Project-based HR leadership
from people in education
Get senior-level support for restructures, TUPE, pay and grading, complex cases, and culture work.
Delivered by education-only experts who’ve run school and trust operations.
Your HR partner for
complex change
Does this sound familiar?
You need to restructure and want to protect culture while staying compliant.
A TUPE transfer is coming, and the risk feels high.
Pay and grading need to be reviewed, and roles have outgrown their bands.
Policies exist, but you need frameworks that leaders can actually follow.
A complex case requires senior judgement and calm delivery.
What you get
(from plan to adoption)
Decision-useful strategy
Options, risks, and costs in plain English, so approvals are faster.
Implementation support
We don’t stop at advice; we help you make change happen.
Deliverables you can implement today
Consultation packs, letters, FAQs for staff/governors, and training for line managers.
Adoption and handover
Comms, workflow, and cadence, so the improvement endures after we leave.
Tools and systems
We’ll help you assess HR systems for schools, shortlist HR software for schools,
and ensure that any education HR software is adopted in practice.
Who you’ll work with
A CIPD-qualified senior HR lead (with access to a wider team), experienced in academies and trusts. Specialising in the education sector, we’re your people.
“What makes Keystone invaluable to us is their deep understanding of the educational landscape.”
MATTHEW BROOKES, DIRECTOR OF PRIMARIES, SYMPHONY LEARNING TRUST
Why schools and trusts
choose us for strategic HR
Education-specific expertise
We understand MAT governance, unions, and how change is delivered in schools.
Senior judgement
Calm, defensible decisions on complex issues.
Implementation focus
Actions, owners, and dates confirmed, so improvements last.
Clarity for boards
Decision packs that lead to lasting change.
Get smooth strategic HR
support
1
Quick 15-minute (or as long as you need), no-obligation consultation
Covering goals, constraints and deadlines.
2
Proposal and planning
Written scope, fixed price, timeline, named lead, and agreed start date.
3
Delivery and handover
On-site/remote support, capability transfer, artefacts, and aftercare plan.
FAQ’s
No. Strategic HR is a scoped project/programme with defined outcomes and timelines. If you need ongoing advice, use our Employment Law & HR Advisory retainer.
HR retainer support
Use your Employment Law & HR Advisory retainer for day-to-day HR advice for schools and quick answers; bring in Strategic HR when you need depth, delivery, and change at scale.
