Head of HR

Job Title: Head of HR

Reports to: Head of Finance
Location: Stevenage, Hertfordshire (on‑site)
Salary: £40,000 per annum
Contract: Permanent, full‑time

Working Hours: 8:30 to 4:30 or 9:00 to 5:00

Job Purpose

The Head of HR is responsible for leading and delivering a high‑quality, practical HR service across the organisation. This role ensures compliance with UK employment legislation and established best practice, while supporting staff wellbeing, engagement, and effective people management across the workforce.

Key Responsibilities

HR Leadership and Support

• Lead the day‑to‑day delivery of the HR function across the organisation
• Provide clear, practical HR advice and guidance to senior leaders and line managers
• Support workforce planning, succession planning, and organisational change initiatives

Recruitment and Workforce Management

• Manage end‑to‑end recruitment processes
• Ensure all required pre‑employment checks are completed, including DBS, right‑to‑work, and professional registrations
• Support managers to ensure new starters are effectively onboarded

Employee Relations

• Manage employee relations matters including disciplinary, grievance, performance, sickness absence, and capability cases
• Support line managers with sensitive and higher‑risk cases, particularly within a healthcare environment
• Promote a fair, consistent, and respectful workplace culture

Policies, Governance and Compliance

• Develop, review, and maintain HR policies and procedures in line with current UK employment law
• Ensure compliance with safeguarding requirements, information governance, and UK GDPR
• Maintain accurate and confidential employee records

Learning, Development and Wellbeing

• Identify training and development needs, including mandatory and statutory training requirements
• Support appraisal processes, revalidation, and ongoing CPD
• Lead and support wellbeing initiatives aimed at improving staff engagement and retention

Pay, Reward and Terms

• Support pay reviews, job evaluation, and benefits administration
• Liaise with payroll to ensure accurate and timely payment of salaries, overtime, and enhancements

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

• Champion inclusive and fair HR practices across the organisation

• Ensure reasonable adjustments are implemented and maintained in line with the Equality Act 2010

Skills and Competencies

• Strong working knowledge of UK employment law
• Confident advising and supporting managers at all levels
• Clear communicator with good influencing and problem‑solving skills
• Professional and discreet when handling sensitive matters
• Well organised and able to manage competing priorities

Qualifications, Experience & Main Responsibilities

• CIPD Level 5 (or equivalent practical experience)
• Proven experience in a generalist HR Manager or senior HR role
• HR Analytics and Reporting
• Regulatory and Legislative Compliance
• HR Documentation and Governance
• Organisational Structure and Workforce Design
• Induction and Onboarding  
• Performance Management
• Employee Relations and Disciplinary
• Supervision
• Recruitment
• Payroll Oversight
• Budgeting and Cost Control

What We Offer

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Ongoing professional development and CIPD support
• External HR support via Peninsula
• Access to BrightHR