I believe that investing in our people creates a positive working environment where staff feel valued, supported and empowered to make a meaningful difference to the lives of our learners.

Supporting staff wellbeing is particularly important to me. I oversee staff absence management processes, ensuring colleagues receive the appropriate support, guidance and care during challenging times. Whether staff are experiencing health concerns, personal difficulties or other barriers, I strive to ensure they have someone who will listen, understand and help them access the support they need. Promoting a culture of compassion, trust and openness is central to helping our staff thrive both personally and professionally.

I work closely with Plymouth City Council, our external HR providers and legal advisors to ensure that employment practices, policies and procedures remain compliant, effective and responsive to the needs of the school. This includes supporting leaders with workforce planning, employee relations, recruitment, staffing matters and organisational development.

I am also responsible for reviewing and updating school policies, procedures and operational systems in line with statutory requirements, employment legislation, educational developments and the evolving needs of our school community. Through this work, I help ensure that Cann Bridge School remains a safe, supportive and forward-thinking place to work and learn.

I take great pride in being part of the Cann Bridge community and contributing to the school's continued success. Working alongside our dedicated staff team, I am committed to ensuring that the systems, processes and people support behind the scenes enable our learners to receive the very best education, care and opportunities to flourish.

Roles, Responsibilities and Strategic Oversight

• Strategic leadership of the school office, administration function and reception services, ensuring efficient, effective and continually improving systems and processes.
• Leadership of all HR functions, including recruitment, onboarding, personnel management, payroll liaison, absence management, employee relations and staff wellbeing.
• Development of a positive people culture that promotes staff engagement, wellbeing, professional growth and retention.
• Oversight of staff absence management procedures, providing guidance and support to colleagues and leaders while ensuring compliance with policy and employment legislation.
• Strategic liaison with Plymouth City Council, external HR providers and legal advisors on employment matters, organisational development and workforce planning.
• Lead responsibility for GDPR, data protection, information governance and associated compliance requirements.
• Management and oversight of statutory compliance, staff records, safer recruitment processes and personnel documentation.
• Coordination and monitoring of staff training and Continuing Professional Development (CPD), working in partnership with senior leaders to ensure compliance and workforce development.
• Responsibility for reviewing, developing and implementing school policies and procedures in response to legislative, statutory and organisational developments.
• Preparation of reports, workforce information and business updates to support Governors, Senior Leaders and strategic decision-making.
• Collaborative working with the Finance Manager and Core Business Team to support the effective leadership, operation and continuous improvement of the school.