Deputy Director of People and Culture

GIRLS DAY SCHOOL TRUST; City Of London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational trust in the UK is seeking a skilled Deputy Director to lead initiatives in people and culture. The successful candidate will be responsible for implementing the vision, improving systems, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. A Chartered FCIPD qualification and experience in multi-site organizations are essential. This position offers the chance to shape the future of a dedicated workforce committed to empowering girls to achieve their potential.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of leading people functions.
• Experience combining strategic vision with operational delivery.
• Experience in education or not-for-profit sectors is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Lead and implement the vision for people and culture.
• Translate strategy into action effectively.
• Build a culture of continuous improvement.
• Ensure systems align with GDST values.
• Create a positive experience for GDST colleagues.

Skills

Leadership in complex organizations

Operational excellence

People development

Data-driven decision making

Education

Chartered FCIPD qualification

Job description

Overview

The Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST) is seeking a skilled and inspiring Deputy Director to help shape and deliver our ambitious vision for people and culture.

Our mission — to help girls learn without limits so that they go on to lead lives without limits — begins with our colleagues. Across 26 schools and Trust Office, over 4,000 dedicated staff inspire, support and empower every girl to achieve her potential and become a changemaker, equipped to tackle society’s toughest challenges and close the persistent equality gap. To fulfil our mission, we are building a dynamic, inclusive and high-performing culture that enables our people to thrive, develop and innovate.

Responsibilities

• Lead and implement the vision for people and culture in close partnership with the Director of People and Culture and People Team leads.
• Translate strategy into action through effective operational delivery and digital transformation.
• Build a culture of continuous improvement across the People and Culture function.
• Ensure systems, policies and practices are efficient, data-driven and aligned with GDST values.
• Create a consistent and high-quality experience for every GDST colleague.

Qualifications and experience

• Chartered FCIPD professional with a proven track record of leading people functions in complex, multi-site organisations.
• Ability to combine strategic vision with operational excellence and a passion for people development.
• Experience using data, technology and culture to create meaningful change.
• Experience in the education or not-for-profit sectors is an advantage but not essential.

How to apply

If you share our values and are inspired by the opportunity to shape the future of people and culture at the GDST, we would love to hear from you.

To apply, please complete the online application form and submit a covering letter that sets out your interest in the role and highlights the aspects of your experience relevant to the required criteria. Please include current salary details and the names and addresses of three referees.

Dates and process

The closing date for applications is 08.00 GMT on Monday 10 November 2025. First round interviews will take place at Trust Office on Tuesday 18th November, with a final round on Monday 24th November 2025.

Equality, safeguarding and inclusion

There are many other good reasons to work with us. At the GDST, we are committed to diversity, inclusion and real change: a family where every individual is valued, respected and included. Each of our schools and our Trust Office has its own sense of community, and you’ll be part of it. You’ll be part, too, of the wider GDST family. You’ll be in the company of some of the best and brightest people in education. Most importantly, no matter what your role, you will be playing a major part in the highly regarded education we give our girls.

The GDST are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.