Director or People & Culture

Director or People & Culture

Final date to receive applications: 26 July 2026

Department: People & Culture

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: Home based / with some regional travel

Compensation: £82,385 - £96,923 / year

We’re looking for an outstanding Director of People and Culture to lead and shape a high-performing, inclusive and values-led culture s is a pivotal leadership role, working closely with the CEO, Executive Leadership Team and Board to ensure we have the capability, leadership and organisational design needed to deliver our mission, now and into the future.

As we launch our ambitious World Ready strategy, this is an exciting opportunity to influence the next phase of our development, supporting c.400 colleagues and a network of over 5,000 partner organisations delivering programmes through 40,000 adult leaders.

• Lead and deliver our organisation-wide People and Culture strategy, aligned to our mission and long‑term goals.
• Act as a trusted adviser to senior leadership and Trustees on all workforce, culture and organisational development matters.
• Shape a high‑performing, inclusive culture where colleagues and volunteers feel valued, supported and inspired.
• Drive workforce planning, organisational design and leadership capability to enable future success.
• Champion an outstanding employee and volunteer experience, from attraction through to development and engagement.
• Lead our equity, diversity and inclusion agenda, embedding inclusive practice across everything we do.
• Use data and insight to inform decisions, measure impact and continuously improve outcomes.
• Oversee learning and development, talent management and succession planning
• Ensure strong governance across people policies, employee relations, risk and compliance.
• Lead organisational change and transformation programmes with confidence and care.

We’re looking for a strategic, values‑led leader who brings both expertise and impact.

You will have:

• MCIPD/FCIPD (or equivalent experience).
• Significant experience leading a People/HR/OD function at senior level in a complex organisation.
• A strong track record of delivering organisation‑wide people strategies and cultural change.
• Experience of organisational transformation, workforce planning and organisational design.
• Proven ability to influence and advise senior leaders, executives and boards.
• Strong knowledge of employment law, governance and employee relations.
• Experience using people data and insights to drive decision‑making and measure success.
• Outstanding communication and relationship‑building skills with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
• A clear commitment to equity, inclusion, wellbeing and values‑led leadership
• The ability to balance strategic thinking with operational delivery in a complex, evolving environment.

If you feel excited by this role and believe you have the necessary skills and experience to become a valued team member, please go to our website and apply.

The deadline for applying for this role is:
Sunday 26th July
- Midnight.

1st interviews will take place between:
Week commencing 10th August - week commencing 17th August. to be held virtually via MS Teams.

2nd interviews will take place between: 24th August to 4th September
- Interviews will be in London.

If you would like to access the application form in a different format or if you would like any assistance that might help improve your experience while completing the application, please contact us by email recruitment

We offer excellent staff benefits including a generous pension contribution, an employee assistance programme, healthcare cash plan and volunteer leave. Also, 25 days holiday, plus Bank Holidays and an additional 3 days paid leave between Christmas and the New Year. Buy additional annual leave, benefits discount website, death in service benefit 4 x salary, incapacity benefit, generous family leave and sick leave.

The DofE are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people. All successful applicants will be required to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. (e.g. DBS/PVG or similar), including references covering any gaps of employment/education, confirm eligibility to work in the UK and complete a health check.

The geographical allowance is based on a member of staff having a home or office‑based postcode within 30 miles (as the crow flies) from Charing Cross, WC2N 5HS
. The allowance is 7% capped at £4,000 per annum.