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- Tasks: Lead and shape the People Strategy to support teams across Scotland.
- Company: Join CHAS, a compassionate organisation making a real difference for families in need.
- Benefits: Flexible working, professional growth, comprehensive benefits, and supportive leadership.
- Why this job: Make a profound impact on workplace culture and employee experience during challenging times.
- Qualifications: Extensive HR leadership experience and CIPD Chartered Fellow status required.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are celebrated; transferable skills are valued.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Are you ready to shape the people experience at CHAS, ensuring our teams are supported, inspired and equipped to make a meaningful impact for children and families during the most challenging moments of their lives? Join CHAS and play a pivotal leadership role in supporting our teams across Scotland. If you are driven by purpose, energised by organisational development, and passionate about creating an exceptional workplace culture, this is your opportunity to make a profound impact.
Reporting to the Director of People and Strategy, you will provide strategic leadership, vision and direction for the People function (HR and Learning & Organisational Development) across CHAS. You will ensure our People Strategy, policies and practices enable delivery of the CHAS Plan and support our people to thrive.
You will act as a key influencer and professional lead, advising senior leaders and managers on:
- Workforce planning
- Employment law
- Organisational change
- Employee engagement
- Governance and best practice in people management
while promoting a positive, inclusive and values-led culture.
You will:
- Provide strategic leadership for the People function, ensuring effective delivery of HR, workforce planning, recruitment and retention, employee relations, learning and organisational development.
- Lead development and evaluation of the CHAS People Strategy to ensure it remains fit for purpose and aligned to organisational objectives.
- Act as a senior business partner to the Senior Leadership Team, influencing and coaching leaders to deliver excellent people management practice.
- Lead organisational change initiatives, workforce modernisation and culture development to enhance employee experience and service delivery.
- Ensure robust governance across HR policy, employment legislation, data protection, job evaluation, pay and reward, and employee wellbeing.
- Oversee effective people data, systems and reporting to support decision making, planning and performance.
- Manage and develop the People team, including HR Business Partnering, Learning and Organisational Development and Talent Acquisition, fostering a culture of engagement and continuous improvement.
About You
You will bring extensive senior-level HR leadership experience, ideally within a multi-site or complex organisation, alongside the credibility and confidence to influence at the highest level. You will be a CIPD Chartered Fellow with deep expertise in employment law, HR strategy, organisational development and employee relations. You will demonstrate strong analytical, communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to handle complex and sensitive situations with professionalism, compassion and integrity. You will share CHAS values and bring a collaborative, inclusive leadership style with a commitment to supporting staff and volunteers.
People Team Structure
Reporting to the Director of People and Strategy, you will lead a function that includes HR, Learning and Organisational Development, Talent Acquisition and People Systems.
Why CHAS?
At CHAS, we support families when they need us most – offering care, comfort and compassion during the hardest moments of their lives. We are driven by a bold ambition: to reach every family in Scotland whose child is dying and provide the support they deserve.
We Offer:
- Flexible Working: our teams work flexibly and in a hybrid manner with time split between home and onsite in Edinburgh, Balloch, Glasgow or Kinross.
- Development Opportunities: Lead and shape the People Strategy during a period of organisational growth and transformation.
- Professional Growth: Work with industry leaders in a high-performing team where you will be encouraged and supported to excel and develop your skills.
- Supportive Leadership: you’ll have the backing of a collaborative leadership team that empowers you to drive progress, innovate, and lead with creativity.
- Comprehensive Benefits: Including generous annual leave and pension, incremental salary progression, access to Blue Light discounts, a health cash plan and health and wellbeing support.
Further Information and How to Apply
If this sounds like you, we would love you to apply! Follow the link to find more information including:
- Recruitment Pack
- Full list of benefits
- Contact details to arrange an informal chat with the hiring manager.
- Contact details for support with the recruitment process.
To apply you will be asked to answer a couple of questions and submit your CV or complete our full application form. Interviews are provisionally planned for Wednesday 4th March 2026 at Rachel House, Kinross. This role requires membership of the PVG (Protection of Vulnerable Groups) scheme in relation to working with children. CHAS will organise and fund the PVG application.
What if you don’t meet all the job requirements?
At CHAS we are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome, supported, and valued. We celebrate diversity and inclusion, recognising that everyone’s journey is unique. We believe in the power of transferable skills, so if you don’t have the exact qualifications listed but believe your experience and skills are a great fit, we encourage you to apply. Feel free to reach out to our hiring manager or the HR team to explore how you could be a great addition to our team.
Head of People employer: CHAS
Contact Detail:
CHAS Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of People
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those already at CHAS. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info about the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching CHAS's values and recent initiatives. Show us how your experience aligns with our mission to support families during tough times.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've led teams or managed change in previous roles. We love hearing about real-life impacts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of People
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Head of People role. Highlight your HR leadership experience and any relevant achievements that showcase your ability to influence and support teams.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you’re passionate about shaping workplace culture and supporting teams. Share specific examples of how you've driven organisational development in the past, and connect it back to our mission at CHAS.
Be Authentic: We want to see the real you! Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. Share your values and what motivates you to work in a role that supports families during challenging times.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. This way, you’ll have access to all the information you need and can ensure your application is submitted correctly.
How to prepare for a job interview at CHAS
✨Know Your Purpose
Before the interview, take some time to reflect on why you want to work at CHAS. Understand their mission and values, and think about how your own passion for organisational development aligns with their goals. This will help you articulate your motivation during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a candidate for Head of People, it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership approach. Prepare examples of how you've influenced senior leaders in previous roles, particularly in areas like workforce planning and employee engagement. Be ready to discuss how you foster a positive workplace culture.
✨Be Data-Driven
CHAS values effective decision-making based on data. Familiarise yourself with key HR metrics and be prepared to discuss how you've used data to drive improvements in people management or organisational change. This shows that you can bring a strategic perspective to the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle complex situations, such as employee relations or organisational change. Think of specific scenarios from your past experience where you successfully navigated challenges, demonstrating professionalism and compassion. This will highlight your suitability for the role.
