Addressing HR Challenges in Schools: The Benefits of Outsourcing

The education sector faces a number of challenges, from budget constraints to regulatory requirements, and one area that often demands significant resources and expertise is human resources (HR).

Outsourcing certain HR functions can provide schools and academy trusts with a strategic advantage, allowing them to focus more on education and improving pupil outcomes. The National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) highlights that schools are experiencing increased pressure to manage HR functions efficiently. This includes recruitment, compliance, staff development, and payroll management. The complexity of these tasks can overwhelm internal teams, especially in smaller schools or growing academy trusts.

Benefits of Outsourcing HR

1. Cost Efficiency
   Outsourcing HR can be more cost-effective than maintaining an in-house HR team. It eliminates the need for additional salaries, benefits, and ongoing training costs.
2. Access to Expertise
   Education specific HR service providers specialise in managing HR functions and stay updated with the latest laws and best practices. This ensures schools remain compliant with regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and safeguarding requirements.
   
   
3. Scalability
   As schools and academy trusts grow, their HR needs become more complex. Outsourcing provides the flexibility to scale services up or down based on current needs without the hassle of restructuring an in-house team.
   
   
4. Free Up Time to Focus on Core Activities
   By outsourcing administrative HR tasks, school leaders can focus on strategic initiatives that directly impact pupil learning and outcomes.

Impact of Outsourcing HR

Outsourcing HR can make a real, and positive impact. By partnering with a trusted provider like Strictly Education, schools and MATs can streamline their HR processes, ensure compliance, and build a people strategy that supports employees in your school or academy trust.

In our latest case study, you’ll see how we helped GST overcome challenges such as this by aligning their HR systems, simplifying compliance, and focusing on staff development. Anne Powell, CEO at Griffin Schools Trust, shares how our tailored support has been instrumental in freeing up leadership to focus on delivering excellent education.

“Strictly Education understands our vision and what makes our family of schools successful. They are genuinely supportive and want our organisation to flourish.” - Anne Powell, CEO, Griffin Schools Trust

Griffin Schools Trust started with schools that had diverse HR processes, payroll systems, and operational challenges. As Griffin Schools Trust expanded to 12 schools, the need for streamlined, standardised HR processes became critical to support their growth, manage over 700 staff, and enhance their people strategy.

Read the case study here

Get in touch...

Strictly Education offers a comprehensive suite of HR services tailored that help address the needs of schools and academy trusts.

Our expertise enable schools to easily overcome key HR challenges and create a supportive, compliant, and efficient working environment. To discover how Strictly Education can support your HR needs, get in touch to find out more on 0330 123 2549 or at enquire@strictlyeducation.co.uk we are happy to answer your questions.