A well-established independent school in Sussex faced significant HR challenges that were impacting operational efficiency and staff morale. With limited in-house HR capacity and outdated systems, the leadership team required expert support to navigate complex employee relations issues, implement a large-scale restructure, and modernise their HR infrastructure.
Through working with MJV Consulting, our comprehensive HR partnership delivered end-to-end solutions for the independent school, from day-to-day advisory support to strategic transformation initiatives, enabling the school to focus on its core mission of educational excellence.
The school encountered multiple HR challenges simultaneously. A small internal HR team was struggling with limited in-house expertise, requiring specialist guidance and mentorship to handle increasingly complex employee relations matters. The organisation recognised significant inefficiencies, with their current structure no longer fit for purpose and requiring substantial reorganisation. Outdated paper-based HR systems were creating administrative burden and compliance risks, while several ongoing grievances and investigations demanded immediate attention.
Further complications arose from legacy employment contracts across departments that lacked standardisation and compliance with current legislation, creating contractual inconsistencies throughout the school. The senior leadership team also required strategic HR advice to make informed decisions during this period of change. These challenges were typical of independent schools experiencing growth and transition, requiring specialist education sector HR expertise to navigate successfully.
In-House HR Support & Mentorship
We worked alongside the school’s HR team, providing:
We conducted thorough, impartial investigations into employee conduct and capability concerns.
Managing sensitive investigations in accordance with employment law guidelines, we systematically interviewed relevant parties and gathered evidence to ensure a comprehensive understanding of each case.
Our detailed investigation reports provided clear recommendations that enabled the school to make informed decisions. Throughout the process, we supported the school through disciplinary and capability procedures while ensuring full compliance with employment law and education sector regulations, protecting the school’s interests and maintaining procedural fairness for all parties involved.
We standardised and modernised employment contracts across all departments through a comprehensive and methodical approach.
Beginning with detailed contract audits that identified inconsistencies and risks across the organisation, we developed compliant, sector-appropriate contract templates tailored to the independent school environment. Updated contracts were issued to all staff with clear communication about changes, ensuring transparency throughout the process.
Where contractual variations required formal agreement, we managed individual consultations sensitively and professionally, while also creating a centralised contract management system to enhance future efficiency. This work significantly reduced the school’s legal risk exposure and created clarity for all employees regarding their terms and conditions of employment.
Strategic Advisory to Leadership Team
As experienced HR Consultants, we were trusted advisors to the Senior Leadership Team throughout the project:
We managed a complex grievance case, professionally and impartially:
We transformed the school’s HR technology infrastructure through a structured, end-to-end HR system qualification and implementation process.
Following a comprehensive needs analysis that identified requirements specific to independent schools, we researched and recommended appropriate HRIS providers with tailored functionality and resources for the education sector.
Our team oversaw system configuration and data migration during the implementation phase, ensuring a smooth transition from legacy systems. We delivered hands-on training to HR staff and managers on system functionality, building confidence and competence in using the new technology.
Ongoing support included continuous administration assistance and system optimisation to maximise value. The new system automated routine HR tasks, improved data accuracy, and enhanced compliance monitoring, freeing the HR team to focus on strategic priorities.
Measurable Outcomes
Employee Wellbeing and Benefits
Beyond the measurable outcomes, the project delivered significant qualitative improvements across the school. Staff morale improved considerably following the fair and transparent restructure process, while leadership confidence in handling people management issues was strengthened through ongoing mentorship and support.
The implementation of modern, efficient HR infrastructure now supports the school’s long-term strategic goals, and careful change management ensured positive reputation management throughout sensitive organisational changes. Most importantly, the school has cultivated a culture of professionalism and fairness in employee relations that will benefit the organisation for years to come.
Why Independent Schools Choose MJV Consulting for HR Support
Our team at MJV Consulting, understand the unique challenges facing independent schools:
Flexible Partnership Model
Our services scale to meet your needs:
Comprehensive Capability
From day-to-day employee relations to strategic transformation, we deliver a full spectrum of HR services tailored to independent schools. Our expertise spans employment law compliance and risk management, organisational change and restructuring, HR technology and systems implementation, leadership advisory and coaching, and policy development and review.
This comprehensive approach ensures that whether you need support with immediate operational challenges or long-term strategic initiatives, we have the capability and experience to guide your school successfully.
Get Expert HR Support for Your Independent School
Whether you’re facing specific HR challenges or looking for a strategic HR Consulting partnership to support your school’s development, we provide tailored solutions for independent schools in Sussex and Surrey that truly understand the independent education sector.
Contact us today to discuss how we can support your school’s people management needs on 01403 916727 or info@mjvconsulting.co.uk
