At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic people initiatives to create an inclusive and supportive culture.
- Company: Join a values-driven foundation dedicated to safeguarding and empowering young lives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and impact across multiple sites.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in shaping a positive workplace for staff and vulnerable youth.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 7 or equivalent HR qualification with significant leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Location: Based at the William Henry Smith School but requirement to work across all Foundation sites.
Responsible to: Chief Executive Officer / Executive Principals.
Responsible for: People Team (HR and L&D).
Key Relationships: Chief Executive Officer; Principals; Registered Manager (Children’s Home); Head of Care; Designated Safeguarding Leads; SLT and Operational Managers; Board of Trustees / Governors; External Regulators, and local authorities.
Interview Date: 2nd July 2026.
Purpose of the Role
The Director of People, Development and Culture will provide strategic leadership for all people-related functions across the organisation. This is a key role in shaping a values-led, inclusive, and safe culture for our diverse workforce and the vulnerable children and young adults we support. You will lead on workforce planning, recruitment, employee relations, performance and talent development, while ensuring compliance with safeguarding standards, Ofsted, DfE and local authorities expectations, and employment legislation (HMRC, ACAS etc). You will help build a collaborative, compassionate, and accountable working environment where staff are empowered and children and young adults can thrive. You will have an active presence, contributing to strategic direction, supporting effective decision‑making, and promoting a culture of collaboration and accountability across the Foundation.
Key Responsibilities
- Create, and implement a people strategy aligned with the organisation’s mission, safeguarding responsibilities, and regulatory requirements.
- Act as a strategic advisor to the CEO and Senior Leadership on all workforce and organisational development matters.
- Maintain compliance with all relevant employment and sector‑specific legislation.
- Lead and oversee all HR operations including employee relations, performance management, absence and wellbeing.
- Develop and implement L&D strategies that meet all mandatory training requirements and support professional growth.
- Present people data, analysis and reports to other strategic leaders, Governors and Trustees to support decision making, and influence operational decision‑making.
About You
- Holds a CIPD Level 7 qualification or equivalent professional HR Qualification.
- Can evidence continued professional development in HR, organisational development or leadership.
- Has significant senior HR/People leadership experience within a complex organisation.
- Has proven experience of leading organisational culture change and workforce development strategies.
- Is values‑driven, committed to safeguarding, student welfare, equality and diversity.
- Is self‑motivated and proactive, with a willingness to undertake further training and continuous learning.
Application Information
Visits are highly recommended. For further information or to book a visit, please contact the HR department on email address: HR@WHSFOUNDATION.ORG.UK or call 01484 710 123. All our roles are by application via Sam Recruit – We do not accept CVs. Candidates are required to complete the application form in full, using the Job Advert, Job Description and Person Specification as a guide. Applications must clearly demonstrate how all essential criteria is met. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, we would encourage you to submit your application as early as possible.
Safeguarding and Conduct
The William Henry Smith Foundation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. The foundation has effective child and adult protection policies which provide clear direction to staff and others about expected codes of behaviour in dealing with safeguarding issues. Our recruitment process aims to create and maintain a safe workforce and contains robust vetting procedures. The successful applicant will be appointed subject to references and enhanced DBS check (this is a position working in regulated activity). The successful candidate will be subject to a rigorous safer recruitment process and must adhere to a strict code of conduct regarding behaviour at all times. Shortlisted candidates will be subject to online searches in accordance with KCSIE 2025. The Foundation is also committed to promoting the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of both students and staff and reflects life in Modern Britain.
Strategic Head of People, Development & Culture employer: School & College
The William Henry Smith Foundation is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a values-led and inclusive culture that prioritises the welfare of both its staff and the vulnerable children and young adults it supports. With a strong commitment to professional development, employees benefit from tailored learning opportunities and a collaborative work environment that empowers them to make a meaningful impact. Located across multiple sites, this role offers the chance to influence strategic direction while working alongside passionate colleagues in a supportive and accountable atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Head of People, Development & Culture
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation's values and culture before your interview. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're a great fit for their team. Plus, it’ll give you some solid talking points when discussing how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn to get insider info about the role and the company. This can give you an edge in interviews and help you understand what they really value in a candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare some thoughtful questions to ask during your interview. This shows you're genuinely interested in the role and helps you assess if the organisation is the right fit for you. Think about their approach to employee development and how they support their staff.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and keep you top of mind. It’s also a chance to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Head of People, Development & Culture
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start filling out the application form, take a good look at the job description. Make sure you understand what we're looking for in a candidate and how your experience aligns with our needs.
Tailor Your Responses:When completing the application, be sure to tailor your responses to highlight how you meet the essential criteria. Use specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your skills and achievements relevant to the role.
Showcase Your Values:We’re all about values here at StudySmarter, so don’t forget to showcase how your personal values align with ours. Talk about your commitment to safeguarding, equality, and creating an inclusive culture in your application.
Submit Early!:Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We might close the vacancy early if we get enough applications, so get yours in as soon as you can through our website to avoid missing out!
How to prepare for a job interview at School & College
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand the role of Strategic Head of People, Development & Culture. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities and how they align with the organisation's mission. This will help you articulate your vision for the role during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your ability to lead organisational culture change and workforce development strategies. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and make them impactful.
✨Understand the Values
The foundation is values-driven, so be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs. Think about how you can contribute to a compassionate and accountable working environment, and be prepared to share your thoughts on fostering inclusivity and safeguarding.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewers. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation. Consider asking about their current challenges in HR or how they measure success in employee development and culture initiatives.
