At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the People & Culture function and drive organisational change.
- Company: Cranstoun, a charity focused on social justice and harm reduction.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team and contribute to meaningful social change.
- Why this job: Empower change and support over 46,000 people in rebuilding their lives.
- Qualifications: Chartered MCIPD or equivalent experience in leadership and HR.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 80000 £ per year.
Interim Head of People
6-month fixed-term contract | £75,000 - £80,000 | 35 hours per week | Hybrid (Wimbledon office / home)
Empowering people. Empowering change.
Cranstoun is a social justice and harm reduction charity that has been making a difference for over 50 years.
Every year we support more than 46,000 people across substance use, domestic abuse, housing, criminal justice, young people's and harm reduction services — going beyond the immediate issue to help people rebuild their lives.
Our vision is to be a world-class leader in rebuilding lives, and our purpose is to inspire and empower people to live healthier and safer lives.
Everything we do is guided by our values: ambitious, creative, compassionate, collaborative and respectful.
We're now looking for an experienced people leader to join us on an interim basis and provide strategic leadership to our People & Culture function during an important period for the organisation.
The role
Reporting directly to the CEO, you will lead Cranstoun's people, workforce, organisational development and workforce assurance functions.
Your job is to make sure we have the workforce capability, leadership capacity, infrastructure and assurance arrangements we need to deliver services that are safe, effective, well-led and financially sustainable.
As an interim appointment, this is a role for someone who can hit the ground running, bringing pace, credibility and a steady hand to complex people matters from day one.
What you'll be doing
- Leading the People & Culture function and ensuring efficient, high-quality delivery across all people services, with clear standards, performance measures and measurable organisational value.
- Providing senior leadership on complex employee relations including senior disciplinary, grievance and capability matters, whistleblowing, investigations and the organisational learning that follows.
- Leading consultation and restructuring programmes, and providing expert leadership on TUPE transfers, workforce mobilisation and demobilisation arising from contract awards, retenders and service redesign.
- Shaping workforce strategy including workforce planning, succession planning, talent management and organisational design that supports both strategic priorities and affordability.
- Strengthening workforce assurance and governance, with robust oversight of safer recruitment, DBS compliance, mandatory training, supervision and performance reviews, supported by clear workforce dashboards and reporting to the Senior Leadership Team and Board of Trustees.
- Working alongside the CEO and Senior Leadership Team to strengthen organisational culture, leadership behaviours and cross-organisational collaboration.
- Managing People and Organisational Development budgets, ensuring value for money and workforce affordability.
- The team
You'll lead a multidisciplinary People & Culture team.
Your direct reports include two People Partners who, with the People Advisory and administration team, deliver operational HR across the organisation and the Head of Learning & Development, who leads training and volunteer development.
You'll also work closely with the CEO, the wider Senior Leadership Team and the Board of Trustees.
Who we're looking for
Essential
- Chartered MCIPD, FCIPD or equivalent senior executive experience, alongside a degree-level qualification or equivalent professional experience.
- Significant leadership experience within a complex, multi-site organisation.
- A track record of leading organisational transformation, workforce change and organisational development initiatives.
- Experience developing workforce strategies aligned to organisational objectives, and working within workforce assurance and governance frameworks.
- Strong experience of complex employee relations, investigations and organisational risk management.
- In-depth knowledge of employment law and HR best practice, TUPE legislation and consultation requirements, workforce planning, organisational design and equality, diversity and inclusion.
- Excellent influencing and relationship-building skills, the ability to challenge constructively, and the confidence to lead through ambiguity and change while balancing strategic thinking with operational delivery.
Desirable
- Experience within health, social care, housing, criminal justice, domestic abuse, homelessness or commissioned service environments.
- Experience working with charities or not-for-profit organisations.
- Experience supporting organisations through periods of significant change and improvement.
- The details
- Contract: 6-month fixed-term
- Hours: 35 per week
- Location: Hybrid - Wimbledon office and home
- Closing date: 28 August 2026
How to apply
To apply, please send your CV and a supporting statement setting out why you're the right person for the role to
Cranstoun is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and we welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities.
Head of People in Slough employer: Cranstoun
Cranstoun is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its employees, offering a supportive work environment where compassion and innovation thrive. As an Apprentice Administrator at our Inspire service in Sutton, you will benefit from dedicated study time, excellent terms and conditions, and the opportunity to gain a nationally recognised qualification in Business Administration, all while making a meaningful impact on the lives of those affected by alcohol and drugs.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of People in Slough
✨Get Involved in Local Volunteering
Dive into some local volunteering opportunities! Nonprofits often look for temp workers who have a connection to the community they serve. By getting involved, you not only gain experience but also make valuable contacts in the sector.
✨Tap into Nonprofit Networks
Use platforms like Idealist or local nonprofit job boards to find temporary gigs. These spaces are buzzing with opportunities specifically tailored for social impact projects, making it easier for us to spot the ideal role at companies like Cranstoun!
✨Attend Sector-Specific Events
Join meetings, workshops, or talks hosted by organisations in the nonprofit realm. These events are perfect for making connections and learning about temporary roles that might not be widely advertised. Plus, you can showcase your passion for social impact right there!
✨Don’t Forget Online Applications!
When you spot a temporary role at Cranstoun that piques your interest, go ahead and apply through their website! Tailor your message to highlight how your skills align with their mission – it shows you care about the cause, which is key in this field.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of People in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Impact:In the world of nonprofits, it's all about the passion and commitment to making a difference. Make sure your cover letter speaks genuinely about why you're excited about this role at Cranstoun. Share any experiences you've had with social impact projects or volunteering — it shows you live and breathe the cause!
Highlight Relevant Experience and Skills:For a temporary position in the nonprofit sector, focus on showcasing any specific skills or experience related to project management, community engagement, or fundraising. List any relevant work or volunteer roles on your CV, and consider including quantifiable achievements that demonstrate your impact in previous positions.
References from the Sector:Including references from previous roles in the nonprofit world can really bolster your application. If you've worked on similar social-impact projects before, ask those colleagues or supervisors if they'd be willing to vouch for your skills. This adds credibility and shows you're trusted in the sector, which can be a big plus for Cranstoun.
Be Ready for a Quick Turnaround:Since this role is temporary, let your interest shine through in your application! Mention in your cover letter your availability to start immediately or at short notice. It shows you're keen and ready to dive right into the exciting work at Cranstoun!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cranstoun
✨Show Your Passion for the Cause
When interviewing for a role in the non-profit sector, especially for a temporary position, it's crucial to convey your genuine passion for social impact. Discuss why the mission of Cranstoun resonates with you and share personal experiences that reflect your commitment to similar causes.
✨Demonstrate Your Flexibility and Adaptability
Non-profit projects often require quick pivots and resourcefulness. Be ready to share examples from your past where you've adapted to changing circumstances or tackled unexpected challenges. This will show your potential as a valuable, nimble team member for the Head of People position.
✨Know Your Community Tools
Familiarise yourself with any tools or platforms that are widely used in the non-profit sector like project management software or stakeholder engagement tools. Show your readiness to hit the ground running in your temporary role by discussing any experience you have with these or similar platforms.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to field scenario-based questions during your interview to assess your problem-solving skills in real-world situations. Think about how you would handle challenges typical of the non-profit sector, such as engaging with diverse stakeholders or managing project timelines effectively.
