Director - People and Purpose

Buckinghamshire College Group; Amersham; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a visionary Director of People and Purpose to lead their HR initiatives. This pivotal role involves shaping a positive and inclusive culture, enhancing staff engagement, and ensuring compliance with employment legislation. The ideal candidate will drive organizational development and champion well-being initiatives, fostering a supportive environment for all staff. Join a forward-thinking institution dedicated to professional growth and excellence in education, where your leadership will make a significant impact on the community.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in strategic HR leadership and management.
• Strong understanding of employment law and HR best practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive people strategy.
• Oversee all HR functions including recruitment, performance management, and compliance.
• Champion staff well-being and promote a culture of continuous learning.

Skills

Strategic Leadership

Human Resources Management

Organisational Development

Employee Well-being

Stakeholder Engagement

Education

Master's Degree in Human Resources

Relevant Professional Qualifications

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

POST: Director - People and Purpose

RESPONSIBLE TO: Principal and Chief Executive Officer

JOB PURPOSE:To provide strategic leadership and direction in all aspects of human resources, organisational development, and the overall well-being of staff. This role is integral to fostering a positive, inclusive, and high-performing culture that aligns with the College's mission and values.

To lead the Human Resource and College Nursery functions.

This post covers all sites of the Buckinghamshire College Group (Aylesbury, Amersham, Wycombe)

SPECIFIC DUTIES:

Strategic Leadership:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive people strategy that supports the College's strategic objectives, culture and purpose.
• Lead initiatives to enhance staff engagement, retention, and development.
• Ensure the College's values are embedded in all HR practices and policies.

Human Resources Management:

• To line manage the HRTeam, overseeing all HR functions, including recruitment, performance management, payroll and pensions, employee relations, and compliance with employment law.
• To ensure that the HR Policies, Procedures and practices are up to date and comply with good practice and legislation. To develop new practices and policies as and when legislation, guidance and requirements changes.
• Implement effective talent acquisition and succession planning processes.
• Ensure the College maintains a safe, inclusive, and supportive working environment.
• To line manage the Head of Early Years Nursery/Pre-School and provide leadership and support to the management of the College Nursery.

Organisational Development:

• Drive continuous improvement and innovation in organisational practices.
• Lead on the development and implementation of training and development programs.
• Foster a culture of continuous learning and professional growth.

Well-being and Inclusion:

• Champion initiatives that promote the well-being and mental health of staff including as part of our Disability Confident Leader status.
• Work with the Assistant Principal for Student Engagement and Support to ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the forefront of all college activities.
• Develop and implement policies that support work-life balance and employee well-being.

Safeguarding:

• Ensure robust staff related safeguarding policies and procedures are in place and adhered to, protecting the welfare of all students and staff
• Promote a culture of vigilance and responsibility regarding safeguarding and Prevent duties.
• Collaborate with safeguarding leads to ensure compliance with statutory requirements and best practices.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Lead the College’s management partnership with the recognised trade unions and the Staff Council, promoting positive employee relations and approach to consultation and negotiations.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders including sharing practice with local employers.
• Represent the college at relevant forums and events.
• Collaborate with other senior leaders to ensure alignment of people strategies with overall college goals
• GENERAL DUTIES:
• Actively commit to professional self development and training as necessary for success in the role.
• Carry out duties at all times in accordance with the College’s Equal Opportunities, Health and Safety and Safeguarding policies.
• Promote by positive example both internally and externally the values and behaviours stated in the College Mission and Strategic Plan.
• Provide effective operational activity to promote and market the College in all activities within the College.
• To undertake such other duties as required, commensurate with the grade of the post and/or required by the Principal, at the main place of work or at any other College location/campus as required from time to time.

STAFF SUPERVISED: Senior HR Business Partner, Payroll and Pensions Specialist and Head of Early Years Nursery / Pre-school

This job description is a guide to the work that you will initially be required to undertake. It may be changed from time to time, in consultation with you, to meet changing circumstances. It does not form part of your contract of employment.

Date: May 2025