At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a people agenda to empower individuals with learning disabilities and support needs.
- Company: Affinity Trust, a national charity making a real difference in people's lives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, generous leave, and pension contributions.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team committed to inclusion and social purpose.
- Why this job: Shape a progressive People strategy and create lasting impact in a values-driven organisation.
- Qualifications: Executive-level HR experience, CIPD qualification, and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 108000 - 108000 £ per year.
Affinity Trust is seeking a strategic, visible and values-led Director of People to shape the future of our People agenda at a pivotal point in our journey. We are a national charity supporting more than 1,000 children, young people, adults and older people with learning disabilities, autism and other support needs across England and Scotland. With around 250 locations and ambitious plans for sustainable growth, this is a role with real scale, complexity and influence.
Your leadership will help create the conditions for colleagues to do their best work, so the people we support can live their life, their way.
About the role
Reporting to the Chief Executive, you will lead a broad People function spanning recruitment, inclusion, people operations, learning and development, people partnering, and employee engagement. You will work at Executive and Board level while staying connected to colleagues and support locations across the organisation. This is a role for someone who can combine strategic people leadership with pace, credibility, resilience and a strong commitment to social purpose.
What you’ll lead
- Shape and deliver a progressive People strategy that supports quality, culture, performance and growth.
- Lead strategic workforce planning so we have the capacity, capability and flexibility to meet current and future needs.
- Strengthen leadership capability, colleague experience, inclusion, wellbeing and employee engagement.
- Ensure recruitment, onboarding and safer recruitment practices are inclusive, effective and values-based.
- Use people data, KPIs and workforce insight to support decision‑making, manage risk and drive improvement.
- Advise the Chief Executive, Executive Team, Board of Trustees and People Committee on workforce performance, culture and risk.
- Provide people leadership for organisational change, tenders, TUPE activity and complex employee relations.
About you
You may already be a Director of People, Chief People Officer, HR Director or equivalent executive people leader. You may also bring senior people leadership experience from a large, values‑led, multi‑site organisation, with the breadth and Board exposure to step quickly into this role.
- Significant Executive‑level people leadership experience in a complex organisation.
- CIPD qualification, ideally FCIPD, with ongoing professional development.
- Strong strategic HR leadership, employment law knowledge and Board‑level credibility.
- Excellent communication, influencing, analytical and financial judgement.
- Experience leading culture change, workforce planning, leadership development and inclusive people practice.
Above all, you will be a visible and connected leader who shares our values: listening, learning, working together, taking responsibility and having the courage to try new things.
Why join Affinity Trust?
This is a chance to make a lasting contribution to a financially stable, purpose‑driven charity with a clear strategy and renewed momentum. You will help shape a stronger, more inclusive and more sustainable organisation, while increasing our impact for children, young people and adults who draw on our support.
Reward and benefits
- Salary: £108,000 plus car allowance
- Hybrid working, with at least two days per week in the office in Thame
- 38 days’ annual leave, including bank holidays
- Pension contributions of up to 8%, depending on employee contribution
- Life insurance, Blue Light discounts and a wider package of colleague rewards and benefits
Dates for your diary
- Role closes: 28 September.
- Engagement sessions and assessments: 14th – 16th October
- Presentation and Panel interview: 19th October
The timetable is indicative and subject to change.
Director of People in Thame employer: Affinity Trust
Affinity Trust is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and development, offering a supportive work culture where collaboration and innovation thrive. Located in the picturesque town of Thame, Oxfordshire, employees benefit from a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance while engaging in meaningful projects that enhance community services. With a commitment to financial accountability and performance excellence, this role provides a unique opportunity to make a significant impact within a dedicated team.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of People in Thame
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Affinity Trust!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Affinity Trust.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of People in Thame
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Affinity Trust. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Affinity Trust and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Affinity Trust. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Affinity Trust's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Affinity Trust
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Affinity Trust.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Affinity Trust will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Affinity Trust and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
