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- Tasks: Lead HR policies and projects to support a fair and inclusive workforce.
- Company: Southwark Council, committed to diversity and community service.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive workplace, and guaranteed interview scheme for diverse applicants.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in shaping an inclusive council and community.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR project management and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to tackling racial inequality and promoting diversity.
The predicted salary is between 46600 - 51500 £ per year.
At Southwark we’ve set out a clear ambition through our 2030 vision to be a fair, green and more inclusive borough. To achieve this we rely on a workforce that is well supported, adaptable and equipped to deliver high-quality services for our residents. The HR Policy and Projects team enables this by leading the development and delivery of workforce policies and programmes that strengthen organisational capability and support change. The team focuses on turning strategic priorities into practical, effective people practices that improve consistency, compliance and the employee experience across the council.
Our service ensures quality, diversity, inclusion and anti-racism are embedded into policy design and implementation. Working in partnership with leaders, trade unions and staff networks, the team helps shape a transparent and values led approach to people management that supports a modern and inclusive council.
As the HR Programme Manager, you’ll lead the delivery of a diverse portfolio of HR policies, projects and programmes that support the council’s workforce strategy and organisational priorities. The role is accountable for delivering across the full project lifecycle, ensuring initiatives are well planned, effectively governed and successfully embedded into business as usual.
Working closely with senior leaders, HR colleagues, trade unions and staff networks, you’ll lead engagement and consultation activity, chair working groups and oversee the delivery of briefings, training and engagement sessions. You’ll monitor progress, manage risks while delivering measurable outcomes.
Key responsibilities:- Lead the design, planning and delivery of HR policies, projects and programmes across the full lifecycle from initiation through to embedding into business as usual.
- Provide leadership and oversight to HR Project Officers, setting clear priorities, assuring quality and enabling effective delivery across multiple workstreams.
- Lead research, analysis and policy development activity, including quality impact assessments to inform evidence based decision making.
- Oversee engagement and consultation with key stakeholders, including trade unions and staff networks to support effective policy development and implementation.
- Monitor delivery, manage risks and ensure projects/programmes deliver agreed outcomes on time, within scope and budget.
We’re looking for an experienced HR professional with a strong track record of delivering complex HR policies, projects and programmes within a large organisation. You’ll bring the ability to translate strategic objectives into practical workforce solutions.
Key requirements:- Proven experience of delivering HR policies and workforce programmes through the full project lifecycle from inception and design through to implementation.
- Practical project management experience, ideally supported by formal training or qualifications (e.g. PRINCE2 or Agile), with the ability to manage scope, risks, resources and interdependencies.
- Applied knowledge of employment law and HR best practice, including experience of working within public sector or local government.
- Demonstrable experience of leading, coaching and managing staff to deliver policy or project outcomes, supporting capability, development and effective performance.
- Strong communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills, including experience of engaging and consulting with trade unions and a wide range of internal stakeholders.
We are an organisation who is passionate about our people and understands that richness of diversity is a requirement to provide the best possible services to our communities. This is demonstrated through our council-wide ambitious commitment to tackle racial inequality in our communities and workforce through our Southwark Stands Together initiative. We particularly welcome applications from members of the Black, Asian and ethnically diverse communities to increase representation at senior management level in the Council.
Guaranteed Interview Scheme:As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you’ll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role and identify with one of the below criteria:
- Members of the Armed Forces and veterans.
- Are currently in care, or have previously been in care.
- If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition.
- Are currently considered as a Southwark Council redeployee.
Salary Range (Full time equivalent) £54,360 - £61,686
HR Programme Manager employer: Southwark Council
Contact Detail:
Southwark Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Programme Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Southwark Council on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the HR Programme Manager role and help us stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into Southwark's 2030 vision. We should be ready to discuss how our experience aligns with their goals of being fair, green, and inclusive. Show them we’re on the same page!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Let’s run through common interview questions related to HR policies and project management. The more we rehearse, the more confident we’ll feel when it’s showtime.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, we can tailor our submission to highlight how we can contribute to their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Programme Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the HR Programme Manager role. Highlight your project management experience and how it relates to delivering HR policies and programmes.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your successes! Use quantifiable results to demonstrate how you’ve effectively managed projects and led teams in previous roles. This will help us see the impact you've made.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We want to understand your qualifications and experiences without wading through unnecessary fluff!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. This ensures that your application is received promptly and allows us to process it efficiently. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Southwark Council
✨Know Your Policies Inside Out
Make sure you’re familiar with the HR policies and programmes that Southwark is currently implementing. Being able to discuss these in detail will show your genuine interest and understanding of their strategic priorities.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed HR projects through the full lifecycle. Highlight your ability to manage risks, resources, and stakeholder engagement, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you would approach engaging with trade unions and staff networks. Be ready to discuss your strategies for consultation and collaboration, as this will demonstrate your commitment to inclusivity and effective communication.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Diversity
Southwark values diversity and inclusion highly. Be prepared to share your thoughts on how you can contribute to their initiatives, like the Southwark Stands Together initiative, and provide examples of how you've promoted diversity in previous roles.
