Staff restructure and redundancy: the process

Understand what's involved in the reorganisation of your school's staffing structure. Get to grips with the steps of the process, your role in the planning stage and the rules around consultation and dismissal.

Last reviewed on 15 May 2026See updates
School types: AllSchool phases: AllRef: 5567
Contents
  1. 1. Planning the restructure
  2. 2. Setting the selection criteria
  3. 3. Consulting employees
  4. 4. After the consultation 
  5. 5. Running the selection process and changing contracts
  6. Outcomes 
  7. See examples of redundancy procedures

Please note: this process is usually carried out by the headteacher, not governors. However, the information below will help you know what to expect.

This process can be followed whether you're restructuring the senior leadership team (SLT), teaching staff, support staff, or your entire staffing structure. 

1. Planning the restructure

The first steps are to:

  • Agree that a restructure is necessary – this is strategic, so your board will be involved
  • Plan what you'd like to do, and what your new structure looks like – your headteacher will draft this
  • Consider what other options may be available to avoid potential redundancies, such as redeployment or reduced working hours

If these steps haven't been completed yet, read our advice and 'questions to ask' at the planning stage first. 

Your headteacher, supported by your HR provider, will decide how you'll choose who will take on any new or changed roles, and who might