At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape a high-performing, inclusive culture at DofE.
- Company: Join the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, a mission-driven organisation.
- Benefits: Generous pension, healthcare cash plan, 25 days holiday, and more.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for strategic thinkers passionate about equity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Influence cultural change and support 400 colleagues and 5,000 partners.
- Qualifications: Senior experience in People/HR/OD with a track record of transformation.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 100000 £ per year.
We’re looking for an outstanding Director of People and Culture to lead and shape a high-performing, inclusive and values-led culture at DofE. This is a pivotal leadership role, working closely with the CEO, Executive Leadership Team and Board to ensure we have the capability, leadership and organisational design needed to deliver our mission, now and into the future. As we launch our ambitious World Ready strategy, this is an exciting opportunity to influence the next phase of our development, supporting c.400 colleagues and a network of over 5,000 partner organisations delivering programmes through 40,000 adult leaders.
Responsibilities
- Lead and deliver our organisation-wide People and Culture strategy, aligned to our mission and long-term goals.
- Act as a trusted adviser to senior leadership and Trustees on all workforce, culture and organisational development matters.
- Shape a high-performing, inclusive culture where colleagues and volunteers feel valued, supported and inspired.
- Drive workforce planning, organisational design and leadership capability to enable future success.
- Champion an outstanding employee and volunteer experience, from attraction through to development and engagement.
- Lead our equity, diversity and inclusion agenda, embedding inclusive practice across everything we do.
- Use data and insight to inform decisions, measure impact and continuously improve outcomes.
- Oversee learning and development, talent management and succession planning.
- Ensure strong governance across people policies, employee relations, risk and compliance.
- Lead organisational change and transformation programmes with confidence and care.
Qualifications
- Significant experience leading a People/HR/OD function at senior level in a complex organisation.
- A strong track record of delivering organisation-wide people strategies and cultural change.
- Experience of organisational transformation, workforce planning and organisational design.
- Proven ability to influence and advise senior leaders, executives and boards.
- Strong knowledge of employment law, governance and employee relations.
- Experience using people data and insights to drive decision-making and measure success.
- Outstanding communication and relationship-building skills with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
- A clear commitment to equity, inclusion, wellbeing and values-led leadership.
- The ability to balance strategic thinking with operational delivery in a complex, evolving environment.
How to Apply and Interview Dates
If you feel excited by this role and believe you have the necessary skills and experience to become a valued team member, please go to our website and apply. The deadline for applying for this role is: Sunday 26th July – Midnight. 1st interviews will take place between: Week commencing 10th August – week commencing 17th August – to be held virtually via MS Teams. 2nd interviews will take place between: 24th August to 4th September – Interviews will be in London.
Safeguarding and Welfare
The DofE are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people. All successful applicants will be required to undergo a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service check (e.g. DBS/PVG or similar), including references covering any gaps of employment/education, confirm eligibility to work in the UK and complete a health check.
Geographical Allowance
The geographical allowance is based on a member of staff having a home or office-based postcode within 30 miles (as the crow flies) from Charing Cross, WC2N 5HS. The allowance is 7% capped at £4,000 per annum.
We offer excellent staff benefits including a generous pension contribution, an employee assistance programme, healthcare cash plan and volunteer leave. Also, 25 days holiday, plus Bank Holidays and an additional 3 days paid leave between Christmas and the New Year. Buy additional annual leave, benefits discount website, death in service benefit 4 × salary, incapacity benefit, generous family leave and sick leave.
Contact Details:
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of People and Culture
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at The Duke of Edinburgh's Award!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at The Duke of Edinburgh's Award.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of People and Culture
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at The Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to The Duke of Edinburgh's Award and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at The Duke of Edinburgh's Award. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to The Duke of Edinburgh's Award's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Duke of Edinburgh's Award
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with The Duke of Edinburgh's Award.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at The Duke of Edinburgh's Award will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact The Duke of Edinburgh's Award and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
