Staff Support Manager

The Staff Support Manager is a key element of the School's employee wellbeing strategy, acting as the dedicated "active listening" provision for all staff. The role provides a confidential, impartial, and supportive space for colleagues to discuss any aspect of their working life that may impact their wellbeing.

This role is designed to ensure staff feel heard, valued, and supported, contributing to a positive, healthy, and sustainable working environment. It has been newly created to reflect New Hall's ongoing commitment to investing in our staff. The Staff Support Manager can be undertaken on a full time basis, or a part time basis by up to two people.

Key responsibilities

• to provide a safe, confidential, and non judgemental space for staff to talk openly
• to use active listening techniques to support staff in exploring concerns related to work and wellbeing
• to offer empathetic support without acting as a decision maker or line manager
• to offer first line employee relations advice on how to deal with situational examples
• to help staff reflect on challenges and identify potential coping strategies through coaching strategies
• to direct staff to appropriate internal or external support services where needed
• to maintain awareness of available wellbeing resources and support pathways
• to always uphold strict confidentiality, within safeguarding and legal boundaries
• to build trust across the staff body through professionalism, discretion, and consistency
• to communicate clearly the limits of confidentiality when necessary
• to identify emerging themes or trends (anonymised) to inform leadership decision making
• to support the development of a proactive, preventative approach to staff wellbeing
• to offer flexible appointment times to accommodate part time and shift based staff
• to promote the service regularly to ensure awareness and engagement, e.g. through staff INSET

Qualifications

Essential

• to have strong active listening and interpersonal skills
• to have high emotional intelligence and empathy
• to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries
• to be trustworthy, approachable, and non judgemental
• to be skilled in signposting and supporting without directing
• to have an awareness of staff wellbeing challenges within educational settings

Desirable

• to be a practising Catholic
• to have experience of employee relations / generalist HR
• to have previous coaching experience

What New Hall offers

• Excellent benefits & CPD
• Lunch without charge in term time
• Discounted annual membership for New Hall Sport Club