Responsibilities

Are you passionate about transforming lives through education? Do you have the vision and leadership skills to drive a positive, inclusive, and high-performing culture? Buckinghamshire College Group is seeking a dynamic and inspirational Director of People and Purpose to join our College Leadership Team.

At Buckinghamshire College Group, we believe in the power of education to change lives. Our purpose is to provide high-quality further education that empowers individuals to achieve their full potential. We are committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where both staff and students can thrive.

As the Director of People and Purpose, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our College. Reporting directly to the Principal and Chief Executive Officer, you will provide strategic leadership in all aspects of human resources, organisational development, and staff well-being. Your efforts will ensure that our values are embedded in every HR practice and policy, creating a culture that aligns with our mission and strategic objectives.

You should have proven senior HR management experience, including driving forward recruitment strategies, strategic planning, change management, and leading employee relations. The ideal candidate will be a self-starter, innovative, and committed to equality and diversity, demonstrating a passion for challenging inequality and promoting diversity within the College.

At Buckinghamshire College Group, you will be part of a team dedicated to making a difference. Your leadership will directly impact the career prospects of our students and the well-being of our staff. We offer a supportive and collaborative environment where your ideas and initiatives will be valued and encouraged. We are interested in hearing from those with experience within and/or outside of the education sector.

If you are ready to take on this exciting challenge and contribute to the success of our College and community, we want to hear from you! We look forward to receiving your application and please do contact Emma Child, EA to the Principal and CEO at [email protected] if you would like to arrange an informal discussion or a visit to the College in advance. Interviews are currently scheduled to take place on 12 June 2025.

Person Specification

Essential:

Formal Qualifications:

• GCSE English and Maths Grade C or above
• An Honours Degree
• Chartered Member of Institute of Personnel and Development L5

Knowledge:

• A detailed practical knowledge of all Employment Law and good Employment Practices 
• A good understanding of Equality and Diversity Legislation
• TUPE legislation
• An understanding of, and demonstrable commitment to Safeguarding 

Experience:

• Proven HR senior management level experience
• Strategic and business planning
• Management and leadership of staff
• Managing change programmes and re-organisations
• Experience of leading Employee Relations, including hearings and preparation for Employment Tribunals
• Experience of driving forwards staff recruitment initiatives
• Experience of managing HR, Payroll & pension functions
• Managing budgets

Skills:

• Excellent analytical and digital skills
• High level of communication skills to present ideas and information clearly including ability to deliver training
• Team developmental skills – ability to develop, coach and motivate key personnel
• Ability to work to tight deadlines whilst delivering great customer service

Other Specific Qualities:

• Ability to self-start and work under pressure
• Demonstrate a commitment to Equality and Diversity, Child Protection, Safeguarding and Prevent showing a desire to challenge inequality and promote diversity and adhere to College Policies and Procedure
• Ability to be innovative and creative
• Ability to work occasional additional hours which will include a number of evenings/weekends
• Enhanced DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) check will be
• required
• Ability to travel between College sites

Desirable:

Formal Qualification:

• Post-Graduate Qualification

Knowledge

• Further Education or unionised environments

Experience:

• Preparation of analytical reports to inform decision making

Skills:

• Strong project management skills, with an ability to improve business processes
• Strategic HR insight with commercial negotiation skills