Reducing payroll risk and boosting confidence: Osborne Co-operative Academy Trust

Overview

Osborne Co-operative Academy Trust (OCAT) is a multi-academy trust comprising 12 primary and secondary schools across Thurrock and Essex, employing approximately 1,300 staff. The trust HR team oversees HR and payroll operations, ensuring smooth staff management across various employee terms and conditions. OCAT transitioned to Juniper Education’s Payroll and HR services following the acquisition of Essex County Council’s managed payroll services.

Actions

Juniper Education’s payroll consultant team worked with OCAT by conducting regular account meetings and establishing a dedicated working group to address payroll errors and proactively mitigate risk. Improved processes have since been introduced, virtually eliminating all payroll queries and providing clear guidance on the monthly payroll process and key milestone dates. The payroll team has also accommodated specific requests, such as adjusting pay run dates around holidays, ensuring flexibility for the trust.

In addition, consistently fast response times have been maintained, with simpler issues sometimes getting resolved within minutes of a ticket being raised. Alongside payroll, OCAT benefits from Juniper’s comprehensive HR support. The trust regularly utilises Juniper’s education-specific HR policy bank and template letters, ensuring compliance with local union agreements and sector standards.

"It’s the reduction of risk and confidence in the run-up to payday that’s the real benefit.”

Ellie Gibson, HR Business Partner

Outcomes and benefits

Since working with Juniper Education, OCAT has experienced a significant reduction in payroll errors, which has brought greater confidence and reassurance in the run-up to paydays. The improvements have reduced operational risk, giving the trust confidence that payroll will run smoothly, including pay awards and retrospective back pay.

The service has also freed up valuable time for HR staff. With fewer administrative payroll queries, the team can now focus on strategic priorities with peace of mind that their payroll is being processed accurately every month.

Trust staff also report high levels of satisfaction with the clarity, communication, and support they receive from Juniper. The partnership has helped build strong internal confidence, enabling HR and payroll staff to shift their focus from reactive problem-solving to proactive planning and management.