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 for this 6-month contract.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on safeguarding practices while working in a supportive and inclusive culture.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR policy development and staff transfers is essential; CIPD membership preferred.
- Other info: We are a Disability Confident employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 ยฃ per year.
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 Englandโs 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 ๐คซ
We think this is how you could land Interim Senior HR Policy Consultant
โจTip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Church of England's governance structures and safeguarding policies. Understanding their specific context will help you engage more effectively during interviews and discussions.
โจTip Number 2
Network with professionals in HR policy development, especially those who have experience in the Church or similar organisations. This can provide you with insights and potentially valuable connections that could support your application.
โจTip 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 navigated complex organisational changes in the past.
โจTip Number 4
Stay updated on current trends and best practices in safeguarding and HR policy development. Being knowledgeable about recent developments will demonstrate your commitment and expertise during the selection process.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Senior HR Policy Consultant
Some tips for your application ๐ซก
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, especially those related to HR policy development and staff transfers.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in HR policy development, organisational change, and staff transfer processes. Use specific examples that demonstrate your analytical skills and ability to produce clear written outputs.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that addresses the unique aspects of the role. Mention your familiarity with governance structures and your experience in similar environments. Be sure to convey your passion for contributing to safeguarding within the Church context.
Showcase Your Research Skills: In your application, emphasise your research capabilities. Provide examples of how you have conducted comparative research or developed policy frameworks in previous roles, particularly in complex or regulated environments.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Church of England
โจShowcase Your Research Skills
Prepare to discuss your experience in conducting comparative research and benchmarking. Be ready to provide examples of how you've used research to inform policy development, especially in complex environments.
โจDemonstrate Policy Drafting Expertise
Bring samples of high-quality policy papers or governance documents you've drafted in the past. Highlight your ability to produce clear, concise, and persuasive written outputs that cater to senior stakeholders.
โจUnderstand Staff Transfer Processes
Familiarise yourself with TUPE and equivalent processes. Be prepared to discuss your experience in advising on staff transfers and how you can support the design and implementation of these processes.
โจEngage with Stakeholders Effectively
Think about how you would present complex information to various stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated with governance boards or senior leaders in previous roles.