Associate Director of People

Homerton University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust; City of Westminster; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading NHS Trust in the City of Westminster is seeking an experienced Associate Director of People Services. In this strategic HR leadership role, you will oversee complex case management, employment policy, and cultural change initiatives. Ideal candidates will possess emotional intelligence, strong communication skills, and a depth of experience in HR leadership. This is an excellent opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a values-driven organization that values autonomy and professional growth.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Supportive leadership environment

Competitive salary package

Qualifications

• Proven track record in HR leadership within complex organizations.
• Strong understanding of employment law and practices.
• Ability to lead high-risk case management.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior strategic leadership for the Trust's people relations agenda.
• Champion a restorative and learning culture across the organisation.
• Oversee workforce planning and divisional people strategies.
• Strengthen data-driven decision-making in HR.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Emotional intelligence

Effective communication

Change management

Education

Experience in HR leadership

Job description

Overview

A rare opportunity for an experienced senior HR leader to shape the future of People Services in a values driven NHS Trust.

As Associate Director of People Services, you will strengthen how we support and empower our workforce. You will lead People Relations and People Business Partnering, overseeing complex, high risk casework, shaping employment policy, and embedding a restorative, just and inclusive culture.

This role suits someone who thrives in complexity, brings calm and credibility and balances strategic leadership with hands on expertise. You will work closely with Executive leaders, clinical divisions, trade unions and senior managers, providing trusted advice on sensitive, legally complex and reputational matters.

You will be emotionally intelligent, values led and resilient, able to influence at senior level while staying mindful of the human impact of people decisions.

Why work with us?

You will join a supportive leadership environment where your expertise is trusted, your voice is valued and your impact is visible. We value autonomy, psychological safety, ethical decision making and professional growth, alongside high standards and accountability.

This is a role for someone who wants to shape strategy, lead cultural change and make a lasting impact.

Interview Process

Stakeholder session and formal interview: The stakeholder session will be held before the formal interview. The formal interview is provisionally scheduled for Wednesday 4 March 2026 (subject to confirmation).

Key Responsibilities

• Provide senior strategic leadership for the Trust's people relations agenda
• Lead complex and high‑risk case management, including Employment Tribunals
• Champion a restorative, just and learning culture across the organisation
• Lead and develop our People Business Partners and Head of People Relations
• Shape employment policy and governance at Trust level
• Provide expert advice to Executive Directors and senior leaders
• Oversee workforce planning and divisional people strategies
• Strengthen data‑led decision making and performance reporting
• Act as nominated deputy to the Deputy Director of People

About the Trust

Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is a high performing and flourishing organisation serving the population of Hackney, East London, the City and beyond. We are extremely proud of the fact that Homerton Hospital has recently attained the highest possible rating of “Outstanding” from the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Our integrated Trust provides comprehensive hospital and community health services for its local population and a range of specialist services for a wider group of patients. In addition, the Trust manages services out of St Leonard’s Hospital and the Mary Seacole Nursing Home.

Homerton aims to ensure equality and value diversity, and we are committed to inclusion for all of our staff. This is reflected in our policies, procedures and People Plan. All of our staff are expected to embody our Trust values at all times.

We are also committed, through our Fair Recruitment Standards, to ensuring all applicants are treated fairly.

Homerton has a proud tradition of supporting and developing its staff, including its well‑regarded and valued nursing community, and all staff are able to take advantage of a great range of benefits.

Homerton is proud to have been included on the HSJ & Nursing Times Best Places to Work list.