At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead organisational change and shape the people strategy for a children's hospice.
- Company: Join a pioneering children's hospice making a real difference in families' lives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working options, and a chance to impact local communities.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence at the highest levels while promoting a diverse workforce.
- Why this job: Be part of an executive team driving meaningful change in a compassionate environment.
- Qualifications: Director-level HR experience with a strong background in organisational development.
Contract: 6 months fixed term
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Location: Oxford is the primary location, with some opportunity for hybrid working
Salary: £80,000 per annum
Closing date: 12th June 2026 12 noon
Help shape the future of the world’s first children’s hospice and make a lasting difference to local families. We are seeking an experienced Interim Director of People & Culture to join our Executive Team during a significant period of organisational change. This is a unique opportunity to shape our people strategy, culture and organisational design while ensuring we continue to deliver compassionate, high-quality services to those who need us most.
The role:
- Reporting to the CEO and as part of the Executive Team, you’ll lead the People function through a period of organisational change.
- Lead and deliver key organisational change, including operating model and workforce reviews.
- Develop and embed a clear, values-led culture and people strategy.
- Act as a trusted adviser to the CEO, Executive Team and Board, providing expert insight on people, culture and organisational design.
- Ensure effective, compliant people practices while strengthening capability across staff and volunteers.
Who we’re looking for:
- You are a credible, experienced people leader who delivers impact at pace.
- Director level experience in HR/People/Organisational Development with complex environments.
- Proven track record of leading transformation and shaping organisational culture.
- Strong employment law expertise with the ability to influence at Executive and Board Level.
- CIPD Level 7, CIPD Chartered Membership or equivalent (CIPD Chartered Fellow desirable).
- A pragmatic, collaborative and values led approach.
Apply today and play a key role in shaping a strong and sustainable future for Helen & Douglas House and the families we support.
Please note that everyone working for Helen & Douglas House are required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check. Helen & Douglas House is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We are an equal opportunities employer and value the benefits of a diverse workforce. We positively encourage applications from all areas of the community.
Interim Director of People & Culture employer: Helen and Douglas House
Helen & Douglas House is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of local families while working in a supportive and compassionate environment. With a strong commitment to employee growth and development, we foster a culture that values collaboration and inclusivity, ensuring that every team member can thrive during this transformative period. Located in Oxford, with flexible hybrid working options, we provide a fulfilling work-life balance alongside a competitive salary and the chance to shape our people strategy at a pioneering children's hospice.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Director of People & Culture
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join online forums, or even reach out to folks on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help land that dream job.
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for your interviews by researching the company and its culture. Think about how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in shaping people strategies. We want you to showcase your skills confidently and authentically!
✨Follow Up
After your interview, don’t forget to send a thank-you email! It’s a great way to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the role. We believe this small gesture can make a big difference in keeping you top of mind.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Make sure to apply directly through our website for the best chance at landing the role. We’ve designed our application process to be straightforward, so you can focus on showcasing your amazing skills and experience!
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Director of People & Culture
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Thoroughly:Before you start writing your application, take a good look at the job description. Make sure you understand what we're looking for in an Interim Director of People & Culture and how your experience aligns with our needs.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Don’t just send a generic CV! We want to see how your skills and experiences specifically relate to this role. Highlight your director-level experience in HR and any transformation projects you've led that resonate with our mission.
Showcase Your Values:We’re all about values-led culture here at StudySmarter. Make sure to weave in examples of how your approach aligns with our commitment to compassionate service and organisational change throughout your application.
Apply Through Our Website:When you're ready to submit your application, make sure to do it through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Helen and Douglas House
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key responsibilities of the Interim Director of People & Culture role. Brush up on organisational change strategies, people management practices, and employment law. This will help you speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Impact
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully led transformation or shaped organisational culture. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, making it easy for the interviewers to see the impact you’ve made.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
This role requires a pragmatic and collaborative approach. Be ready to discuss how you’ve worked with executive teams and boards in the past. Highlight your ability to build relationships and influence decision-making at all levels, as this will be crucial for success in the position.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare insightful questions that demonstrate your understanding of the organisation’s challenges and goals. Inquire about their current people strategy and how they envision the role contributing to their mission. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if the role is the right fit for you.
