Head of People and Culture

Head of People and CultureResponsible To: Head of Operations; Chief Executive OfficerSalary: £38,000 (37.5 Hours)Days / Times: Monday to Friday (Flexible working hours may be needed when necessary)Locations: Town CentreAs this position will include working in our women only spaces (including Refuge), we are only accepting applications from women. (Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010 applies)Job PurposeThese are VERY exciting times of change for us We hope you will be interested in joining us on our journey.Womens Aid has grown tremendously in a very short time, both in size and in the delivery of services. Our paid staff team is now nearly 70, and this shows no signs of slowing down! We deliver varied and complex services such as refuge, outreach, housing, drop-ins, retail, online trading, childrens support, training, etc.With this number of staff and approximately 140 active volunteers, capacity is stretched across leadership, operations, and income streams. We are developing a realistic management structure that supports this huge growth, strengthens leadership capacity and reduces operational overload. It ensures clear lines of accountability, protects service quality & compliance, but also enables us to ensure sustainable growth.The Head of HR will help lead and develop the organisations strategy, ensuring that our managers and staff are supported, valued, and empowered to deliver high-quality services to survivors of domestic abuse. This role is pivotal in fostering a trauma-informed, inclusive, and resilient workplace culture, aligned with our values of compassion, integrity, and empowerment.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic LeadershipDevelop and implement a people strategy that supports organisational growth, staff wellbeing, and service excellenceAdvise the senior leadership team on HR matters, including workforce planning, organisational development, and change managementLead on equality, diversity, and inclusion initiatives across the organisationHR OperationsDeliver all HR functions, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, supervision, appraisals, employee relations, and offboarding, with managersSupport managers in official HR meetings ensuring robust procedures are followed. Support managers with HR meetings, giving advice and guidance to enable them to lead and ensure procedures are followedDevelop HR policies and procedures, ensuring they are legally compliant, trauma-informed, and aligned with best practiceComplement any external HR support services where applicableImplement new employment legislation and amend policies and procedures accordinglyStaff Wellbeing and DevelopmentChampion staff wellbeing and mental health, ensuring a supportive and safe working environmentLead on management and implementation of staff development, training, and any progression pathwaysSupport all managers in handling sensitive staff issues with compassion and professionalismCompliance and Risk ManagementEnsure compliance with employment law, safeguarding standards, and data protection regulationsEnsure accurate HR records and reporting systems are maintainedContribute to business continuity planning and workforce resilienceGeneral ResponsibilitiesTo work as part of the Senior Management TeamTo work alone and on one's own initiative with due regard to lone working proceduresTo ensure good time management making use of our Outlook Calendars with all staffTo participate in staff training, ensuring mandatory training is up-to-date and refreshed regularlyTo attend team meetings, external meetings and Trustee meetings as requestedTo be familiar with all policies of Womens Aid; to ensure policies are signed off as instructed; to ensure policies are implemented and adhered to at all timesTo work at all times in accordance with the confidentiality policy of Women's AidTo comply with data protection legislation, ensuring information sharing procedures are adhered toTo ensure the highest standard of anti-discriminatory and equal opportunities practices are adhered to and to work in a non-judgmental way, within the guidelines of equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practiceTo work in a safe & responsible way, ensuring that safety & lone working procedures are followedTo work in accordance with staff values and ethos as described in our staff agreementTo work in a flexible and responsive manner to meet the changing needs of the service/projectTo assist with providing cover for absent Managers during periods of sickness, holidays, etcTo carry out any other duties commensurate with the level of this postPerson SpecificationEssential CriteriaCIPD Qualification Level 3 or above or equivalentProven experience in a senior HR roleStrong understanding of trauma-informed practice and its application in HRDemonstrated commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusionExcellent interpersonal, leadership, and communication skillsAbility to handle sensitive and complex issues with discretion and empathyExcellent knowledge of employment law, protected characteristics and HR best practicesFamiliarity with HR systems and digital toolsDesirable CriteriaExperience working in a domestic abuse, safeguarding, or trauma-related serviceCoaching or mediation qualificationsExperience in organisational development or change managementValues and CultureWe are a values-led organisation committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment for both our staff and the people we support.TPBN1_UKTJ