At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead VCA's people strategy and HR function to enhance workforce capability.
- Company: Join the Vehicle Certification Agency, a key player in the Civil Service.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous pension, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Access excellent career development opportunities and professional qualifications.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on organisational culture and employee experience.
- Qualifications: Proven senior HR leadership experience and strong advisory skills.
- Head of People and Capability
- Vehicle Certification Agency
- Apply before 11:55 pm on Sunday 27th September 2026
- 📍 Location: Birmingham, Bristol, Nuneaton (This role is suitable for hybrid working)
💷 Salary: £69,501 - £79,743- A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
- 🕘️ Contract Type: Permanent – Full-time
- 🏆️ Available Positions: 1
The Head of People & Capability is VCA’s senior people leader and Head of the People Profession.
The role is accountable for ensuring VCA has the workforce, leadership, culture and organisational capability needed to deliver its strategic objectives and respond to future regulatory, technological and organisational demands.
The postholder will lead VCA’s people strategy and HR function, combining strategic leadership with accountability for the effective delivery of people services across the employee lifecycle.
They will provide authoritative advice and constructive challenge to the Chief Executive, Executive Team and senior leaders on workforce priorities, organisational effectiveness, people risks and complex employee matters.
The role will bring together Department for Transport policies and frameworks, shared service arrangements and VCA’s organisational requirements into a coherent people system that supports organisational performance and a positive employee experience.
- Top Responsibilities
- Ensure VCA has a people strategy, workforce plans and organisational capability that support delivery of current priorities and future organisational needs.
- Ensure the Executive Team has robust workforce insight, evidence and advice to make informed decisions on people, capability and organisational performance.
- Ensure organisational structures, workforce capability and ways of working remain aligned to VCA's strategic objectives and operating environment.
- Ensure VCA has robust succession, talent and career development arrangements for critical roles and capabilities.
For more information on the role and responsibilities please see the full job advert on CS Jobs using the link provided.
Benefits
Being part of our brilliant Civil Service means you will have access to a wide range of fantastic benefits:
- Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary. Read more about Civil Service Pensions here
- 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave).
- 8 Bank Holidays plus an additional Privilege Day to mark the King’s birthday.
- Access to the staff discount portal.
- Excellent career development opportunities and the potential to undertake professional qualifications relevant to your role paid for by the department, such as CIPD, Prince2, apprenticeships, etc.
- 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme providing free confidential help and advice for staff.
- Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.
About You
- To be successful in this role you will need to have the following experience:
- Significant experience in a senior HR leadership role, contributing to the development and delivery of people strategies, workforce initiatives or organisational change.
- Experience of influencing and advising senior leaders on workforce, organisational or people-related issues.
- Experience of leading teams, services or programmes and delivering outcomes through others.
- Strong understanding of core HR disciplines, including workforce planning, employee relations, talent, organisational capability and people services.
How to Apply
👉 Read the full description and apply at CS Jobs using the link provided.
This vacancy closes at 23:55 on Sunday 27th September 2026
Head of People and Capability in Birmingham employer: Vehicle Certification Agency
The Vehicle Certification Agency is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With a generous pension contribution of 28.97%, flexible working options, and a commitment to career development through funded qualifications, employees can thrive in their roles while enjoying a healthy work-life balance in the vibrant city of Bristol.
Contact Details:
Vehicle Certification Agency Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of People and Capability in Birmingham
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of People and Capability in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
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How to prepare for a job interview at Vehicle Certification Agency
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