At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the People & Culture strategy and promote staff wellbeing in a dynamic charity environment.
- Company: World Vision UK, a Christian charity dedicated to transforming children's lives globally.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, pension, and free parking at Milton Keynes.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while shaping a thriving workplace culture.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategic leadership and talent management within a diverse workforce.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for professional growth and development.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 84000 £ per year.
World Vision UK is a Christian charity focused on helping vulnerable children overcome poverty and experience fullness of life. We work with children of all backgrounds, including in difficult environments, inspired by our Christian faith. We have 33,000+ staff working in nearly 100 countries and aim to transform children’s life stories.
We are seeking a People and Culture Director to lead the P&C function, advise the COO and senior leadership, and advance our strategy and safeguarding focus while promoting staff wellbeing and high performance. This role requires the ability to craft and enact strategy, influence colleagues and the board, and represent World Vision UK in the P&C community and across the charity.
Location: Hybrid working based at the Milton Keynes office (minimum 2 days per week in the office; some requirements may necessitate more).
Salary: £75,000 per annum + benefits depending on experience.
Contract: Permanent.
Hours: 36.5 hours per week.
Right to work in the UK documentation is required as the role is not sponsored.
Closing Date for applications: Midday 2 February 2026.
Interview Dates: TBC. We reserve the right to close the search early if a strong candidate is identified.
Responsibilities:
- Strategic Leadership: lead the update and delivery of the Thriving People Strategy, build capability to deliver impact, attract and retain high performing talent, and advise the COO, CEO, SLT and Board on organisational issues affecting the workforce, ensuring legal and regulatory requirements are met.
- Advisor to senior leaders on Total Reward and Talent Management; lead delivery on workforce elements of organisational transformational change; embed values, mindsets, behaviours and performance across the organisation.
- Collaborate with the COO and CFO to identify and implement efficiencies in the delivery of Support Services across the organisation; participate in the World Vision Partnership at the PCLF level.
- Uphold and promote World Vision’s identity and Christian commitments; champion employee wellbeing and safeguarding requirements, working with the Safeguarding Lead and other senior leaders to maintain a culture of safety and accountability.
- Build and lead a high-performing People and Culture team; oversee P&C Operations and Payroll; ensure regulatory, technology and process changes are understood and implemented.
- Lead continuous improvement in P&C processes and wider organisational improvements; drive strategic workforce planning and ensure the organisation has the right capability and capacity.
- Report on people management metrics to meet regulatory demands and provide transparency to inform organisational performance.
About World Vision UK: We are an international children’s charity working in almost 100 countries, committed to safeguarding children. We value diversity and are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applications from under-represented groups and offer flexible working policies. All offers are conditional upon successful safeguarding checks, including a criminal records check.
Requirements:
Please ensure you have the Right to work in the UK; this role is not sponsored. Upload your CV with full employment history and a covering letter explaining how you meet the criteria stated in the job description.
Additional notes: We offer good benefits including pension, generous holiday entitlement and free parking at Milton Keynes. No unsolicited agencies. Applicants local to the UK are preferred.
Director of People & Culture employer: World Vision
Contact Detail:
World Vision Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of People & Culture
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those connected to World Vision UK. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the organisation's values and recent projects. Show us how your experience aligns with their mission to transform children's lives – it’ll make a real impact!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how you can lead the People & Culture function effectively. Highlight your strategic leadership skills and how you can promote staff wellbeing and high performance.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of People & Culture
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of People and Culture Director. Highlight your experience in strategic leadership and any relevant achievements that align with World Vision UK's mission. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain how your values align with World Vision's Christian commitments and how you can contribute to our thriving people strategy. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your passion!
Showcase Your Leadership Style: In your application, be sure to showcase your leadership style and how you've built high-performing teams in the past. We’re looking for someone who can influence and inspire, so share examples that demonstrate your ability to lead effectively.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our community at World Vision UK. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at World Vision
✨Know the Mission
Before your interview, take some time to really understand World Vision UK's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their focus on helping vulnerable children and how that aligns with your own values. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Prepare Your Strategy Insights
As a Director of People & Culture, you'll need to demonstrate your strategic thinking. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully crafted and enacted strategies in previous roles. Think about how you can apply those experiences to advance World Vision UK's Thriving People Strategy.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be ready to discuss your leadership style and how you build high-performing teams. Share examples of how you've influenced senior leaders and fostered a culture of wellbeing and accountability. This is crucial for a role that involves advising the COO and senior leadership.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so prepare some insightful questions to ask your interviewers. Inquire about their current challenges in P&C, how they measure success, or what initiatives they have in place for staff wellbeing. This shows your engagement and helps you assess if the organisation is the right fit for you.