At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR strategy and shape a positive culture in higher education.
- Company: Join the London Academy for Applied Technology, a growing institution focused on student success.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive pension scheme, generous leave, and a supportive wellbeing programme.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive team that values diversity and personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on people and culture in a dynamic educational environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR leadership, governance, and UK employment law required.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
LONDON ACADEMY FOR APPLIED TECHNOLOGY | Full time
People and Culture Lead
London Academy for Applied Technology (LAAT)
ABOUT US
LAAT is a growing higher education institution delivering undergraduate Business programmes in partnership with Plymouth Marjon University. We are committed to widening participation, strong student outcomes and high standards of governance as we work towards registration with the Office for Students (OfS).
ABOUT THE ROLE
This is a senior, strategic role for an experienced HR leader who wants to shape people and culture in a regulated higher education environment.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
- Governance and Compliance
- Own the people and culture governance framework and the HR policy suite
- Attend the People and Culture Committee in an advisory role, preparing papers, workforce data and risk updates
- Lead employment compliance, including safer recruitment, right to work, UK GDPR, EDI and Prevent
- Maintain the people section of the institutional risk register
- Prepare people and governance evidence for OfS, QAA and other external reviews
- Work with legal advisers on employment law matters
- People and Culture Strategy
- Develop and deliver the people and culture strategy, with clear objectives and success measures
- Lead workforce planning and advise on recruitment and establishment levels
- Champion equality, diversity and inclusion, including effective reasonable adjustments
- Lead staff engagement, the staff survey, the PDR cycle, pay progression and the Promotion Panel
- Publish the Annual Training and CPD Calendar and report mandatory training compliance
- Promote a respectful, inclusive culture that puts wellbeing first
- HR Operations and Employee Relations
- Lead HR across the full employee lifecycle and own the HR SOPs
- Manage recruitment end to end, from workforce planning request to signed contract
- Oversee onboarding, induction, probation and HRIS records
- Lead grievance, disciplinary and capability cases in line with the ACAS Code of Practice
- Advise on sensitive cases, including harassment, bullying, discrimination and sexual misconduct
- Own the monthly payroll data cycle with strict data security controls
- Act as system owner for BrightHR
- Manage leave, absence reporting, return to work meetings and the full exit process
- Safeguarding and Professional Conduct
- Lead HR procedures on staff conduct and sexual misconduct, keeping them trauma informed and aligned with OfS Condition E6
- Support Prevent arrangements and keep staff training records accurate and reportable
- Work in partnership with the Designated Safeguarding Lead and Student Services
- Reporting and Insight
- Present governance papers, workforce analytics and HR risk reports to the committee, the ELT and the board
- Use HRIS, absence, PDR and exit data to identify cultural trends and emerging risks
- Keep HR evidence organised and ready for audit at all times.
WHAT YOU WILL BRING
- A relevant degree, or an equivalent professional qualification such as CIPD Level 7
- Experience of leading an HR function in a regulated environment, including governance reporting and policy ownership
- Sound knowledge of UK employment law, the ACAS Code of Practice, UK GDPR and safer recruitment
- Experience of writing and presenting papers for senior committees or governing bodies
- Proven experience of managing complex employee relations cases end to end
- Experience of owning an HRIS, with strong Microsoft 365 skills, especially Excel for reporting and analysis
- Discretion, sound judgement and impartiality
- Experience in higher education or a regulated public sector environment
- Knowledge of the OfS regulatory framework
- Familiarity with Prevent duties in an employment context
- Experience of leading organisational development, engagement or culture change
- Knowledge of the HE sector, including the OfS, QAA, Advance HE and UHR
- Experience of preparing for external regulatory review or audit
YOUR DEVELOPMENT
- CPD in HR leadership, employment law, governance and higher education management
- Sector engagement through CIPD, Advance HE and Universities HR (UHR)
- Annual PDR with clear, institution aligned goals
WHAT WE OFFER
- Pension scheme and generous annual leave
- Staff wellbeing programme and Employee Assistance Programme
- A senior role with real influence in a growing institution
- An inclusive, values led leadership team
We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. LAAT is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all backgrounds. If you need any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know. Appointment is subject to satisfactory references, right to work checks and an appropriate level of DBS check.
People and Culture Lead in London employer: London Academy for Applied Technology
The London Academy for Applied Technology is an excellent employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises student success and staff collaboration. With opportunities for professional development and a supportive environment across our Tower Hill and Brentford locations, employees can thrive while making a meaningful impact in the lives of students. Join us to be part of a dynamic team dedicated to fostering educational excellence.
Contact Details:
London Academy for Applied Technology Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land People and Culture Lead 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 London Academy for Applied Technology!
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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 London Academy for Applied Technology.
We think you need these skills to ace People and Culture Lead 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 London Academy for Applied Technology. 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 London Academy for Applied Technology 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.
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Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to London Academy for Applied Technology'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 London Academy for Applied Technology
✨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 London Academy for Applied Technology.
✨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 London Academy for Applied Technology 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.
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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 London Academy for Applied Technology and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
