At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead initiatives to enhance employee engagement and wellbeing across the organisation.
- Company: Join National Star, a values-driven organisation committed to inclusion and personal growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career advancement and meaningful contributions.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on employee experience and help shape a positive workplace culture.
- Qualifications: Experience in organisational development and strong analytical skills required.
We are looking for an experienced and passionate Culture & Engagement Lead to play a key role in shaping and embedding a values‑led culture across National Star. This is a pivotal role within our People team, working closely with senior leaders to drive engagement, wellbeing, inclusion, and talent development across the organisation.
You will take a lead role in translating strategic priorities into practical, impactful initiatives that enhance employee experience, support organisational performance, and enable our people to thrive.
Why join National Star? At National Star, you’ll be part of an organisation that is deeply committed to inclusion, wellbeing, and making a positive difference to the lives of our students and residents. Working at National Star means being part of an organisation that genuinely invests in its people, offering a well‑rounded package that supports both your professional development and personal wellbeing. We’re committed to helping you grow, with strong training and career development opportunities, including pathways into professional qualifications and apprenticeships, all within a supportive environment where staff are valued just as much as the people they support.
About the role: Reporting into the People Team function, you will:
- Lead the delivery of our culture and engagement strategy, aligned to National Star’s values and priorities
- Analyse engagement data (e.g. surveys and feedback) to identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities
- Develop and implement targeted actions to improve employee experience and engagement
- Support the Wellbeing Advisor with strategic direction for a proactive and preventative wellbeing approach
- Work collaboratively with the employee recruitment team to develop organisational talent, succession planning, and career pathways across the organisation
- Lead on embedding equality, diversity and inclusion into all people practices
- Support organisational change, ensuring strong communication, engagement, and alignment with values
- Identify, consider and propose meaningful reward and recognition approaches
About you: We’re looking for someone who combines strategic thinking with strong operational delivery, and who is passionate about making a real difference to employee experience. You will bring:
- Proven experience in organisational development, culture, or employee engagement
- Experience in talent development and succession planning
- Excellent analytical skills with the ability to turn data into meaningful actions
- Strong knowledge of equality, diversity and inclusion principles
- Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills
- A collaborative, people‑centred approach
- Experience within a charitable, education, or care setting, particularly supporting people with disabilities, would be beneficial but is not essential.
Contract Type: Permanent | Contract: Full time | Salary: £38,000 - £42,000 | Location Status: On site (Ullenwood) with travel to other sites as required)
Culture & Engagement Lead in Cheltenham employer: National Star
At National Star, we pride ourselves on fostering a values-led culture that prioritises inclusion, wellbeing, and personal development. As a Culture & Engagement Lead, you will be part of a supportive environment that not only values your contributions but also invests in your growth through comprehensive training and career advancement opportunities. Located in Ullenwood, our organisation is dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of our students and residents, ensuring that every employee feels valued and empowered to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Culture & Engagement Lead in Cheltenham
✨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 National Star!
✨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 National Star.
We think you need these skills to ace Culture & Engagement Lead in Cheltenham
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 National Star. 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 National Star 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 National Star. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to National Star'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 National Star
✨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 National Star.
✨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 National Star 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 National Star and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
