Introduction
In any school or Multi-Academy Trust (MAT), people are your most valuable asset—they’re what makes a school great! When your staff are supported and motivated, it leads to happier pupils, parents, and a stronger school community.
A recent statistic from the UK Department for Education shows that about 10% of teachers leave the profession each year, with nearly a third of new teachers leaving within the first five years. This high turnover highlights the need for effective people strategies in schools and trusts is more important than ever. A strong plan can make recruitment and retention easier, giving every school in the trust the tools it needs to build and keep a great team.
But what exactly is a people strategy, and how do you create one? Our latest blog explains all, providing a step-by-step guide to help your schools, staff, and pupils thrive.
What is a people strategy?
A people strategy is a practical plan that helps an organisation attract, support, and grow its employees in line with its goals. It covers essentials like hiring, training, performance, and keeping employees engaged. The aim is to build a positive work environment where staff feel valued and can do their best. A good people strategy also prepares your team for future needs so the organisation can stay on track for the long term.
8 steps to building a people strategy
Step 1: Define your goals
Start by identifying what you want your people strategy to achieve. Is it focused on improving teacher retention, enhancing staff well-being, or ensuring professional growth? Set clear, measurable goals that align with your MAT’s values and long-term vision.
Step 2: Assess your current needs and challenges
Gather data on staff turnover, recruitment gaps, and employee feedback across your schools. Look for patterns in challenges faced by teachers and support staff and understand why staff may be leaving. This assessment will help you focus your strategy on the most critical areas.
Step 3: Create a recruitment and retention plan
Design a recruitment and retention plan that attracts qualified educators and keeps them engaged. This could include offering clear career paths, highlighting development opportunities, and ensuring competitive salaries and benefits. Emphasise what makes your MAT an attractive place to work.
Step 4: Support professional development
Teachers and support staff value ongoing learning opportunities. Establish a continuous professional development framework that includes in-house training, external courses, and opportunities for career advancement. Make sure this framework is consistent across your schools.
Step 5: Create a positive workplace culture
Encourage a culture that values staff well-being and work-life balance. This could mean offering mental health resources, promoting work-life flexibility, and creating a supportive environment where staff feel heard and valued. Recognising achievements and celebrating success also boost morale.
Step 6: Implement an employee engagement program
Engage your staff by seeking regular feedback and acting on it. Surveys, feedback sessions, and focus groups help you understand staff needs and address issues early. Engagement initiatives—like mentorship programs or peer support groups—also strengthen workplace bonds.
Step 7: Plan for future needs
Develop a plan for future staffing and talent requirements across your schools. Factor in anticipated challenges, like changes in education policy or population growth. A proactive approach will help your MAT stay resilient in the face of change.
Step 8: Monitor and adjust
Finally, set up a system to track your progress and make adjustments as needed. Regularly review recruitment numbers, turnover rates, and staff feedback. This ensures your people strategy remains effective and aligned with your MAT’s evolving needs.
Ready to build your people strategy?
Thinking of putting a people strategy in place for your MAT? You’re in the right place! If you’re not sure where to begin, no problem—our team of expert HR consultants is here to guide you.
With a combined 200 years of experience in HR, recruitment, staff retention, and development, we’ll help you create a people strategy that attracts top talent, supports staff growth, and builds a positive, thriving school environment.
Contact us today for a friendly, no-obligation chat to discuss a people strategy tailored to your MAT!
