At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop a proactive People function to enhance employee experience and wellbeing.
- Company: Join Norwood, a charity dedicated to supporting individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with significant influence across the charity's operations.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on organisational culture and employee engagement.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 5 or equivalent, with experience in HR leadership and employee relations.
About the Role
As Head of People, you will support the development and delivery of Norwood's People & Culture strategy, turning strategic priorities into effective operational delivery across the charity. You will lead the People Partnering, Employee Relations, Reward & Recognition and people operations functions, ensuring people practices are high-quality, compliant and values-led. Working closely with senior leaders across the organisation, you will strengthen wellbeing, organisational effectiveness and leadership capability while helping create a positive and inclusive culture where colleagues can thrive.
You will:
- Lead and develop a proactive and customer-focused People function
- Strengthen employee relations, governance and people operations
- Drive wellbeing, engagement and retention initiatives
- Lead people aspects of organisational change and transformation programmes
- Improve people systems, insight and reporting capability
- Support the ongoing development of equitable pay, reward and recognition approaches
- Build leadership capability through coaching, partnership and support
This is a role with significant organisational impact, balancing strategic thinking with hands-on leadership across operational people services.
Your Day to Day
You will:
- Lead the People Partnering and Employee Relations functions across Norwood
- Provide expert guidance on complex people and organisational matters
- Strengthen management capability through coaching and operational support
- Oversee governance, compliance and safer recruitment processes
- Develop and implement people policies aligned to best practice and organisational priorities
- Lead reporting, people analytics and management information frameworks
- Drive continuous improvement across people systems, processes and digital capability
- Support organisational change, transformation and culture initiatives
- Work collaboratively with leaders across services in London and Berkshire
Your impact will be demonstrated through:
- Stronger employee engagement and experience
- Improved governance and regulatory assurance
- Effective management of organisational change and employee relations
- Better insight and strategic decision-making
- A high-performing, inclusive and values-led culture
Qualifications, Experience & Training
Essential
- CIPD Level 5 qualification or equivalent degree
- Experience leading an HR or People function within a fast-paced organisation
- Experience managing complex employee relations matters
- Experience leading and developing high-performing teams
- Strong knowledge of employment law, governance and HR best practice
- Experience leading organisational change and transformation activity
- Strong operational and commercial awareness
- Ability to develop meaningful people insight, reporting and performance metrics
Desirable
- Experience within health or social care
- Experience of organisational development and engagement initiatives
- Experience of HR systems improvement and digital transformation
- Knowledge of CQC employment requirements within the care sector
Safe Recruitment: Norwood is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children, young people, and adults we support. This role is subject to safer recruitment checks in line with CQC Regulation 19, and appointment is conditional upon satisfactory pre-employment checks, including Right to Work in the UK and a DBS check appropriate to the role.
Disclaimer: At Norwood, we welcome applications from a diverse range of candidates. At this time, Norwood is not a UK Home Office licensed sponsor and is unable to offer visa sponsorship.
Head of People employer: Norwood
Norwood is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and development. Located in Stanmore, our head office fosters collaboration across various functions, enabling you to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those we serve while enjoying opportunities for professional growth and advancement within a values-led organisation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of People
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the HR and People space, especially those who have experience in charities or similar sectors. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation's culture and values. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their mission. We want to see you shine as a perfect fit for their team!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that dream job! We make it easy for you to showcase your skills and experience directly to the hiring team. Let’s get you in there!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of People
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of People role. Highlight your experience in leading HR functions and managing employee relations, as these are key aspects of the job. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at Norwood!
Showcase Your Impact:When detailing your previous roles, focus on the impact you've made. Use specific examples of how you've improved employee engagement or led successful organisational change. This will help us understand how you can contribute to our culture and effectiveness.
Be Authentic:We value authenticity, so let your personality shine through in your application. Share your passion for people and culture, and why you’re excited about the opportunity at Norwood. We want to know what drives you!
Apply Through Our Website:To ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, please apply directly through our website. This helps us keep track of all applications and makes the process smoother for everyone involved. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Norwood
✨Know the Organisation Inside Out
Before your interview, take the time to research Norwood thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and the specific challenges they face in the charity sector. This will not only help you tailor your responses but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
As Head of People, you'll need to highlight your experience in managing complex employee relations and leading high-performing teams. Prepare specific examples that showcase your ability to strengthen management capability and drive engagement initiatives. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your strategic thinking and hands-on leadership abilities. Think about potential scenarios related to organisational change or employee relations and how you would handle them. Practising these responses can help you feel more confident during the interview.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Inclusion
Norwood values a positive and inclusive culture, so be ready to discuss how you've fostered inclusivity in previous roles. Share examples of initiatives you've led that improved employee engagement and wellbeing, and how you plan to continue this at Norwood.
