Are you an experienced and strategic HR leader looking to make a meaningful impact in a purpose-driven organisation?
Willowbrook Hospice is seeking a dynamic Head of People & Culture to lead the development and delivery of a progressive people plan that supports our mission, values, and organisational priorities.
Reporting to the Executive Director of Corporate Services and working closely with the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) and Board of Trustees, you will provide expert leadership across all aspects of people and culture. This includes organisational development, workforce planning, employee relations, and governance, ensuring the hospice remains an employer of choice and continues to deliver high-quality care. At Willowbrook Hospice, we are passionate about providing high-quality care and support to patients, families, and the wider community.
About the role:
- Lead the development and delivery of a comprehensive people plan aligned to organisational objectives
- Provide expert advice and guidance to ELT and Senior Leadership Team (SLT) on all HR and workforce matters, including employment law, organisational design, and employee relations
- Ensure all people practices, policies, and procedures are fully compliant with employment legislation and regulatory requirements (CQC, Charity Commission)
- Oversee and continuously improve HR systems, processes, and reporting to ensure efficiency, accuracy, and value
- Lead organisational development and change initiatives, including workforce planning, succession planning, and restructuring
- Champion equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), embedding inclusive practices across the organisation
- Build and maintain effective relationships with key stakeholders, including Trustees, external partners, and professional networks
- Oversee pay, reward, and benefits frameworks, ensuring they are competitive, equitable, and aligned to organisational sustainability
- Manage the learning and development strategy and budget to support workforce capability and future needs
- Support governance processes, including reporting to the Board and People & Culture Committee
Operational Leadership:
- Lead and develop the People & Culture team, ensuring clear objectives, performance management, and professional development
- Oversee recruitment, onboarding, and retention strategies to attract and retain high-quality talent
- Ensure payroll processes are supported accurately and efficiently
- Drive staff engagement initiatives, including surveys, forums, and internal communications
- Provide oversight and support for complex employee relations cases
- Ensure mandatory training compliance and workforce readiness
- Support Trustee recruitment processes, including Fit and Proper Person checks
About You:
- We are looking for an experienced, credible, and values-driven leader who can operate both strategically and operationally.
- Significant experience leading HR or People & Culture functions
- A proven track record of developing and delivering impactful people strategies
- Strong organisational development and change management expertise
- Experience of working with senior stakeholders and Boards/Trustees
- In-depth knowledge of employment law and HR best practice
- Experience of managing budgets, workforce planning, and pay frameworks
- Excellent leadership, influencing, and communication skills
- A collaborative and resilient approach, with the ability to manage ambiguity and competing priorities
Qualifications:
- Degree level (or equivalent experience)
- CIPD Level 5 (or equivalent)
- Coaching qualification (desirable)
Why Join Willowbrook
This is a unique opportunity to shape the people agenda within a values-led organisation that plays a vital role in the local community. You will be part of a committed leadership team, helping to build a positive, inclusive, and high-performing culture that supports exceptional patient care.
Find out more about us:
Pay: £44,000.00-£50,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Private medical insurance
- Sick pay
- Work from home
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Prescot L34 2QT
