Established as an independent charity in 1992, The Parks Trust expertly cares for over 6,000 acres of beautiful and inspirational green space in Milton Keynes including parks, ancient woodlands, lakes, river valleys and 80 miles of landscaped areas along the city’s grid roads.
In most towns and cities, parkland is owned by the local authority, but Milton Keynes’ founders were pioneers and decided to do things differently. Their vision was to create a new town where the parkland and landscapes would be protected forever by a charity that was separate from local government. Doing so would ensure that, as the new town grew, its green spaces would never be compromised or have to fight for funding.
That all became a reality when The Parks Trust was set up in 1992. The new charity was given a 999-year lease on a total of 4,500 acres of Milton Keynes and an endowment of property valued at £20m. Returns on these carefully managed investments generate the primary source of income required to fund the charity’s wide-ranging work today and forever.
Over 100 staff and 240 volunteers deliver the essential work of The Parks Trust. In addition to landscaping and maintenance tasks, that also includes providing valuable recreation and leisure facilities, connecting communities at over 500 outdoor events each year, and advancing public education around the wildlife, biodiversity, and the environment.
As Milton Keynes grows, so does The Parks Trust. Each year, the charity takes on new green spaces and endowments from developers to cover costs in perpetuity. This approach ensures that all new areas of the city benefit from the same quality of inspiring, connected landscape and Milton Keynes remains a great place to live, work and play.
Location: Campbell Park, Milton Keynes
Salary: £50,000 - £60,000 per annum (pro rata)
Contract Type: 12-month fixed-term maternity cover
Hours: Part-time up to 4 days per week (flexible working considered), hybrid working offered.
We are seeking an experienced HR Professional who is passionate about creating an inclusive workplace which empowers people to thrive. Do you have a strategic mindset, a hands-on approach and a desire to make a meaningful impact? If so we’d love to hear from you.
As Head of People, you will play a critical role in shaping and implementing our people strategy, ensuring we attract, retain, and develop talented individuals who align with our values and mission. You will provide expert advice to senior leaders, lead on key initiatives such as DEI, and ensure our HR policies and practices are both compliant and innovative.
We would be particularly interested in candidates with a history of delivering a project in the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion space.
About the role
Key responsibilities include:
• Leading the People team to deliver an outstanding HR service across the organisation.
• Driving organisational culture, engagement, and wellbeing initiatives.
• Overseeing recruitment, onboarding, learning & development, and performance management processes.
• Ensuring compliance with employment law and supporting leaders with complex employee relations issues.
• Supporting change management initiatives, including workforce planning and organisational development.
We are looking for an empathetic, values-driven leader with:
• Significant senior HR experience, ideally within the charity or non-profit sector.
• A proven track record of developing and delivering people strategies that align with organisational goals.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and best practices.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to build trust at all levels.
• CIPD Level 5 qualification or above (or equivalent experience).
We are committed to diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all backgrounds. If you’re excited about this opportunity but not sure if you meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply.
In return, we offer a comprehensive benefits package:
* Competitive salary.
* Ongoing support and training.
* Excellent contributory pension scheme (up to 10% employer contribution).
* Income protection and life assurance cover after qualifying period.
* Enhanced family friendly policies after qualifying period.
* Home Working policy.
* Occupational sick pay.
* Cycle to Work scheme.
* Discounted gym membership.
* Salary sacrifice schemes for tech & electric cars.
* Generous annual leave allowance.
* Buying and Selling option for annual leave.
* Medical Cash Plan.
* Access to employee wellbeing helpline.
* Discount for Willen Lake activities and café.
* Free eye tests.
* Great office in a parkland setting with free parking.
Application process
Please apply online using the link through our website using Cezanne.
Closing Date: Tuesday 31st December 2024.
Interview Date: First round of interviews 9th January 2025.
The Parks Trust is committed to safeguarding and will always recruit all personnel in line with government guidelines, relevant legislation, Charity Commission guidance and best practice standards.
We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.
If you need additional support with your application or would like further information, please contact recruitment@theparkstrust.com.