Schools' HR regularly publishes updates, guidance and practical information to support schools in managing their workforce and remaining compliant with employment and education legislation.
This section contains the latest Schools' HR communications, including updates to policies and procedures, changes to legislation, pay awards, safeguarding requirements, pensions information and key workforce developments.
Schools are encouraged to review communications regularly and ensure that relevant information is shared with appropriate staff and governors.
If you require further information about any communication, please contact the Schools' HR team at schoolshr@southwark.gov.uk or speak to your HR Business Partner.
Please note that historic communications are no longer available on the website. If you require a copy of a previous communication, please contact the Schools' HR team.
Employment Tribunal claim time limits have increased from three to six months from 1 October 2026, with guidance for schools on record-keeping and case documentation to support potential future claims.
Proposed updates to the ACAS Disciplinary and Grievance Code place greater emphasis on early informal resolution, mediation, manager capability, reasonable adjustments and the careful use of suspension.
Flexible working guidance for schools, including updates to the ACAS Code, practical flexible working arrangements, and the Schools HR Flexible Working Toolkit to support recruitment, retention and wellbeing.
HR Q&A on homeworking requests, outlining schools' responsibilities, statutory grounds for refusal, and the requirement for evidence-based consultation and decision-making.
Teacher pay award update confirming a 3.5% increase to teacher and leadership pay ranges from 1 September 2026, with publication of the final STPCD 2026 expected shortly.
New Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) requirements for academy schools from September 2027, including exemptions, transitional protections and workforce planning considerations.
Schools HR school visits launching over the coming months, providing opportunities for schools to discuss workforce, wellbeing, recruitment and HR support needs with their HR Business Partner.
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