At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global talent and organisational effectiveness initiatives to drive business success.
- Company: Join the British Council, a leader in education and cultural connections worldwide.
- Benefits: Flexible working arrangements, competitive pay, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of people strategy in a globally impactful organisation.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in strategic HR, with a degree in HR or related fields.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. For 90 years we have shaped brighter futures through education, arts, culture, language, and creativity. Working with people in over 200 countries and territories, we are on the ground in more than 100 countries. We connect. We inspire.
Role Purpose
The Global Director of People Partnering, Talent & Organisational Effectiveness will play a pivotal role in shaping and translating the British Council’s strategic and commercial priorities into clear, actionable people plans that encompass core pillars of our People Strategy. As a trusted advisor to senior leaders, you will act as primary interface between the People function and the business, providing strategic counsel and influencing decisions on workforce capability, learning, culture and organisational performance.
Main Accountabilities
- Strategic Business Partnering: Lead a globally integrated Talent, Partnering and Organisation Effectiveness function, acting as the trusted strategic partner to senior leaders. Translate enterprise people strategy into clear business plans, shaping workforce, capability and organisational priorities that deliver measurable business outcomes.
- People Strategy & Delivery: Shape and prioritise demand for People initiatives, ensuring activity is outcome-focused, aligned to enterprise priorities and delivered within agreed capacity. Partner across the People function to simplify ways of working, strengthen end-to-end ownership, support fair and consistent reward decisions, and continuously improve the effectiveness of the operating model.
- Talent, Learning & Organisation Effectiveness: Integrate the global talent and capability agenda including approaches to talent acquisition, succession, leadership development, learning and internal mobility. Drive organisation effectiveness by embedding capability development into workforce planning and building high-performing teams.
Knowledge & Experience
Education
- Essential: Degree-level qualification or equivalent professional experience in a relevant field including but not limited to; Human Resources, Business or Management, Organisational Psychology or equivalent field. Chartered Fellow CIPD (or equivalent experience) with evidence of continued professional development in leadership and HR at an advanced level.
- Desirable: A postgraduate qualification (e.g. MBA, MSc in Human Resources, Organisational Psychology or equivalent) is desirable.
Experience
- Essential: Proven track record as a strategic HR Business Partner at Director level (10+ years). Ability to translate business strategy into prioritised, deliverable People workforce plans. Commercial acumen with an understanding of organisational performance drivers. Skilled in influencing senior stakeholders in complex global organisations. Ability to lead transformation and organisational change. Ability to integrate and collaborate across HR disciplines. Data-informed approach to decision-making. Ability to shape and prioritise business demand within enterprise governance frameworks.
- Desirable: Previous experience operating within global matrixed environments.
Important Information
- Location: Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh, London
- Working Arrangement: This position is open to flexible working arrangements including home working.
- Contract Type: Indefinite
- Pay band: Grade ELL
- Right to Work Requirements: You must have the legal right to work in the location in which the role is based.
- Languages: Written and verbal proficiency in English is required.
- Closing date for applications: 23:59pm, Sunday 2 August 2026 (British Summer Time, BST)
A connected and trusted UK in a more connected and trusted world.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement
We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all sections of the community as we believe that a diverse workforce gives added depth to our work. The British Council is a Disability Confident Employer. The Disability Confident scheme helps challenge attitudes, increase understanding of disability and ensure staff are drawn from the widest possible pool of talent. We guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the minimum role requirements. We welcome discussions about specific requirements or adjustments to enable participation and engagement in our work and activities.
Safeguarding Statement
The British Council is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults who we work with. We believe that all children and adults everywhere in the world deserve to live in safe environments and have the right to be protected from all forms of abuse, maltreatment and exploitation as set out in article 19, UNCRC (United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child) 1989. Appointment to positions where there is direct involvement with vulnerable groups will be dependent on thorough checks being completed in line with legal requirements and with the British Council’s Safeguarding policies for Adults and Children.
If you experience any difficulties with submitting your application, please email askhr@britishcouncil.org
Global Director of People Partnering, Talent & Organisation Effectiveness in London employer: British Council
The British Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that champions inclusion and diversity. With flexible hybrid working arrangements and a strong commitment to social impact, employees have ample opportunities for professional growth and development while contributing to meaningful initiatives that make a difference in communities across the UK.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Global Director of People Partnering, Talent & Organisation Effectiveness in London
✨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!
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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 British Council!
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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 British Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Global Director of People Partnering, Talent & Organisation Effectiveness in London
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 British Council. 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 British Council 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 British Council. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to British Council'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 British Council
✨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 British Council.
✨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 British Council 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 British Council and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
