Head of hr jobs

Location: London

Location type:Hybrid

Reporting to: Director of People and Operations

Annual salary: £60K - £70K GPB

Contract type: Permanent

Working hours: Full-time (35 hours per week)

Candidate level: Manager

Closing date: Monday 9th February 2026, at 9:00 am CET

Background

Lumos Foundation works to realise every child’s right to a family by transforming care systems around the world. Our vision is a world in which all children grow up in safe and loving families within supported communities. Founded in 2005 by author J.K. Rowling, Lumos partners with governments, civil society, and young people with lived experience to transform care systems globally and advocate for family-based solutions that help children thrive.

We ensure that families receive the support they need to stay together or reunite, and that children grow up in family-based settings such as foster or kinship care, not institutions. Despite clear evidence of the harms of institutionalisation, more than 5 million children worldwide continue to live in institutions. And a much larger number of children are at risk of family breakdown and separation – those living in poverty, experiencing domestic violence and abuse, and living in countries affected by conflict.

We are ambitious for children. In the next 10 years, Lumos will enable 500,000 children in care to return to family-based care and prevent 10 million children from experiencing family breakdown and separation – so that they can thrive in their own families. Working with local, national, and global partners, Lumos supports government-led transformation of childcare systems across Asia, Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America- driving systemic and sustainable change. Lumos’ ambition for children is significant and will require the organisation and its partners to work in new ways – with a pace, drive and urgency that this moment demands – and that children everywhere deserve. Lumos’ success will continue to be based not just on what we do, but on how we do it – our values. We embrace collaboration. We strive for excellence. We show respect. We always care. And we are passionate. We are Lumos.

Purpose of role

This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal leadership role at Lumos at a time of organisational strengthening and global growth. As a member of the wider leadership team, the Head of People will be central to building and embedding high-quality, values-led, and risk-aware people practices that enable Lumos to deliver its mission and long-term ambitions.

Working closely with Country Directors and HR focal points in country offices, the role supports the consistent application of global people frameworks while enabling appropriate local practice. The Head of People will play a key role in supporting Lumos to grow and operate safely across existing and new geographies, ensuring that people practices underpin organisational readiness, duty of care, and sustainable impact.

In close partnership with the Director of People & Operations, the Head of People provides expert insight into People strategy and organisational priorities and is accountable for translating agreed direction into consistent, effective delivery across the organisation. The role combines strategic thinking with strong operational leadership, ensuring that people frameworks, systems, and practices are embedded, trusted, and fit for purpose, and that values, culture, and ways of working are reflected in how work is done every day. This role will suit an experienced senior HR professional who enjoys shaping and embedding sustainable people practice, exercises sound judgement, and enables others to lead well. You will be motivated by values-led work, long-term impact, and the opportunity to grow with an organisation, strengthening organisational capability within a complex, international environment.

Primary responsibilities

People strategy contribution & execution

• Contribute expert insight, options, and analysis to the development of the People strategy, operating model, and organisational priorities.
• Translate the agreed People strategy into clear frameworks, plans, and delivery across the organisation.
• Ensure people initiatives are prioritised, resourced, and implemented effectively.
• Monitor impact and effectiveness, recommending adjustments based on data, risk, and organisational need.

Full employee lifecycle ownership (global)

• Own and oversee the operational delivery and quality assurance of the full employee lifecycle across all geographies.
• Ensure consistent, values-led, and safer recruitment practices are embedded across Lumos.
• Lead the design and delivery of high-quality induction and onboarding, embedding EDI, duty of care, and organisational culture from the outset.
• Oversee probation, performance cycles, development, progression, and exit processes.
• Ensure leaver processes, exit interviews, and data capture support organisational learning.

Performance, capability & leadership development

• Lead the implementation and embedding of Lumos’ performance management framework.
• Oversee annual objective-setting, performance reviews, and development planning.
• Build leadership and line manager capability through training, guidance, and coaching.
• Enable managers to take confident ownership of people management, feedback, and performance conversations.

Pay, rewards & progression

• Lead the delivery of pay and reward activity, including time-bound pay and reward reviews and job evaluation processes.
• Ensure reward approaches are equitable, transparent, affordable, and aligned with organisational values.
• Work closely with Finance and the Director of People & Operations to align reward activity with budgets and governance.
• Support the implementation of progression frameworks and guidance.

Employee relations, policy & legal frameworks

• Oversee the review, update, implementation, and monitoring of people-related policies, ensuring they are accessible, legally compliant, and consistently applied, while allowing for appropriate local context.
• Provide senior HR oversight and judgment on disciplinary, grievance, and complex employee relations matters.
• Act as an escalation point for managers and the Global HR Advisor, supporting proportionate and defensible decision-making.
• Ensure people practices reflect relevant legal frameworks across all countries of operation.

People risk & governance

• Lead the development and embedding of people-related risk frameworks across existing and new geographies.
• Ensure people risks are identified, mitigated, and monitored.
• Work closely with safeguarding, security, and operations colleagues to support joined-up risk management.
• Contribute to organisational governance and assurance through clear documentation and reporting.

Global partnership & country support

• Work closely with Country Directors and HR focal points to embed global people frameworks in country offices.
• Provide guidance, support, and constructive challenge to ensure consistent application of people policies and practices.
• Balance global consistency with appropriate local adaptation in line with legal and cultural contexts.
• Build HR capability and confidence across country teams.

EDI, culture & engagement

• Ensure equity, diversity, and inclusion are embedded across the employee lifecycle, policies, and people practices.
• Lead staff engagement activity, including surveys, analysis, and action planning.
• Support the development and reinforcement of a healthy, inclusive, and values-led organisational culture.

HR systems, data & insight

• Oversee people systems, tools, and workforce data to ensure accuracy, consistency, and insight.
• Work with the Global HR Advisor to strengthen tracking, dashboards, and reporting.
• Use people data to identify trends, risks, and priorities to inform effective decision-making.
• Ensure compliance with data protection and confidentiality requirements.

Leadership of the people function

• Line manage and develop the Global HR Advisor, providing clear direction, prioritisation, and support.
• Oversee time-bound HR consultancies, ensuring clear scope, value for money, and effective knowledge transfer.
• Act as a close partner to the Director of People & Operations, providing trusted judgment, operational leadership, and space for strategic focus.
• Deputise for the Director of People & Operations in people-related matters, as required and appropriate, including representing the People function in internal and external forums.
• Ensure the People function operates with professionalism, consistency, and strong internal credibility.

Profile

The postholder will:

• Strengthen Lumos’ ability to attract and retain talented people through fair and transparent rewards, clearer progression, and a positive employee experience aligned to our mission and values.
• Embed consistent, values-led people approaches across the organisation, while supporting appropriate local context and delivery of impact in country offices.
• Improve safer recruitment, induction, and onboarding to support safe, sustainable growth across existing and new geographies.
• Embed clear performance expectations and accountability that link individual and team contribution to organisational impact for children.
• Strengthen a values-led culture by reinforcing behaviours that support collaboration, trust, inclusion, and operational excellence.
• Build manager confidence and capability to lead people through change, manage performance well, and support development and wellbeing.
• Strengthen people-related risk management and the use of people insight to support sound decision-making, duty of care, and organisational resilience.
• Bring thoughtful, evidence-informed people practice into Lumos, drawing on best practice while ensuring approaches are proportionate, values-led, and appropriate to a complex international context.
• Operate as a trusted senior People leader and deputy to the Director of People & Operations in people-related matters, providing continuity, sound judgement, and credible leadership.

Essential experience:

• Experience operating at a senior level within a People/HR function, with experience of/or readiness to lead at the Head level.
• Experience owning and overseeing the delivery of the full employee lifecycle.
• Experience leading performance management, pay and reward, and employee relations.
• Experience building and embedding people policies, frameworks, and systems.

Desired experience:

• Experience working in international or multi-country organisations.
• Experience working closely with Country Directors or senior operational leaders.
• Experience overseeing outsourced or consultancy-based HR support.

Essential knowledge/skills

• Senior-level HR/People expertise across the full employee lifecycle.
• Strong working knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice.
• Ability to translate strategic direction into practical, high-quality people delivery.
• Sound professional judgment and confidence in handling complex people matters.
• Understanding of pay, reward, and progression frameworks.
• Ability to build and embed a values-led organisational culture.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills at a senior level.
• Ability to use people data and insight to inform decision-making.
• High standards of professionalism, confidentiality, and integrity.

Desirable knowledge/skills

• CIPD Level 7 (or equivalent professional learning and experience).
• Experience applying HR practices across multiple international jurisdictions.

Essential personal characteristics

• Strong alignment with Lumos’ mission and values.
• Calm, pragmatic, and thoughtful approach to complex situations.
• Ability to build rapport and trust with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Strong influencing skills, with the confidence to challenge constructively.
• Sound judgment in identifying, managing, and escalating people-related risk appropriately.

Desired personal characteristics

• Collaborative and credible working with senior stakeholders.
• Ability to balance consistency with flexibility and local context.
• Comfortable working in evolving or ambiguous environments.
• Curiosity and openness to learning across cultures and contexts.

Benefits

Alongside the opportunity to contribute to a truly life-changing mission, you’ll enjoy excellent benefits, a supportive and inclusive culture, and a genuine commitment to your personal and professional development. Some of the benefits we offer include:

• Direct impact on operational systems supporting our global mission, with exposure to senior decision-making during a transformative period.
• Hybrid and flexible working with occasional international travel opportunities.
• 30 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Enhanced family-friendly leave (maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental) and enhanced sick pay.
• Competitive employer pension scheme.
• Learning and development opportunities.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme for confidential wellbeing support and advice.

Safeguarding statement

Lumos recognises that the rights of safety and security are aligned with its core mission for children, families, and communities. Effective and robust safeguarding sits at the heart of our mission and values, and accordingly, Lumos is committed to ensuring the safety and protection of children and adults at risk in all of its work. We expect all staff, associates, and volunteers to share this commitment. Lumos has a zero-tolerance approach towards all forms of abuse, bullying, harassment, and sexual exploitation. Lumos is a member of The Misconduct Disclosure Scheme and will carefully screen all applicants. Offers of employment are subject to checks and suitable references.

All staff and associates must:

• Carry out all duties with an awareness and understanding of Lumos safeguarding and PSEA requirements
• Ensure work complies with all safeguarding and PSEA policies and procedures
• Ensure that their behaviours and actions support the safeguarding of children, young people, and adults at risk as appropriate.

Equality, diversity, and inclusion statement

Lumos is wholly committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and against all forms of discrimination.  

We are committed to creating and sustaining a positive working environment that encourages, supports, and gives a voice to all, so that we can best support the children we serve.  

We must ensure that all staff are equally valued, included, empowered, and respected across the organisation and in everything we do. Lumos is fundamentally built on diverse, multi-national and multicultural teams.  

This is something we cherish as a key strength and an integral part of our identity. Our organisation values and celebrates the diversity, culture, and experience of each member of staff, provides equality of care, and support to everyone.   

We pledge to listen carefully, to educate ourselves continually, to promote open dialogue, and to seek out and deal with discrimination and prejudice wherever it occurs in Lumos.

· The deadline for applications is Monday 2nd February, 9:00 am CET ·

Upsall International actively promotes equality, diversity, and inclusion. In recruiting candidates, we seek candidates with the proven skills required, irrespective of race, gender, religion or belief, age, disability, or sexual orientation.

 

Here at the Royal British Legion, we are currently embarking on an exciting new phase in line with our recently launched strategy. As part of this transformation, we are seeking a Head of People Business Partnering in a newly created leadership role within our People and Organisational Development directorate.

This role will see you to ensuring the directorate is fully aligned to business priorities, enabling strong leadership, effective workforce planning and a culture that supports delivery of our 2035 strategy. You will provide insight and challenge to business leaders to support with translating strategy into practical people plans, managing change confidently and fostering high performance and inclusion.

Come and be part of the leading Armed Forces charity, making a difference to the lives of those who have served to keep us safe and protect our way of life.

Leading a high performing team of People Business Partners, key responsibilities will include:

- Strategic partnership and leadership support: Act as a senior adviser to the Executive Director, Directors and senior leadership teams, whilst ensuring business partnering is consistent, commercially aware and outcome focused
- Workforce planning and organisational design: Own the methodology and standards for workforce planning and organisational design across RBL, overseeing organisational design activity, ensuring structures are effective, affordable and aligned to strategic goals
- Change and transformation: Partner with leaders to design and deliver people elements of organisational change, collaborating with the Director of People Experience to ensure change is people-led and inclusive
- Culture, inclusion and wellbeing: Work closely with the EDI Manager to embed inclusive practice across leadership, development and decision making
- Performance and capability: Oversee consistent application of performance management frameworks, coaching leaders in managing performance, talent and engagement
- Leadership and team management: Lead, coach and develop the People Business Partnering team, ensuring they work as a cohesive, trusted and influential function
- Cross-directorate collaboration: Work in partnership with Heads of People Operations, Talent, and EDI to ensure seamless delivery across all people services

We are looking for a CIPD qualified People leader. You will bring proven experience leading a senior HR/People or business partnering function in a similar complex, multi site organisation, with a strong understanding of employment law, HR practice and people metrics.

This is a unique opportunity to play a critical role in shaping the future of RBL. You will be instrumental in shaping our People priorities. If you are passionate about leading a high performing and well respected People function, this is the role where your vision and leadership will make a tangible difference.

You will be contracted to our Haig House hub with a minimum expectation of two days per week working in person at the hub and flexibility for working remotely/at home when not on site.

Employee benefits include –

- 28 day’s paid holiday (plus bank holidays) increasing with service, with optional annual leave purchase scheme of up to 5 working days
- Private Healthcare
- Generous pension contributions, with Employer contributions ranging from 6% to 10%
- Range of flexible working options may be available, depending on your role
- Employee Assistance Programme providing confidential counselling, financial and legal advice
- Range of courses delivered by learning specialists to support your development goals and objectives
- Opportunities to volunteer
- Travel loans, Cycle to Work, and more!

For more detailed information about the role, please see our Vacancy Information Pack attached to our direct advert. Our shortlisting is performed on the evidence provided in your application against the Essential and Desirable criteria in the Person Specification.

RBL is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive organisation, reflecting the diversity of the armed forces community and of wider society. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and personal characteristics.

Interview Date(s):  First Stage: 10th and 12th February, in person at our Haig House, London, office
                                Second Stage: Date(s) TBC

We may close this vacancy early if we believe we have enough strong applications to be able to successfully fill the role. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

If you require the job advert or job description in an alternative format, please contact 0808 802 8080.

The Head of HR is a new role for the organisation. Over the last few years, the organisation and our staff team have grown significantly. To enable us to achieve our mission to give all young people a home, it is crucial that we make a significant shift in our HR and people plans so that staff and managers have all the support they need to succeed in these challenging times. To do so, we need to make a strategic shift with our HR capacity, improve our people systems, and make NHYC a great place to work for our 70+ strong staff team. You will work closely with the Chief Operating Officer to develop and implement NHYC’s People strategy for 2025-2030, taking on a varied role around key areas of organisational development and HR operations. You will need to build strong and trusting relationships with staff from across the organisation and act as a key advisor to the Executive Team.

We are happy to consider candidates taking their first step into leadership and we will consider exceptional part time candidates to ensure we find the right person or people for the role. We particularly welcome candidates from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities as these are overrepresented communities in our services and yet underrepresented within our leadership.

• Permanent, full-time role in our Leadership Team (part-time considered)
• Salary: £46,800 (salary scale £46,800-£52,000)
• Deadline to apply: 9am, Wednesday 11 February 2026

This is an exciting opportunity for someone looking for a worthwhile and rewarding challenge at a growing STEM education charity.

It is a part-time, permanent position (20 hours per week) and we offer flexible working (split between home/office, with a minimum of 2 days in the office). Our office is based in Cirencester, Gloucestershire.

Main Responsibilities

The Head of People will work closely with the CEO, Director of Delivery and wider team, and their primary responsibilities will include:

• Develop and execute HR strategies that align with the overall organisational objectives. This includes workforce planning, recruitment and performance management.
• Employee Engagement: Implement initiatives to enhance employee engagement and satisfaction.
• Policy: Maintain and refine our HR policies and processes to support the employee experience and ensure compliance with employment laws.
• Performance Management: Oversee performance management processes, including performance reviews, coaching, and development planning. Build a performance culture that encourages feedback and continuous improvement.
• Training and Development: Assess training needs and develop programs to enhance employee skills and capabilities. Facilitate effective training initiatives and ensure a structured onboarding and induction process for new employees.

Experience, Skills and Behaviours

We have built a strong team, with a very positive and collaborative culture. Therefore, we are looking for someone with:

• Significant experience in a strategic HR role, ideally within a not-for-profit organisation.
• Strong ability to work collaboratively, to build and manage relationships at all levels of the organization and to work closely with the CEO.
• CIPD qualified is desirable.
• High emotional intelligence, low ego and a life-long learner.
• Enthusiasm about our work at the UKESF and about STEM education and outreach.

About the UKESF

We are the voice for skills in the Electronics industry and the semiconductor sector. Through engagement with Schools, Universities and Industry, it is our mission to encourage more young people to study Electronics and to pursue careers in the sector.

The UK has a long heritage of technological innovation and has a world-class Electronics sector with the potential to provide solutions to some of the biggest challenges facing society today. However, the demand for capable, employable Electronics Engineers and designers is currently outstripping supply.

The UKESF works tirelessly to ensure that more schoolchildren can learn about Electronics, in an engaging way, and be aware of the opportunities available. We have a number of programmes and initiatives that help aspiring engineers to develop their interest through to university study, and support that prepares undergraduates for the workplace.

Although we are a micro-organisation, recent funding successes, growing stature and increasing activity mean that we now seek a committed individual to join our team in a senior capacity.

About the role 

We’re looking for an experienced, values-led Head of People to lead our HR services and shape a positive, inclusive, and engaging workplace culture. Reporting to the Chief Executive you will work closely with our leadership team and trustees to deliver  a people strategy rooted in lived experience, equality, and co-production. 

This stand alone role will support our people strategy and HR operations including employee engagement, compliance, and workplace culture. You’ll lead on policy development, training, health and safety, and inclusive workplace practices, ensuring our people practices reflect our values and the diverse access needs of our team. You will be comfortable in providing hands on advice and support alongside progressing strategic projects. 

We’re looking for someone who brings HR expertise, inclusive leadership, and a commitment to co-production. You’ll be adaptable, solutions-focused, and comfortable navigating change in a dynamic charity environment.

Following a period of outsourced HR, this newly created role is an exciting opportunity for you to help lead transformational change at a time of real ambition and momentum.

Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week (flexible hours)

Location: UK based – Hybrid, any UK office with national travel

Ref: HPBP-261

St Giles Trust is seeking a dynamic and strategic leader to join our People Team as Head of People Business Partnering. This is a pivotal role in shaping our people strategy and supporting our mission to be a great place to work.

About the Role
As Head of People Business Partnering, you will lead a team of Business Partners to deliver high-impact, customer-focused people services. You’ll work closely with senior leaders to understand their directorates and support the delivery of strategic priorities, ensuring our people practices are inclusive, compliant, and aligned with organisational goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high-performing People Business Partnering team.
• Provide expert guidance on employee relations, recruitment, and organisational change.
• Collaborate with senior leaders to develop local strategies aligned with our overall people plan.
• Champion inclusive practices and contribute to a culture of high performance.

About You

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has significant experience in strategic HR leadership and business partnering.
• Is confident navigating complex employee relations and change management.
• Can lead and inspire teams to deliver excellent people services.
• Is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Brings fresh thinking and a collaborative approach.

Role Details 

• Location: Flexible/Hybrid with national travel 

• Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week 

• Salary: £52k excluding £3k London Weighting where applicable 

• Holiday: 30 days + bank holidays 

• DBS: Basic DBS check required 

Recruitment Timeline 

• Application Deadline: 9:00am on 26 January 2026 

• Interview Date: 9 February 2026

In return, you can expect a competitive salary, generous leave allowance, staff pension, flexible working, a mentoring programme, an advice and counselling service, clinical therapist sessions, life insurance (4 x annual salary), duvet days, season ticket loan, employee perks programme, eye care voucher and much more.

Please note: as an organisation that works with children and adults at risk we are committed to safeguarding, protecting and promoting the safety of our clients and successful applicants will be subject to a basic DBS check.

We are an equity and inclusion confident employer. We welcome all applications, and we particularly encourage applications from people of the global majority (black, brown, multi- heritage) and those who identify as disabled, neuroexpansive, neurodiverse, with any protected characteristics and/or social barriers or challenges. We value the empowering and informative impact that all lived experiences and diversity of thought can offer the organisation.

St Giles will guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria set out in the Job Description for the vacancy.

We will be reviewing applications as they are received, and reserve the right to close this advert early if a suitable candidate is appointed. We therefore strongly encourage early applications to avoid any disappointment.

Reporting to the Director of Finance & Operations, this autonomous position will develop and deliver the People Strategy through the delivery of projects and plans, ensuring they are aligned with the wider organisational strategy and values of YoungMinds.

The Head of People will lead a team responsible for all HR activity throughout the employee lifecycle including recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, occupational health & support, learning and development and ensuring the safe working and wellbeing of Young Minds employees and workers; as well as supporting YoungMinds safeguarding responsibilities to beneficiaries through safer recruitment and other safeguarding processes. 

The Head of People is critical to further embedding a culture of inclusion and wellbeing that encourages our employees to feel a sense of pride in their work and the work we do as an organisation.