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 chance to shape inclusive policies.
- Other info: We encourage applications from diverse backgrounds and offer reasonable adjustments during recruitment.
- Why this job: Be part of a purpose-driven organisation committed to gender equality and women's rights.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR policy writing and strong knowledge of UK employment law required.
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 London 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. Working remotely allows for flexibility while being part of a purpose-driven team dedicated to creating impactful HR policies that reflect best practices in the charity sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Freelance People and Culture Policy Writer in London
✨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 relates to HR or the charity sector. This will help potential clients see what you bring to the table.
✨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 making a difference. Plus, it gives us a chance to see your enthusiasm right from the start!
We think you need these skills to ace Freelance People and Culture Policy Writer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your previous work as a freelance HR policy writer. 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.
Demonstrate Your Commitment:We’re all about gender equality and inclusive practices. Share your experiences or projects that showcase your dedication to these values, as they’re super important to us.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
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 charity sector. Familiarise yourself with key policies related to gender equality and inclusive practices, as these will be crucial in your role. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're the right fit for the job.
✨Showcase Your Portfolio
Prepare a selection of your best policy writing samples that demonstrate your experience and expertise. Tailor your portfolio to highlight work relevant to the charity sector and gender-sensitive policies. This will give the interviewers a clear idea of your capabilities and style.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Be ready to discuss how you would engage with various stakeholders, including HR leads and staff representatives. Think about how you can incorporate feedback into your policy drafts and present your recommendations effectively. This shows that you value collaboration and input from others.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since the role involves producing accessible documents, practice explaining complex legal terms in simple language. During the interview, demonstrate your ability to communicate clearly and concisely, as this is essential for creating plain-English policy documents that everyone can understand.
