Head of hr jobs in Bermondsey, greater london

Closing Date: 31 January 2026

Ref 7237

Save the Children UK has an exciting opportunity for a HR leader with extensive experience in people operations and organisational change and transformation to join us as our Head of People Operations and Change. 

In this role, you will work closely with the Director of People to drive the strategic evolution of the People function, deliver high-impact, customer-centred services, lead change and transformation, and embed modern, agile ways of working to maximise impact for children.

This is a maternity cover contract for approx 14-months, to start at the beginning of March 2026.

About us

Save the Children UK believes every child deserves a future. In the UK and around the world, we work every day to give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn, and protection from harm. When crisis strikes, and children are most vulnerable, we are always among the first to respond and the last to leave. We ensure children's unique needs are met and their voices are heard. We deliver lasting results for millions of children, including those hardest to reach.

About the role

As Head of People Operations and Change, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the People function, delivering high-impact, customer-centred services and systems that enable organisational effectiveness and transformation. You will lead the strategic design and delivery of the people technology strategy, whilst embedding agile and design thinking principles to drive innovation, efficiency, and a seamless employee experience.

In this role, you will:

• Lead the development and implementation of People strategy, services, and operating models, embedding agile and design thinking principles to drive innovation and efficiency.
• Champion digital transformation across HR systems, automation, AI tools, and self-service solutions to enhance the employee experience and operational performance.
• Provide visible leadership and coaching to HR Business Partners, developing their capability as strategic talent partners and change leaders.
• Deliver complex organisational change programmes, restructures, and high-risk employee relations matters with legal compliance, risk mitigation, and a people-centred approach.
• Build strong, collaborative relationships with recognised trade unions and senior stakeholders to support sustainable business outcomes.
• Embed a proactive safeguarding culture and ensure safeguarding expertise is integrated into all relevant projects and initiatives.

About you

You're a confident change agent with experience leading organisational and people transformation within an HR environment. You bring an agile mindset, a strong understanding of HR roles and systems, and a genuine interest in using technology as an enabler of change.

Comfortable leading diverse teams through complexity and restructure, you know how to build trust, bring people with you on that journey, and embed lasting change.

To be successful, it is important that you have:

• Significant experience in HR operations and people transformation, including leading large-scale change programmes and restructures.
• Proven experience in developing and delivering products, services and operating models, ideally within a People / HR function, using Agile and Design Thinking principles.
• Strong understanding of digital HR systems and technologies, including experience leading system implementations, automation initiatives, and innovation.
• Strong understanding of employment law, risk mitigation, and people-centred change delivery, including managing high-risk employee relations matters with sound judgement, legal awareness, and a balanced, solutions-focused approach.
• Experience of engaging and negotiating with trade unions in a constructive and outcomes-driven way, with the ability to navigate sensitive and high-impact issues confidently.
• Strong coaching and people development capability, with experience building high-performing teams, especially in developing HR Business Partners into strategic talent and change leaders.
• Analytical and outcome-focused, with experience using data, KPIs and user feedback to drive decision-making, improve services and demonstrate value.
•   Resilient, adaptable, and future-focused, with a commitment to continuous improvement and building inclusive, modern people practices that meet evolving organisational needs.
• Commitment to Save the Children's vision, mission, and values.

What we offer you

Working for a charity provides one of the best benefits there is – a sense of purpose and reward for helping others. However, we understand the importance of giving back to our employees to ensure a happy and healthy working environment and work/life balance. 

• We focus on flexibility, inclusion, collaboration, health and wellbeing both in and outside of work. 

• We provide a wide range of benefits which will reward your hard work, motivate you, and inspire you to work to improve the lives of children every day. 

Please note: To avoid disappointment, you are advised to submit your application as soon as possible as we reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications are received. This is to ensure that we can manage application levels whilst maintaining a positive candidate experience. Unfortunately once a vacancy has closed, we are unable to consider further applications.

Location & Ways of Working:

The majority of our roles can be performed remotely in the UK, but at times you will be required to come to your contracted office (usually between 2–4 days per month, depending on the needs of your role, team, or service). For many roles, this is likely to be the minimum required to deliver impact.

This will be discussed and agreed with your manager / team and we encourage candidates to discuss our ways of working in more detail at interview stage.

Please note: travel costs to your contracted office will be at your own expense. 

Flexible Working - We are happy to discuss flexible working options at interview.

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion: 

Save the Children UK believes in a world that is fair, inclusive and equitable where all children have the opportunity to change their world. We apply this to our workforce and we are committed to developing and supporting a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organisation where all employees have a sense of belonging and feel that they can be "Free to Be Me". We are not looking for just one type of person - we want to recruit people who can add fresh perspectives, innovative ideas or challenge that disrupts the risk of group think. 

We are especially interested in people whose childhood experiences - of life on a low income, of migration, of being in a racialised community, of the care system, of being LGBT+ or in an LGBT+ family or living with (or with someone with) a disability - help us to see things we might otherwise miss. Whatever your story is we want to hear it because we know that different voices, ideas, perspectives and knowledge, working together will enable us to better the lives of children around the world. This is the reason why we are all here. 

Main Duties

Strategy

• Working with senior leaders, lead on developing an organisational wide and joined up People & Volunteering Strategy aligned to organisational goals and workforce plans.

Oranisational Design and Culture

• Use engagement and feedback data to identify cultural risks and drive improvement.
• Lead strengthened leadership, coaching and management capability through clear expectations, advice and development frameworks.

Management

• Lead, coach and manage the People Services team to provide proactive support to the organisation, with a clear focus on the team’s development.

• Provide expert advice and guidance to managers and SLT on disciplinary and staff performance issues.
• Liaise with the external employment lawyers to make robust risk assessments on disciplinary and staff performance issues.

Volunteering and Resourcing

• Establish annual capacity and skills plans (headcount, volunteer hours, peak demand cover, succession planning).
• Review and implement a volunteering journey to support our volunteers.

Quality Framework

• Continue to develop and implement specific projects as part of The Passage’s internal quality framework ‘Excellence For All’.
• Lead a review to ensure there are clear and transparent salary ranges, job descriptions, aligned terms and conditions across the organisation.
• Ensure that People Services policies are up to date to reflect current legal and HR compliance and best practice.

Analytics and Systems

• Develop digital systems that add value to HR management with the organisation.
• Develop systems that give managers and staff ownership over their HR journey.
• Make use of workforce data and analytics to inform SMG of the development of improvements and interventions that can lead to enhanced HR and business outcomes.

Training

• Develop a learning and development strategy/plan for all staff to receive Continuous Professional Development.
• Develop a learning and training strategy for volunteers so that they are supported to fulfil their volunteering roles.

Reporting/Governance

• Responsible for the Peoples Services annual budget.
• Attend Senior Management Group (SMG) monthly meetings.
• Report to the People, Performance and Culture (PPC) Committee meeting.

Strategy

• Working with senior leaders, lead on developing an organisational wide and joined up People & Volunteering Strategy aligned to organisational goals and workforce plans.

Oranisational Design and Culture

• Use engagement and feedback data to identify cultural risks and drive improvement.
• Lead strengthened leadership, coaching and management capability through clear expectations, advice and development frameworks.

Management

• Lead, coach and manage the People Services team to provide proactive support to the organisation, with a clear focus on the team’s development.
• Design and lead implementation of frameworks to support those with responsibility for managing staff to demonstrate a consistent and high standard of line management and development across the organisation.
• To oversee a comprehensive training programme , including by developing a strategic training needs assessment to support the organisational values and aims.
• Provide expert advice and guidance to managers and SLT on disciplinary and staff performance issues.

Volunteering and Resourcing

• Establish annual capacity and skills plans (headcount, volunteer hours, peak demand cover, succession planning).
• Review and implement a volunteering journey to support our volunteers.

Quality Framework

• Continue to develop and implement specific projects as part of The Passage’s internal quality framework ‘Excellence For All’.
• Lead a review to ensure there are clear and transparent salary ranges, job descriptions, aligned terms and conditions across the organisation.
• Ensure that People Services policies are up to date to reflect current legal and HR compliance and best practice.

Analytics and Systems

• Develop digital systems that add value to HR management with the organisation.
• Develop systems that give managers and staff ownership over their HR journey.
• Make use of workforce data and analytics to inform SMG of the development of improvements and interventions that can lead to enhanced HR and business outcomes.

Training

• Develop a learning and development strategy/plan for all staff to receive Continuous Professional Development.
• Develop a learning and training strategy for volunteers so that they are supported to fulfil their volunteering roles.

Reporting/Governance

• Responsible for the Peoples Services annual budget.
• Attend Senior Management Group (SMG) monthly meetings.
• Report to the People, Performance and Culture (PPC) Committee meeting.

General Responsibilities

• In conjunction with your Line Manager to continuously develop the role to ensure that all tasks are being undertaken in an effective and appropriate manner which meets the strategic aims and objectives of The Passage.
• To ensure that all The Passage policies and procedures are being adhered to, particularly those relating to Health and Safety, Code of Practice and Confidentiality.
• To contribute to the effective implementation of The Passage’s Diversity and Equality Policy as it affects both The Passage and its work with vulnerable adults.
• To at all times undertake your role in a professional manner maintaining a high quality standard of work, and to always work in accordance with the aims, values and ethos of The Passage.
• Undertake any other duties that may be required which are commensurate with the role.

Desired Experience

Experience

• E1: Proven experience in leading strategic HR initiatives that support organisational goals and culture.
• E2: Experience of working with senior leadership teams to influence organisational design and workforce planning.
• E3: Track record of managing complex employee relations and advising on disciplinary and performance issues.
• E4: Experience in developing and implementing learning and development strategies for staff and volunteers.
• E5: Experience of reporting to governance committees and contributing to organisational risk management.

Knowledge and Skills

• K1: Strong understanding of UK employment law, HR compliance, and best practice.
• K2: Knowledge of organisational design, performance management frameworks, and cultural development.
• K3: Ability to use HR data and analytics to inform decision-making and continuous improvement.
• K4: Skilled in developing inclusive policies and embedding equality, diversity, and wellbeing into organisational practice.
• K5: Proficiency in HR systems and digital tools to enhance efficiency and user experience.

Qualifications

• CIPD Level 5 or equivalent professional qualification (Level 7 desirable).

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

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.