Headteacher HR & Payroll Induction Checklist

Section 1: Governance, Compliance, and HR Strategy

Item

Action/Notes

Contractual Status & Appraisal

Confirmation of the Headteacher's own contract, start date, salary, benefits, and first formal appraisal date/process.

Key HR Policies

Detailed review of the following policies, confirming the Headteacher's role in their execution: Disciplinary & Grievance, Capability, Complaints, Whistleblowing, Absence Management – Managing Attendance (long-term absence protocols) Suite of letters to support Managing Attendance: https://blessed-bamber-document-portal.schudio.com/resources/managing-attendance-suite-of-letters-to-support-policy .

Parental Leave.

Portal policies : https://blessed-bamber-document-portal.schudio.com/resources/policies

Occupational Health Referrals

Templates and process for making a referral to Ock Health.

Portal Information and document templates: https://blessed-bamber-document-portal.schudio.com/resources/occupational-health

MIS/HR System Access

Access granted and training provided for the Trust HR & Payroll Management Information System (MIS) and platform (e.g., Edupay) for reporting, authorising leave and payroll claims and staff data oversight.

Portal Edupay guides and login: https://blessed-bamber-document-portal.schudio.com/resources/edupay

Governor/Board Communication

Briefing on Governor/Director involvement in staff management (e.g., Disciplinary Hearings, Pay Committee decisions).

 

Section 2: Safeguarding and Statutory Duties

 

Item

Action/Notes

Single Central Record (SCR) - online

Detailed review of the SCR, ensuring understanding of auditing processes and compliance with Safer Recruitment regulations.

Single Central Record online: https://portal.onlinescr.co.uk/Account/Login?ReturnUrl=%2fHome

Staff Code of Conduct/Handbook

Review of the Staff Code of Conduct and procedures for managing allegations against staff. Starters and leavers protocol.

Portal Trust Coe of Conduct: https://blessed-bamber-document-portal.schudio.com/resources/code-of-conduct-1

Statutory Requirements (Teachers)

Confirmation of knowledge regarding statutory requirements for teachers (e.g., PPA time, directed time budget).

 

Section 3: Payroll and Finance Administration

Item

Action/Notes

Payroll Cycle & Deadlines

Confirmation of monthly payroll deadlines (15th monthly except December as early pay), submission process for variations (e.g., overtime, supply staff claims), and sign-off authority.

Staffing Budget Control

Review of the current year’s staffing budget (maintaining required staff numbers, affordability of new appointments, contingency).

Salary Scales & Allowances

Review of current pay policy, including Teacher and Support Staff salary scales, allowances (TLR/SEN), and progression procedures.

Portal pay scales and rates of pay: https://blessed-bamber-document-portal.schudio.com/resources/pay-scales-and-rates-of-pay

Pensions

Briefing on employer responsibilities and administrative contacts for Teachers' Pension Scheme (TPS) and Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).

Portal Pensions Information and links to LGPS and TPS: https://blessed-bamber-document-portal.schudio.com/resources/pensions

Expense Authorisation

Confirmation of expense claim limits and authorisation procedures for the Headteacher and other senior staff.

 

Section 4: Staff Management and Development Cycle

Item

Action/Notes

Recruitment Policy & Training

Review of the Safer Recruitment Policy and confirmation of the Headteacher's most recent training status. (ESB 2/4 Dec)

Trust recruitment process.

Portal Trust Recruitment Process and related forms: https://blessed-bamber-document-portal.schudio.com/resources/recruitment-process

Portal Trust Safer Recruitment Policy: https://blessed-bamber-document-portal.schudio.com/resources/safer-recruitment-policy

Starter and Leaver Protocol

Induction and probation expectation.

Portal probation policy and templates: https://blessed-bamber-document-portal.schudio.com/resources/probation

Performance Management Cycle

Detailed overview of the annual appraisal/performance management cycle, including deadlines for objective setting and pay recommendations.

Continuous Professional Development (CPD)

Overview of National College and statutory training.

National College: https://nationalcollege.com/home

Statutory Training all staff and new starters:

  1. Preventing Sexual Harassment (annual)
  2. Certificate in Safeguarding for Staff (annual)
  3. Prevent Duty (bi-annual)
  4. Cyber Security (annual)
  5. GDPR (bi-annual)
  6. Fire Safety Awareness (annual)

Other training to be completed, i.e. role-specific

Workforce Wellbeing

Briefing on current Trust wellbeing programme and EAP (Employee Assistance Programme) details.

Portal Wellbeing: https://blessed-bamber-document-portal.schudio.com/resources/wellbeing-2