Two female team members working on laptops in a relaxed setting

Meet the team

Discover the team behind Heads HR

Meet our team of friendly education HR specialists, providing tailored support and guidance to schools, academies, and trusts across the UK.

A Team You Can trust

Meet your dedicated HR Partners

With over 50 years of combined education experience, our passionate team works in true partnership with you, protecting your staff, aligning with your school's unique ethos, and giving you complete peace of mind every step of the way.

Michael Dobson

Director

Michael Dobson is the Director of Heads HR, following Sapphire HR’s strategic acquisition in 2026. Alongside founding Sapphire HR in November 2018 and driving its broader national vision, Michael oversees the strategic growth of Heads HR as it continues to deliver dedicated, expert support for schools, academies, and multi-academy trusts across the UK.

Academically, Michael is a Chartered Fellow of the CIPD (FCIPD), holds a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management from Liverpool John Moores University, and brings extensive hands-on Employment Tribunal experience backed by a specialist qualification from BPP.

Outside of work, Michael is a Newcastle United fan and season ticket holder for more than 20 years and also enjoys watching cricket and boxing. He is a dedicated long-distance runner and enjoys going on walks with his energetic Sproodle, Murphy.

Sarah Whiting

HR Operations Director

Sarah Whiting is the HR Operations Director at Heads HR, overseeing the day-to-day operational running of the business while continuing to act as a dedicated, trusted consultant for numerous schools and trusts, many of whom she has partnered with for over seven years.

With a deep passion for the education sector, Sarah brings extensive expertise in school workforce management and complex employee relations. Prior to joining Heads HR in April 2019, she gained valuable cross-sector experience as an HR Advisor at the Together Trust, one of the North West’s leading disability charities. Holding a CIPD Level 7 qualification and chartered membership (MCIPD), Sarah combines rigorous professional standards with a practical, outcome-focused approach that headteachers, school business managers, and trust leaders rely on to navigate their people challenges with confidence.

Outside of work, Sarah is a busy mother to her two teenagers (ages 17 and 14). She enjoys keeping active at the gym and walking, as well as spending quality time with her family and friends.

Alicia Reid

HR Support Advisor

Alicia Reid joined Heads HR as an HR Support Advisor in July 2026. In her day-to-day role, she provides responsive, practical HR support to schools, advising on a wide range of essential processes including disciplinary investigations, grievances, and policy implementation for effective people management.

Alicia holds an Associate CIPD (Level 5) qualification earned through her undergraduate degree at Nottingham Trent University. Demonstrating her dedication to continuous professional development, she is currently pursuing an MSc in Human Resource Management (International Development) at The University of Manchester as she works toward achieving her Chartered CIPD (Level 7) status.

Outside of work, Alicia has a passion for dance that spans over 20 years and is currently training toward her dance teaching qualification, with ambitions to open her own dance studio in the future. She also loves to travel and explore new cultures and countries.

For complete peace of mind

Working in partnership with you

At Heads HR, we work closely with your leadership team from day one, combining over 50 years of education experience with a genuine passion for supporting schools. Whether you are navigating complex employee relations, managing attendance, restructuring staff, or transitioning to academy status, our dedicated consultants provide practical, tailored solutions that align with your unique ethos.

Backed by flexible packages and complementary services like occupational health and legal support, we handle the challenges so you can focus on what matters most: getting the best outcomes for your staff and students.

Let's get started

two females standing outdoors smiling in the sunshine

Female teacher wearing blue lanyard and smiling directly at camera.

"We have had the pleasure of working with Heads HR for several years and their support has consistently been outstanding. Their depth of knowledge and practical expertise have been invaluable in helping us navigate a wide range of HR matters with confidence. The team is always approachable and it’s reassuring to know there is always someone at the end of the phone or quick to respond via email whenever we need assistance. We highly value the ongoing support they provide and look forward to many more years of working together."

Sally Harkin, Headteacher

Heyes Lane Primary School

"I have used Heads HR for a number of years and have found their support and advice to be invaluable. They are always only a phone call away and I can always trust and know that someone will get back to me promptly if I have a query or an urgent issue to seek advice on. Head's HR have recently supported me through a restructure which made the process so much smoother and easier to manage due to their calm, measured advice and secure knowledge and understanding of policies, processes and procedures. I cannot rate them highly enough due to the clarity they provide; their accessibility and their unwavering support with any issue, large or small."

Kate Brookes, Headteacher

Davyhulme Primary School

Heads HR have provided invaluable HR support for Greave Primary School. Their extensive knowledge of the education sector and round-the-clock availability have enabled the leadership team to swiftly deal with issues in a proactive and informed manner. In addition, the regular updates on current legislation and guidance have ensured we are always fully prepared for any changes. An exceptional, high-quality, reliable service that I can highly recommend.

Jennie Williams, Headteacher

Greave Primary School

Heads HR provides pragmatic, workable HR solutions for our school. They are a key part of our school team and are always on hand to provide advice and resolve issues either remotely or at our school. Communication between school and Heads HR is superb; we never have to wait long to get answers to our questions. Heads HR provide excellent support to our school, and we would definitely recommend them.

Joe Barker, Headteacher

Marple Hall School

Discover why schools trust us

What drives us

Our core values

Backed by decades of education expertise, our core values guide how we partner with your school to empower your staff.

Genuine partnership

We work hand-in-hand with your leadership team from day one, acting as a trusted extension of your school.

Tailored to you

We reject one-size-fits-all approaches, delivering practical guidance that respects your unique workplace culture and specific needs.

Grounded in experience

With over 50 years of combined education expertise, we provide calm, authoritative counsel that safeguards your establishment.