Head of HR - Interim

Hays Specialist Recruitment - Education

Remote-friendly

Interim Head of HR - Charity/Public sectorLocation: UK (Hybrid)
Contract: Interim / Fixed-TermSalary: Competitive (dependent on experience)
Your New Role

We are partnering with a public sector organisation to appoint an experienced Interim Head of HR to lead the delivery of a comprehensive HR service across the organisation. This is a pivotal leadership role, responsible for ensuring legal compliance, driving HR strategy, and supporting organisational change.
You will work closely with senior leaders, to shape and deliver a forward-thinking people strategy while managing a small HR team and overseeing complex casework and transformation activity.
Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the development, implementation, and review of the organisation's HR Strategy, ensuring alignment with organisational priorities
  • Manage and conclude an ongoing restructure and redundancy process within a subsidiary organisation
  • Ensure compliance with employment law and relevant legislation, advising senior leaders and Trustees on risks and required actions
  • Undertake a review of pay and benefits in line within sector guidelines and support implementation
  • Oversee the development and approval of HR policies, including a probation policy aligned to the Employment Rights Act 2026
  • Ensure robust processes and risk assessments are in place to meet obligations around the prevention of sexual harassment
  • Provide expert advice on recruitment, performance management, succession planning, and workforce development
  • Act as a senior escalation point for complex employee relations matters, working with unions and external stakeholders as required
  • Lead, manage and develop the HR team, ensuring high performance and continuous improvement
  • Oversee HR systems, data management, and reporting, including providing updates to the board
  • Drive employee engagement, wellbeing initiatives, and promote equality, diversity and inclusion across the organisation

What You'll Need to Succeed

  • Significant HR leadership experience within the public or not-for-profit sector (desirable)
  • Strong knowledge of UK employment law and upcoming legislative changes
  • Proven experience leading organisational change, including restructures and workforce planning
  • Track record of developing HR strategies, policies, and delivering best practice HR services
  • Experience managing HR teams and supporting complex employee relations casework
  • Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at senior leadership and board level
  • Commitment to equality, diversity, and maintaining strict confidentiality

What You'll Get in Return

  • Opportunity to play a key leadership role within a values-driven education organisation
  • A varied and impactful interim assignment with strategic and operational scope
  • Flexible and hybrid working arrangements


If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
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