Katy Owens reflects on her first academic year as the HR Manager at Bradford Grammar School, highlighting the diverse responsibilities she balances and emphasising the importance of visibility, engagement and a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
I’ll never forget my first day at Bradford Grammar School. Starting on INSET day with a small cohort of other new starters, coinciding with the return of all the teachers and support staff from their holidays, was a fortunate experience. It was a whirlwind introduction filled with training sessions on new topics such as pupil attendance codes, poignant discussions on educational challenges, and getting to know the team over coffee (in cups with saucers!).
I quickly realised I was in uncharted waters. This was a new sector for me, and I needed to resist the urge to make immediate changes. Instead, I decided to slow down, understand the educational environment and listen.
My journey into HR began around 2016 as a sidestep from project management at ASDA House, leading to an HR change management role that suited my project background. I pursued my CIPD diploma via an apprenticeship, moved into more generalist HR roles, and eventually became an HR Business Partner for ASDA stores in West Yorkshire.
At the onset of the pandemic, I transitioned into a multi-store HR role, marked by the intense timing of panic buying in supermarkets, COVID testing in store car parks and employee relations conversations through an ASDA-branded face mask. As a key worker, I was out in stores daily, focusing on people and navigating the ever-changing challenges brought by the pandemic.
I went on to work at the multinational telecoms firm Liberty Global for a year, which introduced me to international HR practices, particularly in Amsterdam and the US. I wasn’t anticipating or planning to move until I saw the Bradford Grammar School role pop up on LinkedIn. Like many candidates who interview at BGS, I was familiar with the building and the school’s reputation, but I had never crossed the threshold before.
When I interviewed for the role, I was so excited. It felt like a perfect fit, and I was thrilled to be offered the position. The opportunity to work in an educational setting aligned with my values and offered a sense of purpose that I found compelling.
The role of HR Manager at Bradford Grammar School is all-encompassing, covering both the breadth of HR generalist duties and strategic involvement as part of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT). I am fortunate to work alongside an amazing HR Coordinator, Sue, who holds the school together with her swift HR administration and organised mind; without her, nothing would get done in the HR office. My daily responsibilities are varied and sometimes unpredictable, balancing operational tasks such as absence management, recruitment, and employee relations with broader strategic planning and decision-making. This dynamic mix allows me to engage deeply in both immediate needs and long-term goals, ensuring our HR practices align with the school’s mission and values.
As a member of the SLT, we are passionate about the future of Bradford Grammar School. As HR Manager, my aim is to continuously consider factors such as the recent general election and anticipated legal changes that may impact our operations. My goal is to ensure that all HR practices align seamlessly with the school’s overarching strategy.
A pivotal aspect of my approach is focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (EDI). I am committed to continuously modernising our practices, moving beyond outdated metrics and unconscious biases, and embracing contemporary standards and values.
This year has also presented challenges, including a difficult collective consultation – a tough introduction into the industrial relations aspect of my role. However, it has also been another opportunity to listen to our teachers, support staff, and governors, all, at the core, working to safeguard the future of the School.
As an HR Manager, I strongly believe in the importance of visibility and accessibility. HR can sometimes be perceived as distant and overly focused on policies. My approach at BGS has been to actively engage with staff and students, understanding their daily experiences and building a sense of connection.
You might find me occasionally standing in at Reception or with the Catering team, scanning lunch cards and chatting with pupils about their day. A particular highlight from this year was a pupil sharing their strategies for avoiding being tackled by Mr Morrison in the teacher vs. pupil rugby match. I also enjoyed World Orienteering Day and am looking forward to leading an assembly on ‘Belonging’ in the next academic year.
This visibility not only informs my decisions regarding communication, processes, and recruitment but also aims to make the concept of ‘HR’ more approachable and supportive across the school community. Over time, I hope that this engagement builds trust and strengthens my connection to the broader school community.
In HR, you gain a holistic view of humanity, positioned to witness and support the full spectrum of human experiences within the workplace. One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is being the first person notified of major life events, such as a pregnancy or the birth of a child. It’s a privilege and I will never pass on the opportunity to cuddle new babies!
Recruiting new staff is another aspect I find particularly fulfilling. While I often delegate the task of informing candidates of their success to their future line managers or department heads, I cherish the moments when I get to make those calls myself. Telling someone they’ve been selected for a role and hearing their excitement is truly a highlight of my job.
Working at BGS has been incredibly rewarding. Standing in the lunch queue, I find myself among groundskeepers, scientists, athletes, cleaners, poets and artists! I can’t think of another environment where that might be possible. The collaborative spirit here is unlike any other place I’ve worked. Everyone is united by the goal of making BGS the best it can be, which is inspiring and motivating. The staff here are professional, dedicated and highly intelligent, all driven by a common goal: the success of Bradford Grammar School.
Looking ahead, while much of this year has been about observing and learning, I anticipate implementing changes that enhance our HR practices and support the school’s mission.
I can’t wait.
“Everyone is united by the goal of making BGS the best it can be, which is inspiring and motivating.”
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