At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop a proactive People function, enhancing employee relations and wellbeing.
- Company: Join Norwood, a charity dedicated to supporting individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with significant organisational influence and career advancement potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on organisational culture and employee experience.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 5 or equivalent, with experience in HR leadership and employee relations.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 € per year.
About the Role
As Head of People, you will support the development and delivery of Norwood's People & Culture strategy, turning strategic priorities into effective operational delivery across the charity. You will lead the People Partnering, Employee Relations, Reward & Recognition and people operations functions, ensuring people practices are high-quality, compliant and values-led. Working closely with senior leaders across the organisation, you will strengthen wellbeing, organisational effectiveness and leadership capability while helping create a positive and inclusive culture where colleagues can thrive.
You will:
- Lead and develop a proactive and customer-focused People function
- Strengthen employee relations, governance and people operations
- Drive wellbeing, engagement and retention initiatives
- Lead people aspects of organisational change and transformation programmes
- Improve people systems, insight and reporting capability
- Support the ongoing development of equitable pay, reward and recognition approaches
- Build leadership capability through coaching, partnership and support
This is a role with significant organisational impact, balancing strategic thinking with hands-on leadership across operational people services.
Your Day to Day
You will:
- Lead the People Partnering and Employee Relations functions across Norwood
- Provide expert guidance on complex people and organisational matters
- Strengthen management capability through coaching and operational support
- Oversee governance, compliance and safer recruitment processes
- Develop and implement people policies aligned to best practice and organisational priorities
- Lead reporting, people analytics and management information frameworks
- Drive continuous improvement across people systems, processes and digital capability
- Support organisational change, transformation and culture initiatives
- Work collaboratively with leaders across services in London and Berkshire
Your impact will be demonstrated through:
- Stronger employee engagement and experience
- Improved governance and regulatory assurance
- Effective management of organisational change and employee relations
- Better insight and strategic decision-making
- A high-performing, inclusive and values-led culture
Qualifications, Experience & Training
Essential
- CIPD Level 5 qualification or equivalent degree
- Experience leading an HR or People function within a fast-paced organisation
- Experience managing complex employee relations matters
- Experience leading and developing high-performing teams
- Strong knowledge of employment law, governance and HR best practice
- Experience leading organisational change and transformation activity
- Strong operational and commercial awareness
- Ability to develop meaningful people insight, reporting and performance metrics
Desirable
- Experience within health or social care
- Experience of organisational development and engagement initiatives
- Experience of HR systems improvement and digital transformation
- Knowledge of CQC employment requirements within the care sector
A bit more information: Norwood's Broadway House, located at 80 - 82 The Broadway, Stanmore HA7 4HB, is the charity's head office and main administrative base. It brings together Governance, Leadership, Fundraising, Finance, People and Culture, and Marketing and Communications, providing coordination and support to Children & Family Services and Adult Services. The office supports Norwood's mission to help people with neurodevelopmental disabilities, their families, and children in need across London and the South East. It is also the main point of contact for referrals, general enquiries, and charity business.
Safe Recruitment: Norwood is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children, young people, and adults we support. This role is subject to safer recruitment checks in line with CQC Regulation 19, and appointment is conditional upon satisfactory pre-employment checks, including Right to Work in the UK and a DBS check appropriate to the role.
Email:
Disclaimer: At Norwood, we welcome applications from a diverse range of candidates. At this time, Norwood is not a UK Home Office licensed sponsor and is unable to offer visa sponsorship.
Head of People in London employer: Workcircle
Norwood is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment at its head office in Stanmore. As the Head of People, you will play a pivotal role in shaping a positive culture while benefiting from a strong focus on employee wellbeing, professional development, and a commitment to making a meaningful impact in the community. With opportunities for growth and collaboration across various functions, Norwood fosters a supportive atmosphere where your contributions are valued and recognised.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of People in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the HR and People space, especially those who have experience in charities or similar sectors. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Norwood's values and culture. Think about how your experience aligns with their mission. We want you to show them you're not just a fit on paper but also a perfect match for their team!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've led people functions or managed complex employee relations. We all love a good story, and it helps interviewers remember you!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who can help us make a difference.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of People in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of People role. Highlight your experience in leading HR functions and managing complex employee relations, as these are key aspects of the job.
Showcase Your Impact:When detailing your previous roles, focus on the impact you've made. Use specific examples of how you've improved employee engagement or led successful organisational change initiatives to demonstrate your effectiveness.
Be Authentic:We want to see the real you! Share your passion for creating inclusive cultures and supporting employee wellbeing. This will help us understand how you align with our values and mission at Norwood.
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 this impactful role!
How to prepare for a job interview at Workcircle
✨Know the Organisation Inside Out
Before your interview, take the time to research Norwood thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and the specific challenges they face in the charity sector. This will not only help you tailor your responses but also show your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Given the nature of the Head of People role, expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and experience with complex employee relations. Prepare examples from your past where you've successfully navigated similar situations, highlighting your strategic thinking and hands-on leadership.
✨Showcase Your People-Centric Approach
As this role is all about enhancing employee engagement and wellbeing, be ready to discuss your strategies for fostering a positive workplace culture. Share specific initiatives you've led or been part of that improved employee satisfaction and retention, demonstrating your commitment to a values-led approach.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions. Inquire about Norwood's current people challenges or their vision for the future. This shows that you're not just interested in the role, but also in contributing to the organisation's long-term success.