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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop HR policies and support staff transfers within the Church of England.
- Company: Join the Church of England, a vital institution focused on safeguarding and organisational change.
- Benefits: Enjoy a flexible work environment with a competitive day rate and support for disabilities.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on safeguarding practices while working in a dynamic, supportive culture.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR policy development and staff transfers is essential; CIPD membership preferred.
- Other info: This is a 6-month contract role with opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Job Description
About the Department
We are seeking a Senior HR People Policy Consultant to support a high-profile and time-critical piece of work within the Church of England’s Safeguarding Structures Programme. This role will focus on the development of people-related policy frameworks and the implementation of organisational change processes, including the potential transfer of Safeguarding staff across the Church.
This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a critical programme with significant cultural and structural implications. The successful candidate will have strong research and analytical skills, experience in drafting policy or governance documents, staff transfers (e.g. TUPE or equivalent) and the ability to work flexibly across a wide range of tasks in a complex, ambiguous organisational environment.
About the Role
This role will focus on the development of people-related policy frameworks and the implementation of organisational change processes, including the potential transfer of Safeguarding staff across the Church.
Responsibilities
Policy Development
- Conduct comparative research and benchmarking into safeguarding and organisational models in other sectors (e.g. NHS, local government, shared services, charities) to ensure alignment with employment law, best practice, and Church specific governance.
- Develop case studies and summaries of best practice to inform programme decision-making.
- Maintain clear audit trails of research and evidence used in policy proposals.
- Draft high-quality, technical policy papers for senior stakeholders, including detailed briefing and advice.
- Lead on the development of people-related policy frameworks, including those supporting staff transfers and organisational change.
- Collaborate with legal, financial, and safeguarding experts to ensure policy proposals are robust and implementable.
- Produce at least one comprehensive policy paper per month covering multiple themes during the development phase.
Staff Transfer & Organisational Change
- Assess the feasibility of transferring safeguarding staff from dioceses and cathedrals to an external employer.
- Support the design and implementation of staff transfer processes, including consultation, engagement, and due diligence.
- Advise on TUPE-equivalent protections and develop supporting documentation and guidance.
- Contribute to the delivery of change management activities in line with General Synod decisions.
Stakeholder Engagement
- Present complex information in accessible formats to governance boards and senior Church leaders.
Programme & Administrative Support
- Draft and format briefing papers, consultation documents, and supporting reports.
- Provide practical support to the Development Manager and Programme Director in balancing workload and meeting deadlines.
- Help coordinate information flows across HR, legal, safeguarding, and governance teams.
Qualifications
- Proven ability to conduct research, analyse information, and produce clear, well-structured written outputs.
- Proven track record in HR people policy development within complex or regulated environments.
- Experience leading or advising on staff transfers, including TUPE or equivalent processes.
- Strong organisational skills, with the ability to balance competing priorities and deliver to deadlines.
- Strong background in organisational change, ideally in scrutinised or greenfield programmes.
- Excellent written communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, concise, and persuasive policy papers.
- Comfortable working at pace, with ambiguity, and across multiple stakeholder groups.
Required Skills
- Chartered CIPD membership or equivalent professional experience.
- Familiarity with governance structures in the Church of England or similar organisations.
Preferred Skills
- Researching safeguarding practice and organisational design in other organisations; identifying concepts and learning which are relevant for the Church context.
- Providing evidence-based and technical advice about governance and contractual arrangements required to support potential models for safeguarding in the Church of England.
- Providing technical advice about organisational transition, including regarding staff transfer, employment law, and the creation of legal structures.
- Developing organisational design and systems thinking models to conceptualise the changes required to Church safeguarding structures.
Remuneration
This is an initial 6 month contract and will be paying a day rate. The role has been assessed and falls in scope of IR35.
At the National Church Institutions, we are proud to be a Disability Confident employer.
We welcome applications from all candidates, including those with disabilities, and are committed to providing any reasonable adjustments needed throughout the recruitment process.
If you require support to apply please feel encouraged to let us know.
Interim Senior HR Policy Consultant employer: The Church of England
Contact Detail:
The Church of England Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Senior HR Policy Consultant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Church of England's governance structures and safeguarding policies. Understanding the specific context in which you'll be working will help you engage more effectively with stakeholders and demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals who have experience in HR policy development, particularly within regulated environments like the NHS or local government. This can provide you with valuable insights and potentially useful contacts that may assist you in your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with staff transfers and TUPE processes in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully navigated similar challenges in the past, as this will showcase your expertise and suitability for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current trends and best practices in safeguarding and organisational change. Being knowledgeable about recent developments will not only enhance your discussions during interviews but also demonstrate your proactive approach to the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Senior HR Policy Consultant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description for the Interim Senior HR Policy Consultant position. Make sure you understand the key responsibilities, required skills, and qualifications needed to tailor your application effectively.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience in HR policy development, staff transfers, and organisational change. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to conduct research and produce clear, well-structured written outputs.
Showcase Your Skills: Make sure to highlight your strong analytical and communication skills. Provide examples of how you've successfully engaged with stakeholders and presented complex information in accessible formats, as this is crucial for the role.
Tailor Your Application: Customise your cover letter to reflect your understanding of the Church of England's safeguarding structures and how your background aligns with their needs. Mention any familiarity with governance structures or relevant organisations to strengthen your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Church of England
✨Research the Church of England's Safeguarding Structures
Familiarise yourself with the Church's safeguarding policies and structures. Understanding their current frameworks will help you discuss how your experience aligns with their needs and demonstrate your commitment to their mission.
✨Prepare for Policy Development Questions
Be ready to discuss your experience in drafting policy documents and your approach to developing people-related policy frameworks. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully implemented organisational change or staff transfers.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Expect questions that assess your research and analytical abilities. Prepare to explain how you've conducted comparative research in the past, particularly in complex environments, and how this has informed your policy recommendations.
✨Engage with Stakeholder Management Scenarios
Think about how you would present complex information to various stakeholders. Be prepared to share examples of how you've effectively communicated with senior leaders and governance boards, ensuring your insights are accessible and actionable.
