Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a dynamic team to create a thriving workplace culture.
- Company: Join Alternative Futures Group, a recognised Great Place to Work®️.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, competitive salary, and travel support.
- Other info: Home-based role with regular presence in the North West.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a purpose-driven organisation and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: CIPD level 7 and strong leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Join to apply for the Director of People and Culture role at Alternative Futures Group
Alternative Futures Group provided pay range
This range is provided by Alternative Futures Group. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.
Base pay range
Direct message the job poster from Alternative Futures Group
Join Us in Transforming Lives as Our Director of People and Culture
At Alternative Futures Group, we’ve been at the heart of positive change for over 30 years, providing exceptional support to individuals with learning disabilities and mental health conditions. As an organisation officially recognised as a Great Place to Work®️, we are proud to offer a supportive, inclusive, and engaging work environment. We are now seeking a strategic, compassionate, and dynamic Director of People and Culture to lead and inspire our award‑winning team. If you\’re passionate about creating a thriving workplace culture and want to play a key role in shaping the future of a purpose‑driven organisation, we’d love to hear from you.
Job Purpose
The Director of People & Culture will be the expert voice on their area within the Charity, demonstrating strong leadership, championing collaboration and focused on delivery. The post‑holder will be forward‑thinking and solution‑focused to ensure we have the required skills, knowledge and expertise to deliver outstanding personalised support that creates independence and value. You will need to understand long‑term threats and opportunities from a people perspective that may impact strategic plans, whilst at the same time having attention to detail on the monitoring of day‑to‑day delivery. You will be responsible for ensuring that a comprehensive People & Organisational Development strategy is in place that enables the charity to meet its strategic objectives.
The Director will work closely with senior leadership to ensure the alignment of people strategies with organisational goals which enhance employee experience, optimise performance, and continue the cultural development supporting Alternative Futures Group as a Great Place to Work®.
As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the post‑holder will collaborate with colleagues to plan, develop and implement strategic and operational plans to deliver the charity’s objectives.
Dimensions
- 2 direct reports and a wider team of more than 45 colleagues
- Budget responsibility of up to ÂŁ5m
- Recruitment
- Employee Relations
- Payroll
- Employee Experience including Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
- Learning
- Organisational Development
Principal Accountabilities
- Responsible for refreshing and delivering on the People & Organisational Development Strategy, supporting strategies and associated success measurements.
- Responsible for setting a clear direction contributing to the Annual Business Plan and associated budget, ensuring that all parts of the organisation are delivering in support of being a Great Place to Work®
- Ensure the day‑to‑day delivery of People and Learning activity is customer focused supporting the delivery of high‑quality care and support.
- Ensure effective monitoring and reporting across the People agenda ensuring compliance, performance, effective use of resources (money and people) and risk is proactively managed.
- Prepare and present comprehensive reports and dashboards on behalf of the Chief People Officer.
- To drive continuous improvement utilising the use of process improvement methodology and technology opportunities wherever possible.
- Ensure the People function remains outward looking (both within and outside of the Health and Social Care sector) to maintain the Charity’s advantages it has gained in the market in relation to its Employee Value Proposition. Identify opportunities, produce proposals and business cases for the Board to consider in order to continue development of AFG’s EVP.
- Work closely with all key stakeholders to shape the development of a high‑performing People and Learning support service that builds capacity, capability and culture.
- Support the organisation to meet and deliver its growth and development agenda, through proactive leadership of people and culture issues and timely programmes of activity.
- Responsible for ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements as they relate to all People and Learning matters.
- Oversee in‑house monthly payroll, ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements.
Skills and Knowledge
- Exceptional leadership skills, engendering respect from others
- Highly developed interpersonal influencing and communication skills
- Capable public speaker with the ability to engage and network effectively with organisations within the public, private and voluntary sectors
- Ability to engage positively with staff, Trustees, people supported and their families
- Innovative and solution focused, analytical and creative, but fast paced and agile
- Politically astute
- Astute negotiator, able to grasp relevant issues and understand the relationships between interested parties
- Sound knowledge and understanding of corporate governance
Values and Attitudes
- Champions collaboration and coproduction
- Accountability – is comfortable with scrutiny, support and challenge of oneself and others
- Growth mindset
- Commitment to continuous improvement
- Resilient and self‑driven
- Drives outcomes whilst supporting individuals and teams
Experience
- Strong track record of leadership within a significant organisation
- Formulating strategies and plans of action to achieve objectives
- Proven ability to think strategically
- Proven track record of delivering high performance
- Senior Leadership experience in the public, private or voluntary sectors
- Overseeing complex in‑house payroll
- Experience of creating and implementing strategic recruitment initiatives in competitive markets
- Experience of delivering significant people transformation projects
Qualifications & Training
CIPD level 7
This role is home based and requires a regular presence in the North West. We’re happy to consider candidates based elsewhere in the UK and will provide travel and accommodation support for required visits.
With our extended flexible working options, you can choose to work a 9‑day fortnight or a 4.5‑day week, supporting our employees with their work‑life balance.
We offer a car allowance of between £7,840 – £9,800 per annum.
This role is Band IV as per our structure.
Interview Dates:
1st stage – 4th February 2026 – Liverpool in person
2nd Stage – Week commencing 9th February 2026 – Teams interview
Seniority level
- Director
Employment type
- Full-time
Job function
- Human Resources and Health Care Provider
- Civic and Social Organizations, Hospitals and Health Care, and Non‑profit Organizations
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Director of People and Culture employer: Alternative Futures Group
Contact Detail:
Alternative Futures Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of People and Culture
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those connected to Alternative Futures Group. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just land you that interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the company culture and values. Show us how your vision aligns with theirs, especially around creating a thriving workplace. We love candidates who resonate with our mission!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your public speaking skills! As a Director of People and Culture, you'll need to engage and inspire others. Get comfortable presenting your ideas clearly and confidently – it’ll make a huge difference in interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals who want to make a difference in our community.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of People and Culture
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Director of People and Culture role. Highlight your leadership experience and how it aligns with our mission at Alternative Futures Group. We want to see how you can contribute to our culture!
Showcase Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for creating a thriving workplace culture shine through in your application. Share specific examples of how you've fostered collaboration and inclusivity in previous roles. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely passionate about making a difference!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make your achievements stand out. We appreciate straightforward communication that gets right to the heart of your experience and skills.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at Alternative Futures Group
✨Know the Organisation Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into Alternative Futures Group's mission, values, and recent initiatives. Understanding their commitment to creating a supportive workplace will help you align your answers with their culture and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Director of People and Culture, your leadership approach is crucial. Prepare examples that highlight your ability to inspire teams, drive collaboration, and implement strategic changes. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking. Think of scenarios where you've successfully navigated challenges in people management or organisational development. Be ready to discuss how you would handle specific situations relevant to the charity sector.
✨Engage with Your Interviewers
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the organisation's future goals, team dynamics, and how they measure success in the People and Culture department. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.