Head of People and Culture in Belfast

Head of People and Culture in Belfast

Belfast Full-Time 43000 - 77000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and develop a high-performing HR function for a charity focused on inclusivity.
  • Company: Threshold is a regional charity empowering individuals with disabilities and mental health challenges.
  • Benefits: Enjoy remote work options, generous annual leave, and private health cash plans.
  • Other info: Position based in Belfast with some travel across Northern Ireland.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in people's lives while shaping an inclusive workplace culture.
  • Qualifications: CIPD Level 7 or equivalent HR qualification and senior HR experience required.

The predicted salary is between 43000 - 77000 £ per year.

Threshold is a local regional charity committed to enabling individuals with disability or recovering from mental illness to live full and independent lives in the community. We believe our people are our greatest asset, and we\'re looking for a dynamic and strategic Head of People and Culture to help us build an inclusive, engaged, and high-performing team across multiple sites. Job Title: Head of People and Culture Reports To: Chief Executive Direct Reports: People & Culture Generalist Salary: £50,000-£55,000 Location: Skainos Centre, Belfast However, there may be some travel required within Northern Ireland to fulfil the duties associated with the post. Option to work Monday and Friday at home Hours of Work: 37.5 hours per working week, early finish Friday. Additional Benefits to Support Employees: Death in Benefit Service: Three times your Salary. Westfield Health (Level 2): Private Health Cash Plan provided by Threshold which gives permanent and fixed term employees access to 24/7 GP services, medical diagnostics, medical treatment and physiotherapy. Please note that an employee can add a family member or friend for an additional cost. Annual Leave Entitlement: You will have 38 days of annual leave per year inclusive of bank holidays per calendar year. Generous Enhanced Occupational Sick Pay: Applicable to eligible staff after probation period. Employer Pension Contribution 11% employer and 5% employee Summary Head of People & Culture The Head of People and Culture will lead and develop a high-performing HR function aligned with the charitys mission and values. You will provide strategic leadership while also offering hands-on support across generalist HR matters, compliance, systems, and people development. Youll work closely with the leadership team and play a key role in shaping culture, building organisational capacity, and ensuring best practice in all HR policies and processes. Main Responsibilities of Head of People & Culture Job Description Core Responsibilities Strategic Leadership Develop and implement a people strategy as part of the new corporate plan, aligned with the charitys mission, values, and strategic goals. Provide expert advice to the Leadership team on HR best practice, policy and employment law. Drive organisational HR change initiatives during periods of growth, inputting into scenario planning, annual budgeting and terms and conditions reviews. Own and manage the HR risk register as part of the corporate risk plan Champion core values of the charity; empathy, passion, integrity, innovation and collaboration. Produce reports for the Chief Executive and Board of directors on key HR matters and metrics. Manage and support the HR Generalist, delegating responsibility and advising appropriately. Compliance Oversight Maintain up-to-date HR policies in line with employment law and sector standards. Ensure compliance with safeguarding, GDPR, Equality Commission returns, Access NI, UK Home office and other regulatory requirements. Oversee all Employee Relations matters. Systems, Payroll & Data Management Lead the implementation and optimisation of the HR elements in related software and other digital tools. Oversee the monthly payroll process in partnership with Finance. Produce HR reports and workforce data to support decision-making for management meetings. Oversee People related content in the organisations SharePoint, liaising with the Digital Marketing Officer Employee Engagement & Wellbeing Develop initiatives to enhance staff engagement, inclusion, and organisational culture. Design and lead on staff surveys and follow-up actions. Co- chair and manage actions from the Staff Forum Monitor effectiveness of the corporate health cash plan Policy Development & Implementation Oversee development, review, and implementation of HR policies that reflect best practice and legal compliance. Ensure accessibility and clarity of HR policies across the organisation. Communicate policy changes effectively to managers and staff. Staff Training & Development Identify skills gaps and coordinate internal/external HR related training. Support managers in building leadership capability Health & Safety Adhere and comply with all Thresholds Health and Safety Policies and Procedures. Report and record any matters, for example defects and / or accidents in relation to any issues in respect of Health & Safety immediately, for the attention of the designated person. Contributing to the overall physical cleanliness and general condition of the facilities of the premises. Act as a Deputy Fire Warden and / or First Aid Person if designated. Equal Opportunities Actively Promote a working environment where equality of opportunity, anti-discriminatory practice, individual rights and choice are promoted in accordance with Thresholds established Principles, Policies and Procedures. Threshold Aims and Objectives Active promotion in the organisational mission, values, aim and objectives, ensuring all Policies and Procedures, to include the Code of Conduct and Practice are always adhered to. The above summary of the main roles and responsibilities is not intended to be exhaustive. This role may develop in accordance with the Thresholds Strategic Corporate Plan. However, you will from time to time be required to undertake other duties that are appropriate to your role and the nature of your post. Person Specification Applicants must provide evidence by the specified closing date for application submission as to how they meet the following essential and desirable criteria : Education and Professional Qualifications Essential CIPD Level 7 or equivalent HR qualification Previous Experience & Knowledge Essential Proven experience in a senior HR role and at least 3 years in a complex organisation (over 150 staff) Strong knowledge of NI employment law and HR best practices Experience managing change Experience managing people Excellent interpersonal and communication skills Strong experience with Microsoft office including Excel, and HR digital software platforms Core Competencies Resilience and Adaptability Demonstrates emotional resilience and perseverance under pressure. Maintains effectiveness and a positive outlook through periods of change, ambiguity, and challenge. Recovers quickly from setbacks and uses challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. Accountability and Responsibility Takes ownership of decisions, outcomes, and the impact of HR initiatives across the organisation. Sets a strong example by following through on commitments and holding others accountable. Navigates ethical challenges with integrity and sound judgment. within the team and wider organisation. Measured and Strategic Thinking Applies a calm, analytical approach to decision-making even in complex or emotionally charged situations. Prioritizes long-term organisational goals over short-term fixes. Commercial Acumen Uses data, insight, and sector awareness to inform decisions and drive value across the business. Balances people\'s priorities with business needs, contributing to both operational efficiency and long-term strategic success. Additional Requirements Essential Possess a current and valid driving license or have access to a form of transport that will permit the candidate to meet the requirements of the post in full. Guidance Threshold will undertake a shortlisting exercise based solely upon the written information contained within your application form, to satisfactorily demonstrate how and to what extent you meet the above specified criteria. The shortlisting exercise will be based upon the identified criteria from the personnel specification. The shortlisting panel will not make assumptions as to your circumstances, qualifications and experience. Threshold reserves the right to supplement these shortlisting criteria using additional essential and / or desirable criteria from the personnel specification at subsequent stages of the shortlisting process. Canvassing Please note that any form of canvassing, either oral or written, directly or indirectly, in connection with this appointment shall disqualify a candidate from the recruitment and selection process. Supplementary Information Please note that this is a regulated post and will be subject to a satisfactory Basic / Enhanced Access NI Check. Key Dates Closing date: 25th of August 2025 Interviews Commence: Week commencing 26 August 2025 Important Notice Please note that Threshold may commence interviews and close the application process early, so early submission is encouraged.41bf1e1f-b16b-4260-a40a-17c77a06fd15

Head of People and Culture in Belfast employer: Threshold

Threshold is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff, offering a supportive work culture that champions inclusivity and engagement. Located in the Skainos Centre, Belfast, employees benefit from generous annual leave, a robust health cash plan, and opportunities for professional growth within a mission-driven charity dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities and mental health challenges. With a commitment to strategic leadership and employee well-being, Threshold fosters a collaborative environment where every team member can thrive.

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Contact Details:

Threshold Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of People and Culture in Belfast

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!

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We think you need these skills to ace Head of People and Culture in Belfast

CIPD Level 7 or equivalent HR qualification
Strong knowledge of NI employment law
Experience in a senior HR role
Change management skills
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel
Experience with HR digital software platforms

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 Threshold. 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 Threshold 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 Threshold. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.

Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Threshold'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 Threshold

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 Threshold.

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 Threshold 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 Threshold and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.