Head of people

Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice are seeking an exceptional Head of People to lead the development and implementation of a People plan which aligns with our ambitions, fosters a culture of inclusivity, innovation, and a sense of belonging and which seamlessly integrates our HR and Volunteering efforts.

As we prepare to launch our new organisational strategy in April 2025, we've collaboratively developed new values that reflect our vision. It’s an exciting time to join Bluebell Wood and especially in such a key role.

You will engage with colleagues at all levels to understand their needs and goals, ensuring our People plan drives positive organisational change and enhances the experience for our 120 colleagues and 280 volunteers.

Reporting to the CEO and working closely with leaders and managers, you will focus on attracting, retaining, and developing a diverse and talented workforce. You will champion a culture of learning, innovation, and collaboration, ensuring Bluebell Wood adheres to all relevant employment legislation and best practices.

Leading a small, dedicated team, you will oversee and enhance the HR and volunteer lifecycle, learning and development activities, policies, and processes. Given our team's size, this role is hands-on and dynamic.



JOB DESCRIPTION

TITLE OF POST: Head of People

ACCOUNTABLE TO: CEO

DIRECT REPORTS: Volunteer Services Manager, HR Advisor, HR Administrator, Payroll Officer

HOURS: Full time - 37.5hrs per week. Hybrid working is supported but due to the nature of this role, you will be required onsite at least three days/60% of your working week.

NOTICE PERIOD: 12 weeks

SALARY: £56,374



Job purpose:

Bluebell Wood aims to enhance and create 'An Incredible Culture' that fosters inclusivity, innovation, and a sense of belonging. The goal is to create an environment where everyone can thrive and where all efforts clearly contribute to our aims and mission.

The Head of People will provide a balance of strategic and operational responsibilities to develop and implement an integrated People (HR and Volunteering) strategy and workplans which align with our overall aspirations.

Working closely with the Strategic Leadership (SLT) and Operational Management Team (OMT) members, the Head of People will ensure the People Team provides an expert and responsive service across a range of strategic and operational workforce issues.

The Head of People will ensure Bluebell Wood operates effective people practices, manages risk, complies with appropriate legislation and standards, and treats all staff and volunteers fairly.

What does success look like in this role:

· The successful embedding of our values through all our people related activities.

· A workforce that effectively delivers the organisational strategy.

· A high-quality, responsive, and reputable integrated HR and volunteering service that empowers effective management, built on trust, confidence, transparency, and integrity.

Main duties & responsibilities:

· Develop and implement an integrated People plan to support the hospice strategy and culture, facilitate a great colleague experience and positive organisational change.

· Monitor and evaluate the impact and effectiveness of the integrated People plan.

· Report on progress, people related KPIs and workforce related risks to the Strategic Leadership Team (SLT) and Board sub-committee.

· Support the CEO and SLT with advice and proactive suggestions for organisational improvement in areas such as organisational design, change management, talent management, succession planning, and colleague engagement.

· Identify opportunities for, and take a leading role in, cultural development, organisational development and change, and L&D initiatives which reflect our values and foster a sense of belonging, engagement, and wellbeing among colleagues.

· Lead and manage the People team, providing guidance and coaching to ensure the delivery of high-quality, efficient HR and Volunteering services and systems.

· Maintain our People policies and processes, ensuring changes to employment law and emerging good practice are promptly adopted.

· Work with colleagues in the Income Generation team in creating effective internal communications methods.

· Develop effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including engaging special interest or working groups, to make Bluebell Wood an employer of choice and a great place to work.

· Support people managers with managing change in their teams including employee relations and consultations, and guidance on legal processes.

· Oversee recruitment, induction, performance management, and L&D, ensuring that we attract, retain, and develop a diverse and talented workforce.

· Oversee effective management, delivery and improvement of:

o Employee engagement including pulse survey, staff events, internal communications. Programmes including wellbeing, safeguarding, ED&I. Annual appraisals, personal development planning and job description reviews.

o L&D planning, administration of learning (requests, events, evaluation etc.), budget, and apprenticeships.

o HR Management including starters, changes, leavers, job evaluation, recruitment, onboarding, retention, diversity, payroll, absence, systems and data.

· Role model Bluebell Wood’s values and behaviours.



General

All Bluebell Wood employees are required to:

· Abide by the Health & Safety at Work Act

· Adhere to policy and procedures around safeguarding children and young adults

· Respect confidentiality applying to all Hospice areas

· Work within Hospice policies and procedures

· Comply with the Hospice no smoking policy

· Participate in and contribute to team meetings

· Co-operate and liaise with colleagues

· Behave in a professional manner at all times, reflecting and maintaining the values and ethos of Bluebell Wood

· Driving license with access to own vehicle

All Bluebell Wood employees are expected to:

· Demonstrate a commitment to their own development, to take advantage of education and training opportunities and develop their own competence

· Support and encourage harmonious internal and external working relationships

· Make a positive contribution to fundraising and raising the profile of the Hospice

At Bluebell Wood Managers:

· Listen

· Seek to understand

· Seek resolution

· Invite input

· Share timely and appropriate information

· Answer questions

· Agree realistic standards

· Be good role models: discreet, professional, genuine

· Be open to new ideas

· Treat everyone fairly

· Ensure 121s and appraisals are happening as they should

· Are approachable

· Are supportive

· Are present

· Encourage personal development

· Value experience and knowledge

· Practice good professional boundaries

· Promote an inclusive environment

· Acknowledge and celebrate wins

· Champion their team

· Empower and enable

· Challenge undesirable behaviours quickly and appropriately

· Address and seek to resolve conflicts impartially

· Promote a positive culture

· Encourage self-awareness and reflection within their team

· Encourage collaboration



· Support colleagues to manage personal issues which affect work

· Promote a healthy work-life balance

· Support a balanced mix of hybrid working, appropriate to each role but always seeking to build a one team culture

· Be clear about when and why it’s not appropriate to share information

This job description is not exhaustive. It will be subject to periodic review and may be amended following discussion between the post-holder and employer.