Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development

The

Head of HR and Organisational Developmentprovides leadership for People and Culture Services, playing a pivotal role in supporting the Assistant Principal to ensure the College’s strategic aims are realised through the development and delivery of a forward-looking, impactful people strategy. Acting as a key partner to the Senior Leadership Team, the Head of HR and OD champions a people-centred approach that enables our success by shaping a positive and inclusive culture, strengthening leadership capability, and promoting equality, diversity, wellbeing, and engagement across our College community.

Through clear operational direction and oversight, the Head of HR and OD will lead the service in supporting and enabling organisational growth. This includes ensuring the systematic development of staff skills, capability, and capacity so that the workforce is well equipped to respond to evolving organisational priorities. By fostering strong, trusted partnerships with managers at all levels, the Head of HR and OD ensures the provision of expert professional advice, coaching, and tailored support that strengthens people management practice and enhances performance across the College.

The Head of HR and OD drives innovation in Human Resource Management and Organisational Development, ensuring the service responds effectively to both operational challenges and strategic opportunities. This role encompasses the development of progressive and consistent approaches to employee relations, talent resourcing, workforce planning, leadership and management development, and employee engagement. A strong emphasis is placed on embedding inclusive practices that value diversity, promote respect, and ensure equitable treatment and opportunity for all colleagues.

The Head of HR and OD will contribute to People and Culture Services design and implement people-led policies, frameworks, and ways of working that support recruitment, retention, progression, and continuous development. The Head of HR and OD ensures that the entire employee lifecycle reflects the College’s commitment to fairness, wellbeing, and professional growth, while promoting a culture where health and wellbeing are prioritised and colleagues feel supported, valued, and empowered.

As a key contributor the Head of HR and Organisational Development is instrumental in shaping and sustaining a “people first” culture, reinforcing Kelvin’s Values, and strengthening the College’s reputation and impact as an employer of choice.

For more information including the Job Description and guidance on the application process via CV, please see attached Recruitment Pack.

For more information including the Job Description and guidance on the application process via CV, please see attached Recruitment Pack.

Key Responsibilities

HRM and OD Management

• Lead and develop the HRM and OD Team, including coordinating team activity, setting departmental objectives in alignment with the People and Culture Operational Plan.
• Provide leadership to develop the HRM and OD Teams professional skills and experience to increase competencies and support succession planning within the Team and ensure the delivery of a consistent and high-quality service.
• Manage and develop the HRM and OD portfolio including recruitment and selection, attendance management, performance management, employee relations, discipline, grievance, staff induction, professional learning and development, succession planning, and implement supporting systems and processes.
• Ensure the development, implementation and consistent application of policies, procedures and terms and conditions in line with local and national requirements, changing case law and legislation.

Organisational Development

• Develop and maintain a robust leadership and management framework that supports the growth of current and future talent, drawing on appropriate internal and external learning and development resources.
• Lead on the development, management, and implementation of key Organisational Development initiatives.
• Develop and implement an organisational development plan, utilising appropriate planning methodologies and forecasting workforce requirements based upon operational requirements and organisational change.

HRM and OD Business Intelligence and Continuous Improvement

• Contribute to the ongoing development of HRM and OD policies and procedures, processes, systems, and practices to assist in the sustainable delivery of operational and strategic requirements and support cultural change in line with College objectives in partnership with staff, managers, and Trade Unions.
• Develop, enhance and implement human resources computerised systems to enhance the performance and service delivery of HRM and OD.
• Lead on employee engagement and wellbeing with a focus on keeping our staff healthy and engaged including co-chairing the Health and Wellbeing Workgroup, implementing, and evaluating cross college initiatives, programmes and activities. 
  

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Qualified to degree level, or equivalent level of operational experience.
• Post graduate qualification in HRM and OD (SCQF 10).
• Chartered membership CIPD.
• Wide-ranging and in-depth knowledge of strategic human resource service functions preferably in a public sector environment.
• A working knowledge of employment law and its application in the workplace.
• High levels of creativity in both problem solving, idea generation and identifying and disseminating successful practice, in order to effectively deal with diverse, complex and sensitive situations.
• Interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to use a variety of communication techniques, verbal and written, and adapt communication style to the audience.
• Partnership working with staff, managers, and Trade Unions to deliver successful outcomes in cultural and organisational change.

Benefits

Professional Development

Access to an extensive range of staff development opportunities and events to support you in your role, helping you reach your full potential and plan for your future.

Employee Assistance Programme
24-hour service that supports your health and wellbeing and that of your family.

Family Friendly and Flexible Working Policy
Access to flexible working, maternity leave, parental leave, paternity leave, adoption leave and other paid leave to support you and your loved ones.

About Glasgow Kelvin College

About Glasgow Kelvin College:Glasgow Kelvin College seeks to provide learning opportunities of the highest quality, which engages learners from the widest range of backgrounds, and supports their progression to employment or to further study. We play a vital role in providing accessible vocational and core-skills learning and you will have the opportunity help us create progression opportunities for learners and makes a positive impact on the communities we serve.

We deliver high-quality programmes, from introductory to degree level, to around 15,000 students each year from three campus buildings in the North and Northeast of Glasgow and through a large network of community-based centres. The College works with partners to create inclusive progression opportunities in a vibrant and sustainable environment for our learners.

Roles within the College are subject to the Protection of Vulnerable Groups Scheme and as such the successful candidate(s) will be required to make an application for membership under the Scheme.

At Glasgow Kelvin College, we are committed to fostering a workforce that reflects the diverse society we serve. We believe that our strength lies in our differences, and we actively seek to attract talent from a wide range of backgrounds. Our goal is to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential.

We are dedicated to being an employer of choice by prioritising diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing. Our inclusive policies and practices ensure that every team member experiences a strong sense of belonging and can thrive both personally and professionally. We are a Disability Confident employer and guarantee to interview applicants who meet the essential job requirements. 

Join us at Glasgow Kelvin College and be part of a team that celebrates diversity and champions inclusion. Your unique perspective and experiences are not just welcomed—they are essential to our collective success.

To find out more about how we do this visit:

Equality, Inclusion, Diversity and Belonging - Glasgow Kelvin College