At a Glance
- Tasks: Craft and refresh HR policies that empower and support staff in a meaningful way.
- Company: Join Rape Crisis South London, a charity dedicated to supporting women and girls.
- Benefits: Flexible remote work, opportunity to make a real impact, and a commitment to gender equality.
- Other info: Inclusive recruitment process; we welcome applications from diverse backgrounds.
- Why this job: Shape policies that protect and uplift a diverse workforce in a purpose-driven environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR policy writing, strong knowledge of UK employment law, and commitment to gender equality.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Responsible to: Director of People & Culture
Type of Contract: Freelance/Self employed
Start date: ASAP
Immediate start completion by: August, 2026
Location: Remote
ABOUT US
Rape Crisis South London supports women and girls' survivors across 12 boroughs through counselling, advocacy, and specialist support services. The organisation currently operates a hybrid delivery model, including online services and the use of rented community-based spaces across the boroughs it supports.
ROLE PURPOSE
We are seeking an experienced freelance policy writer to develop, review, and refresh a suite of HR policies for our organisation. The successful candidate will bring specialist knowledge of employment law, a deep understanding of the charity sector, and a commitment to gender equality and inclusive practice. This role is an opportunity to shape the people infrastructure of a purpose-driven organisation and to ensure our policies genuinely protect, empower, and support our staff and volunteers.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Policy Development & Review
- Audit existing HR policies and identify gaps, inconsistencies, or areas requiring update
- Draft new policies and revise existing ones across areas including (but not limited to):
- equal opportunities and diversity
- dignity at work and anti-harassment
- flexible and hybrid working
- maternity, paternity, adoption, and shared parental leave
- menopause support
- safeguarding and child protection
- whistleblowing
- disciplinary and grievance procedures
- health, safety and wellbeing
- Develop a specific Gender-Sensitive HR Policy aligned with the organisation's mission and feminist values
- Ensure all policies reflect current UK employment law, sector best practice, and relevant charity governance guidance
- Documentation & Accessibility
- Produce clear, plain-English policy documents suitable for a diverse workforce with varying literacy and language needs
- Produce accompanying quick-reference guides, flowcharts, or decision trees where appropriate to support staff implementation
- Develop a master policy register with review schedules, version control, and ownership assigned to named roles
- Ensure all documents are formatted consistently and accessibly, with consideration for screen readers, translation needs, and low-literacy users
- Format all documents consistently within the organisation's house style
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Liaise with senior HR leads, the Leadership Team, and where appropriate, staff representatives or unions
- Incorporate stakeholder feedback into policy drafts through a structured consultation process
- Present policy recommendations to the People & Culture team with a clear rationale
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential
- Proven experience as a freelance HR policy writer or HR consultant, with a portfolio of policies written for UK-based organisations
- Strong working knowledge of UK employment law and statutory HR requirements
- Experience working in or with the voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) sector
- Demonstrable commitment to gender equality, women's rights, and intersectional feminist practice
- Ability to translate complex legal and HR language into clear, accessible, jargon-free documents
- Excellent written communication skills with meticulous attention to detail
- Ability to manage own workload, meet deadlines, and work independently with minimal supervision
- Experience conducting policy audits and gap analyses
- Familiarity with safeguarding frameworks relevant to charities working with vulnerable adults and young people
Desirable
- CIPD qualification (Level 5 or above) or equivalent HR professional credential
- Experience writing policies for organisations working specifically with women, girls, or gender-based violence survivors
- Knowledge of trauma-informed approaches and their application to HR practice
- Familiarity with the Charity Commission's governance requirements and the Fundraising Regulator's codes of practice
- Experience working with diverse, multilingual, or marginalised communities
- Understanding of pay equity analysis and gender pay gap reporting
We are committed to fair and inclusive recruitment. We particularly welcome applications from Black and minoritised women, disabled women, and those with lived experience relevant to our work. We can make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process, please let us know what you need.
Freelance People and Culture Policy Writer in Croydon employer: RAPE CRISIS SOUTH LONDON
Rape Crisis South London is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for freelance policy writers to contribute to meaningful change in the lives of women and girls. With a strong commitment to gender equality and inclusive practices, the organisation fosters a supportive work culture that values diversity and empowers its staff. As a remote position, this role provides flexibility while allowing you to shape vital HR policies within a purpose-driven charity dedicated to advocacy and support services.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Freelance People and Culture Policy Writer in Croydon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the charity sector and let them know you're on the lookout for freelance gigs. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio that highlights your previous policy writing work, especially if it aligns with gender equality and HR practices. This will help potential clients see your value right away.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on employment law changes! Being knowledgeable about the latest regulations will not only boost your confidence but also make you a more attractive candidate for organisations looking for policy writers.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications directly from candidates who are passionate about our mission. It shows initiative and gives us a chance to see your enthusiasm for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Freelance People and Culture Policy Writer in Croydon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your previous work as a policy writer or HR consultant. We want to see your portfolio, so include examples of policies you've crafted that align with our mission and values.
Keep It Clear and Concise:When writing your application, use plain English and avoid jargon. We appreciate clarity, especially since you'll be creating accessible documents for a diverse workforce. Show us you can communicate effectively!
Tailor Your Application:Take the time to tailor your application to our specific needs. Mention your understanding of UK employment law and how it relates to the charity sector. This will show us you're genuinely interested in the role and our organisation.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss any important details. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at RAPE CRISIS SOUTH LONDON
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on UK employment law and the specifics of HR policies relevant to the charity sector. Familiarise yourself with the key areas mentioned in the job description, like equal opportunities and safeguarding, so you can speak confidently about them.
✨Show Your Passion
This role is all about supporting women and girls, so let your commitment to gender equality and inclusive practice shine through. Share examples from your past work that demonstrate your dedication to these values and how they align with the organisation's mission.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect to be asked about your process for auditing existing policies or drafting new ones. Think through your approach and be ready to discuss how you would ensure clarity and accessibility in your documents, especially for diverse audiences.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since stakeholder engagement is key in this role, prepare to talk about how you would incorporate feedback into your policy drafts. Have a few strategies in mind for how you would liaise with senior HR leads and staff representatives to ensure everyone's voice is heard.
