At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead our people and culture strategy to create an inclusive, thriving workplace.
- Company: Join a vibrant charity focused on supporting those affected by MS.
- Benefits: Enjoy 38 days annual leave, flexible working, and comprehensive health support.
- Other info: Opportunities for personal development and volunteering within the community.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in a role that champions culture and leadership.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR leadership and a passion for fostering inclusive environments.
The predicted salary is between 73653 - 73653 £ per year.
About us
We make sure people living with MS are at the centre of everything we do. Our strategy is based on what people affected by MS have told us is important to them. It gives us a clear and determined focus. Our work is based on the hopes and aspirations of our MS community. Together we campaign at all levels, fund ground‑breaking research and provide award‑winning support and information. Our people are our greatest asset and the key to our success. We offer a vibrant, progressive working environment where you'll be able to make a difference.
About this job
As Director of HR and Culture, you will lead our people and culture strategy, driving work on culture change, leadership capability, workforce planning and organisational development. Working closely with senior leaders and colleagues across the charity, you will help create an inclusive, values‑led environment where people can thrive and do their best work. It’s an excellent role for an experienced and collaborative leader who is passionate about people, culture and making a meaningful change.
Key responsibilities
- Lead the development and implementation of the people and culture strategy.
- Drive culture change initiatives and foster an inclusive, values‑led organisational environment.
- Develop leadership capability programmes and workforce planning.
- Lead organisational development work, including change management and succession planning.
- Partner with senior leaders to embed a performance‑driven culture that supports individual and organisational growth.
Contact
If you'd like to discuss the role in confidence first, please contact our HR team by email at: jobs@mssociety.org.uk
Equal employment opportunity
We particularly welcome applications from disabled people and/or people from minoritised ethnic backgrounds.
Your right to work in the UK
You must have the right to work in the UK to work in paid employment with us. You’ll need to share documents showing you’re eligible to work in the UK if we offer you employment. You can find the UK visas and permits granting you the right to work in the UK on the UK Government website. We currently don’t have a Sponsor Licence agreement with the Home Office and aren’t able to support you with your visa applications.
Disability Confident Employer
We’re a Disability Confident Employer and we’re committed to promoting equality and diversity. You can ask for reasonable adjustments as part of both our recruitment and new starter on‑boarding processes. You can also ask for the application materials to be sent to you in a different format. Such as for them to be sent to you by email or in a larger word format.
Recruitment and selection process
The HR team will anonymise your CV and supporting statement before forwarding to the shortlisting panel. The first round of our recruitment and selection process includes an interview with competency‑based questions. Our recruitment and selection process might also include extra tasks, such as a written or Microsoft Excel test or making a presentation. We’ll let you know what the selection process will include when we invite you to interview. You can ask for any more reasonable adjustments for the interview as part of the invitation. You might also be invited for a second interview. We’ll let you know about this during the selection process.
Benefits
- 38 days paid annual leave (including bank holidays), pro‑rated for part‑time.
- More annual leave entitlement based on length of employment.
- Smart working options (with the opportunity to work remotely and find a smart working pattern that suits both you and us).
- Flexible working options.
- More sick pay entitlement based on length of employment.
- Opportunity to buy and sell annual leave in each calendar year.
- Free access to a GP virtually 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Enhanced leave for new parents.
- Free access to a confidential 24 hours a day, 7 days a week helpline service for both you and your family.
- Special leave options (such as up to 5 days paid leave for domestic or personal emergencies a year).
- 10 days paid disability leave a year, pro‑rated for part‑time.
- 10 days paid carers’ leave a year, pro‑rated for part‑time.
- New family‑friendly benefits, including paid leave in the event of miscarriage/stillbirth, to support fertility treatments and for antenatal appointments for both parents.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Enhanced salary sacrifice pension scheme.
- Discounted season ticket loan and interest‑free emergency loans.
- Give as you earn to support other charities of your choice before tax.
- New employee portal including lifestyle savings vouchers and personal wellbeing.
- Personalised development plans with a wide range of training courses.
- Yearly internal apprenticeship opportunities.
- New, modern offices that embrace working together both in‑person and remotely.
- Various opportunities to influence how we internally operate.
- Active and supportive internal employee networking groups for collaboration and peer support.
- 2 days paid leave a year for volunteering for MS Society activities during normal working hours.
- 2 days paid leave a year for volunteering with other charities during normal working hours.
Safeguarding
We’re committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of everyone who uses our services and we come into contact with. This is regardless of age, disability, trans and non‑binary identities, marriage and civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity status, race, religion or belief, sex or gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, socio‑economic status or class, geographic background, caring responsibilities, mental health status, menopause and periods. We recognise our particular responsibility to make sure vulnerable adults and children are protected. We have measures in place to protect everyone we come into contact with from abuse and maltreatment of all kinds.
Director of HR and Culture employer: MS Society UK
As a leading charity dedicated to supporting individuals affected by MS, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values our people as our greatest asset. Our vibrant and inclusive work culture in London fosters collaboration and innovation, offering extensive benefits such as 38 days of annual leave, flexible working options, and personalised development plans to ensure every employee can thrive and grow in their career while making a meaningful impact in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of HR and Culture
✨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!
✨Make Your Presence Known
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 MS Society UK!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
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 MS Society UK.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of HR and Culture
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 MS Society UK. 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 MS Society UK 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 MS Society UK. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to MS Society UK'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 MS Society UK
✨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 MS Society UK.
✨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 MS Society UK 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 MS Society UK and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
