Culture Leadership Role

Description:

Place2Be, a leading children’s mental health charity dedicated to improving the emotional wellbeing of young people, is seeking an experienced and visionary Director of People & Culture. This is a pivotal leadership position responsible for driving the organisation’s people strategy, fostering an inclusive culture, and ensuring operational excellence across HR functions.

The successful candidate will act as a trusted advisor to the CEO and Executive Team, leading a talented People & Culture department to support Place2Be’s mission of improving mental health outcomes for children, schools, and communities across the UK.

This role is ideal for a strategic, values-driven leader who thrives in people-centric environments and is passionate about building inclusive, equitable, and empowering workplaces.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership & Strategic Direction:

  • Lead and strengthen the People & Culture team, fostering collaboration, innovation, and a high-performance culture.

  • Advise and influence the CEO and senior leadership on strategic people matters, organisational culture, and talent development.

  • Champion Place2Be’s values through all HR policies, practices, and communications.

• Operational Excellence:

  • Oversee all areas of people operations, including recruitment, employee relations, performance management, and engagement.

  • Manage and optimise the People & Culture budget, ensuring efficiency and impact.

  • Ensure compliance with employment law, safeguarding policies, and regulatory standards.

  • Contribute to organisational governance and risk management processes.

• Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI):

  • Lead the implementation and development of the organisation’s EDI strategy.

  • Co-chair the EDI Steering Group to embed inclusivity across all functions.

  • Promote equity and representation at all organisational levels through proactive initiatives.

• Employee Engagement & Culture:

  • Drive initiatives that foster engagement, wellbeing, and belonging among staff.

  • Oversee engagement surveys, focus groups, and feedback forums to continuously improve workplace culture.

  • Shape an environment where employees feel supported, empowered, and proud to contribute to Place2Be’s mission.

Requirements & Qualifications:

• Proven experience leading a People & Culture or HR function within a values-driven or nonprofit organisation.

• Strategic thinker with a strong background in policy development, leadership, and organisational transformation.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence at senior levels.

• Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion principles.

• Proven success in managing teams, budgets, and complex people operations.

• CIPD qualification or equivalent experience is advantageous.

Recruitment Process & Key Dates:

• Application Closing Date: Midnight, 3 November 2025

• 1st Interview (via Teams): Week commencing 17 November 2025

• 2nd Interview (in person): Week commencing 24 November 2025

Benefits:

• Competitive salary of £75,000–£85,000 (approx. £6250–£7083/month)

• Annual leave that increases with service

• Comprehensive professional learning and career development

• 5% contributory pension scheme

• Life assurance equal to four times annual salary

• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

• Mobile phone discounts (EE network)

• Wellbeing days for personal rejuvenation

• Office closure over Christmas in addition to annual leave

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Commitment:
Place2Be proudly welcomes applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities. The organisation particularly encourages applications from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic candidates, as well as disabled applicants, who are currently underrepresented within the charity.

As a Disability Confident Employer, Place2Be guarantees an interview for disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria. Applicants requiring adjustments during the recruitment process can contact the HR team at jobs@place2be.org.uk or by calling 020 7923 5050.