At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR and volunteer processes, enhancing employee and volunteer experiences.
- Company: The Shakespeare Hospice, dedicated to exceptional care and support.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join us at a pivotal time for meaningful change and growth.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on people and volunteering in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experienced HR professional with a passion for improving workplace culture.
The predicted salary is between 38000 - 40000 £ per year.
The Shakespeare Hospice, Stratford-upon-Avon
28 hours per week across a minimum of 4 days (including Fridays)
Salary: £38,000 - £40,000 FTE (£28,373 - £29,866 pro rata), dependent on experience
Predominantly on-site
Closing date: 4th August 2026 at midday
Anticipated Interview: WC 10th August 2026
Help Shape the Future of People and Volunteering at The Shakespeare Hospice
We're looking for an experienced HR professional who is passionate about people, volunteers and continuous improvement. In this newly refreshed role, you'll play a vital part in modernising our people processes, enhancing our volunteer programme and helping ensure The Shakespeare Hospice remains an employer and volunteer organisation of choice within our community.
Make a Difference Through People
At The Shakespeare Hospice, our mission is to provide exceptional care and support to patients, families and loved ones facing life-limiting illnesses. Behind this vital work is a dedicated team of employees and volunteers who make a real difference every day.
We are seeking an experienced and compassionate HR & Volunteer Manager to join our People & Workforce Team. This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled HR professional who is passionate about supporting people, fostering positive workplace cultures and recognising the invaluable contribution volunteers make within our community.
About the Role
Reporting to the Head of People & Workforce, you will play a key role in delivering professional HR support across the Hospice while leading and developing our volunteer programme. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys creating positive change. As the Hospice continues to evolve, a key focus during your first year will be to help modernise, streamline and improve people and volunteer processes, ensuring they are efficient, fit for purpose and provide an excellent experience for employees, volunteers and managers alike.
You will work closely with colleagues across the organisation to identify opportunities for improvement, simplify ways of working, enhance systems and processes, and support the development of a modern, people-focused HR function.
You will:
- Provide expert HR advice and guidance to managers on a wide range of people matters.
- Lead the review, development and modernisation of HR and volunteer processes, policies and systems.
- Identify opportunities to streamline administration, improve efficiency and enhance the employee and volunteer experience.
- Lead and develop recruitment and onboarding processes.
- Support employee wellbeing and engagement initiatives.
- Ensure compliance with employment legislation, HR best practice and regulatory requirements.
- Produce workforce data and insights to support decision-making and continuous improvement.
- Oversee volunteer recruitment, onboarding, engagement and recognition.
About You
We're looking for someone who is not only an experienced HR professional but also someone who enjoys improving the way things work. You will be comfortable challenging existing practices, introducing new ideas and helping to build efficient and effective people processes. You'll be excited by the opportunity to make a lasting impact and help shape the future of HR and volunteering at The Shakespeare Hospice.
Why Join Us?
This is a unique opportunity to join The Shakespeare Hospice at a pivotal time. Alongside providing expert HR and volunteer leadership, you'll have the opportunity to influence and modernise key people processes, helping to create an outstanding experience for our employees, volunteers and managers while supporting the Hospice's long-term ambitions.
To Apply
If you are an experienced HR professional looking for a meaningful role where you can make a lasting impact on employees, volunteers and the wider community, we would love to hear from you. Please provide a CV and cover letter - guide two A4 pages detailing how your skills and experience match the requirements of the role.
Full details of the role can be found on our website by clicking ‘apply’.
The Shakespeare Hospice is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.
We can offer:
- Competitive salary
- Generous annual leave entitlement – 35 days including statutory bank holidays, rising to 37 days after 5 years’ continuous service and 39 days after 10 years’ continuous service (pro rata for part time)
- Contributory pension scheme
- Free on-site car parking
- Family friendly policies, including enhanced maternity, adoption and paternity pay
- Occupational sick pay
- Free 24-hour confidential advice and support via our Employee Assistance Programme
- Flexible working
- Staff Wellbeing Programme
- A comprehensive induction plan
- Training and development opportunities for staff where relevant to role
- Free eye tests
By clicking ‘apply’ you will be taken to our website where you can see more details on the position and complete your application.
Candidates must be able to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK.
The Shakespeare Hospice reserves the right to close adverts early should we receive enough applications. We reserve the right to extend the closing date for this vacancy should the need arise. All data is processed in accordance with our privacy policy which can be found on our website.
HR & Volunteer Manager (People Manager) employer: The Shakespeare Hospice
The Shakespeare Hospice is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community of Stratford-upon-Avon. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, generous annual leave, and a supportive work culture, we empower our HR & Volunteer Manager to lead transformative changes that enhance both employee and volunteer experiences. Join us in shaping the future of care and support while enjoying professional growth and a collaborative environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR & Volunteer Manager (People Manager)
✨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 Shakespeare Hospice!
✨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 Shakespeare Hospice.
We think you need these skills to ace HR & Volunteer Manager (People Manager)
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 Shakespeare Hospice. 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 Shakespeare Hospice 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 Shakespeare Hospice. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to The Shakespeare Hospice'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 Shakespeare Hospice
✨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 Shakespeare Hospice.
✨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 Shakespeare Hospice 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 Shakespeare Hospice and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
