At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead people strategy and foster a positive culture for our diverse workforce.
- Company: Join a mission-driven organisation dedicated to supporting vulnerable children and young adults.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence strategic direction and empower staff.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in shaping an inclusive and safe culture.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 7 or equivalent, with significant HR leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 63837 - 67435 £ per year.
Location: Based at the William Henry Smith School but requirement to work across all Foundation sites.
Contract: Full time, Permanent, All year round, 37 hours per week
Salary: £63,837.00 - £67,435.00 per annum
Responsible to: Chief Executive Officer / Executive Principals
Responsible for: People Team (HR and L&D)
Key Relationships: Chief Executive Officer; Principals; Registered Manager (Children’s Home); Head of Care; Designated Safeguarding Leads; SLT and Operational Managers; Board of Trustees / Governors; External Regulators, and local authorities
Purpose of the Role
The Director of People, Development and Culture will provide strategic leadership for all people-related functions across the organisation. This is a key role in shaping a values‑led, inclusive, and safe culture for our diverse workforce and the vulnerable children and young adults we support. You will lead on workforce planning, recruitment, employee relations, performance and talent development, while ensuring compliance with safeguarding standards, Ofsted, DfE and local authorities expectations, and employment legislation (HMRC, ACAS etc). You will help build a collaborative, compassionate, and accountable working environment where staff are empowered and children and young adults can thrive. You will have an active presence, contributing to strategic direction, supporting effective decision‑making, and promoting a culture of collaboration and accountability across the Foundation.
Key responsibilities:
- Create, and implement a people strategy aligned with the organisation’s mission, safeguarding responsibilities, and regulatory requirements.
- Act as a strategic advisor to the CEO and Senior Leadership on all workforce and organisational development matters.
- Maintain compliance with all relevant employment and sector‑specific legislation.
- Lead and oversee all HR operations including employee relations, performance management, absence and wellbeing.
- Develop and implement L&D strategies that meet all mandatory training requirements and support professional growth.
- Present people data, analysis and reports to other strategic leaders, Governors and Trustees to support decision making, and influence operational decision‑making.
About you:
We are looking for someone who:
- Holds a CIPD Level 7 qualification or equivalent professional HR Qualification.
- Can evidence continued professional development in HR, organisational development or leadership.
- Has significant senior HR/People leadership experience within a complex organisation.
- Has proven experience of leading organisational culture change and workforce development strategies.
- Is values‑driven, committed to safeguarding, student welfare, equality and diversity.
- Is self‑motivated and proactive, with a willingness to undertake further training and continuous learning.
Director of People, Development and Culture in Brighouse employer: The William Henry Smith School and Sixth Form
At the William Henry Smith School, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions a values-led and inclusive culture. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through tailored professional development opportunities and a supportive work environment that empowers our staff to thrive while making a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable children and young adults. Join us in fostering a compassionate and accountable workplace where your contributions are valued and recognised.
Contact Details:
The William Henry Smith School and Sixth Form Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of People, Development and Culture in Brighouse
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current employees at the Foundation. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can’t.
✨Show Your Passion
When you get the chance to chat with someone from the Foundation, let your enthusiasm shine through! Talk about why you’re passionate about people development and culture. It’s all about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but you genuinely care about making a difference.
✨Prepare for the Interview
Do your homework! Understand the Foundation’s mission and values, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. Prepare some thoughtful questions to ask during the interview – it shows you’re engaged and serious about the role.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and really interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of People, Development and Culture in Brighouse
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Director of People, Development and Culture role. Highlight your relevant experience in HR and organisational development, and show how your values align with our mission.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We want to see your leadership style! Share examples of how you've led culture change or workforce development strategies in previous roles. This is your chance to shine and demonstrate your strategic thinking.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the heart of your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at The William Henry Smith School and Sixth Form
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key responsibilities of the Director of People, Development and Culture role. Familiarise yourself with the organisation’s mission, values, and any recent news or changes. This will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and understanding during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that highlight your senior HR leadership experience and your ability to lead culture change. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, making it easy for the interviewers to see how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that show you’re engaged and interested in the role. Ask about the current challenges the organisation faces in terms of workforce development or how they measure success in creating an inclusive culture. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the organisation is the right fit for you.
✨Demonstrate Your Values
Since this role is heavily focused on values-driven leadership, be ready to discuss how your personal values align with those of the organisation. Share your commitment to safeguarding, equality, and diversity, and provide examples of how you’ve promoted these values in your previous roles.
