Head of People, Culture and Volunteering
| Posting date: | 20 March 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £55,000 to £60,000 per year |
| Additional salary information: | £55000 - £60000 a year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 13 April 2026 |
| Location: | Canterbury, CT2 8JA |
| Company: | NHS Jobs |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | B0497-26-0013 |
Summary
Role purpose Provide strategic leadership for an integrated People Services function covering HR, Payroll and Volunteering. Develop and deliver a values led People, Culture & Volunteering Strategy that enables safe, compassionate care and strong organisational performance. Champion inclusion and wellbeing, equip managers, and ensure robust governance across employment law, CQC safer recruitment / DBS and data protection. Provide Board level oversight of multi-professional education and training, including the Ann Robertson Training & Education Centre. Key accountabilities Strategy, culture and WellLed governance Lead the People, Culture & Volunteering Strategy and annual delivery plan with clear KPIs for EMT and Board. Model values led leadership and ensure the CQC Well Led framework is reflected in people systems, behaviours and assurance. Support the Freedom to Speak Up Guardian and embed open reporting and learning culture. Executive governance and committees Serve as Executive lead for the Remuneration Committee: forward plan, author evidence based papers, benchmark proposals and implement decisions. Provide people related insights and assurance reports to the Board and its committees. Organisational development, inclusion and engagement Lead OD and inclusion plans; design and analyse annual staff and volunteer surveys with organisation-wide improvement actions. Deliver leadership and management development to build capability at all levels. Workforce planning, recruitment and employee relations Oversee safe, values based recruitment and onboarding; ensure timely workforce planning with budget alignment. Lead complex ER matters; ensure fair, legally compliant practice and escalate to external legal advice where appropriate. Reward, payroll and pensions Oversee payroll accuracy, pension auto-enrolment compliance and pay/benefits governance in partnership with Finance. Contribute to pay framework reviews and RemCo proposals, ensuring affordability and equity. Learning and education Hold Board level oversight of multi-professional education and training; assure mandatory training compliance and reporting. Commission and evaluate leadership, management and specialist development offers. Volunteering strategy and governance Lead the volunteering strategy and governance to ensure safe, rewarding roles aligned to service needs. Ensure day today volunteer operations are managed by the HR & Volunteering Manager with clear policy, risk and safeguarding frameworks. People data, systems and reporting Own HRIS/LMS optimisation and data quality; produce workforce dashboards and insights for EMT/Trustees. Continuously improve processes and technology to enhance efficiency, user experience and data integrity. Risk, compliance and information governance Maintain compliant policies and controls (employment law, UK GDPR/DPA 2018, safeguarding/DBS), ensuring CQC ready evidence. Work with Governance on Trustee/Board recruitment checks (e.g., Fit and Proper Persons Regulations where applicable). Structure & key relationships Direct reports: Head of HR & Volunteering; Payroll & Benefits Support (with a small central People Services team). Portfolio includes executive oversight of the Head of Education & Training. Works closely with the CEO, EMT, clinical leaders, Finance, Governance/Quality & Safety, Retail/Trading, Fundraising and external partners.