Head of People

 HEAD OF PEOPLECANDIDATERECRUITMENT PACKContact our recruiter Amy Eldred from Frazer Jones onamyeldred@frazerjones.com to find out how to apply. A WARM WELCOME FROM OUR CEO,CATHARINE BROWNThis is a pivotal moment for St John’s Foundation - you’ll be joining us at anexciting time.We’re an organisation with more than 850 years of history, but what mattersmost right now is where we’re going next. We’re creating new almshouses,welcoming more people into safe, affordable homes, and strengthening our roleas a leader in our sector. At the same time, we’re investing in how we work -improving our systems, sharpening our operations, and making sure we’re set upto deliver well, now and for the long term.We’re also on the move. Come April 2026, our team will be based in new offices at1 Queen Square - a building that reflects who we are today: purposeful,ambitious and rooted in community.We’re looking for people who want to help shape what comes next at StJohn’s. We’re looking for colleagues who bring ideas, energy and care;people who are prepared to challenge how things are done, while stayinggrounded in what really matters.Our values guide everything we do. Trust - ineach other, and in the people we support.Courage - to make difficult decisions, try newapproaches and keep improving. Kindness -because how we work matters just as muchas what we achieve.If you want to be part of an organisation thatis proud of its past but firmly focused on thefuture - and where your work will make a realdifference - we’d love to hear from you.Catharine Brown, Chief ExecutiveSt John’s FoundationABOUT ST JOHN’S FOUNDATIONFor over 850 years, St John’s Foundation has been changing people’s lives,for good. As one of the UK’s oldest charities, we are proud to serve Bath andthe surrounding area. At the heart of our work is our almshouse community, where we providehousing for older adults in need. Alongside this, we run outreach services thathelp older adults in Bath and North East Somerset to live independently forlonger.With the expertise and resources we have built over centuries, we are now ableto support even more of our community, which is why we offer direct help topeople of all ages facing financial crisis. Our Crisis Programme provides peoplewith essential needs, such as beds, white goods, furniture, counselling, debtsupport and basic employment skills and training.Every aspect of our work is built upon our values of trust, kindness, andcourage, and inspired by our purpose: to change lives. For good. It’s a long-termstrategy, but we’re unwavering. After all, we’ve been around for over 850 years.MOVING TO 1 QUEEN SQUAREIn 2026, St John’s staff will move into the top two floors of 1 Queen Square.Refurbished in 2022 by the Charity’s Trading Company, the House of St John’s wascreated as a flexible, welcoming space for people to work, meet and celebrate. Thebuilding is home to co-working and dedicated desks, meeting rooms, event spaces anda relaxed members’ bar. Thoughtful touches - including showers with complimentarytoiletries, Dyson hairdryers and access to a courtyard garden - make it a place designedaround people, not just desks.Because of the building’s character and setting, the House also hosts intimate weddingceremonies on Saturdays, offering couples a historic yet contemporary space in theheart of the city.As part of the move, St John’s staff will be based on the top two floors, while the lowerthree floors will continue to operate as the House of St John’s for members, clients andevents. This ensures the building continues to thrive as a shared, purposeful space.The move is about more than a change of address. Relocating to Queen Square allowsus to give up our existing offices, freeing up space to invest in new almshouses andwelcome more older people into safe, affordable homes. It’s a practical decision thatdirectly supports our charitable mission.Being based at the 1 Queen Square reflects who we are today - ambitious, rooted incommunity, and focused on using our assets in the best possible way to supportpeople across Bath.JOB DESCRIPTIONLocation: Bath (Minimum of 4 days in the office)Hours of Work: Full-time 35 hours per week, Monday–FridayResponsible to: CEOResponsible for: People OfficerContract: PermanentWe are seeking a Head of People to manage our HR processes and effectively guideour managers in the leadership of their teams, to ensure that the right people arerecruited, developed and able to flourish to deliver our objects and embed ourvalues.The Head of People is part of the Senior Management Team and reports to the CEO.The role will work closely with the Executive Team, in providing strategic andoperational leadership.This role offers the chance for a proactive individual who is passionate aboutpeople, to confidently navigate us through change and the delivery of our objects.Main responsibilitiesHR leadership and management:Develop and implement HR strategies, processes and services aligned with ouroverall charitable objects and values.Lead on the creation, delivery and evaluation of an organisation wide peopledevelopment plan that develops peoples’ capabilities and reflects andsupports the delivery of our objects.Lead the HR team and provide advice and guidance to the CEO and ExecutiveTeam as well as the wider organisation.Embed a co-productive approach with the executive, managers and trustees toachieve targets, whist championing diversity, equity and inclusion. Drive and deliver change initiatives in line with the organisation’s strategicobjectives. Be an influential and visible figure in the organisation, driving improvementsforward in relation to people and culture.HR Operations:Ensure high quality delivery of HR responsibilities including: Updating policies,procedures and processes to ensure legal compliance and in line with goodpractice; Effectively using the HRIS for data management and reporting;Overseeing resourcing requirements including workforce and successionplanning, recruitment and retention; Reviewing reward and recognitioninitiatives to aid recruitment and retention; Managing employee relationsmatters including disciplinaries, grievances performance management,absence and well-being; Overseeing training and development opportunitiesfor the whole organisation and role specific requirements.Monitor and provide insight, data and guidance on the effectiveness of peoplemanagement practices and processes via a range of KPIs.Oversee the payroll and pensions administrative tasks.Ensure effective budget management and oversight.Maintain our HR policies and processes, ensuring changes to employment lawand emerging good practice are promptly adopted.Ensure HR compliance and risk management for employee relations issues andensuring the organisation remains up to date with relevant legislation andcompliance for HR .Provide management support and coaching on people management matters toensure delivery against objects.Other Requirements Undertake other duties aligned with the role’s purpose and the Charity’smission and values. WHO WE ARE SEEKING Essential (and desirable) Criteria Qualifications CIPD Qualified (minimum Level 5)Maintained membership of the CIPDKnowledgeStrong knowledge of employment law.ExperienceProven experience across HR disciplines such as recruitment and retention,wellbeing, learning and development, reward, and HR and payrolladministration as well as navigating complex HR and ER issuesProven experience of creating high-performance cultures that deliveroutstanding organisational outcomes.Proven experience of leading change projects from initiation to completion,ensuring timely and successful implementation.Experience of identifying and mitigating risks associated with change initiatives.Experience of using office productivity software such as Microsoft Office SuiteWord, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams) or equivalent and HRIS.Strong experience in all HR disciplines including organisational design andtalent management (Desirable)Significant leadership experience gained at senior level in a complexenvironment (Desirable)Experience of working in the charity sector or with a board of trustees(Desirable)Skills and QualitiesAbility to implement the organisation’s vision and objectives, through effectiverelationships with key stakeholders. Exceptional interpersonal, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.Proven track record in making sound decisions considering long-term impactStrong team manager who inspires and motivates team members, promoting apositive and productive work environment.Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability tocommunicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively.Strong relationship building skills at all levels and able to nurture partnershipsand collaborative relationships with a range of organisations and stakeholders.Takes a values-based approach to HR, aligning practices and decisions with thecore values and culture of the organisation.Demonstrate self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and integrity, workingwith clarity and honesty and resilience.Passionate about the organisational vision, inspiring and motivating teamstowards ambitious goals. Visionary and resilient during periods of change.HOW TO APPLYContact our recruiter AmyEldred from Frazer Jones onamyeldred@frazerjones.comor 01225 976770 to find outhow to apply. Cycle to Work SchemeWe’re proud to offer a Cycle to Work Scheme through BHN Extras, helping you saveon bicycles and accessories while supporting healthy, sustainable travel. This salarysacrifice scheme allows you to spread the cost of a bike and equipment tax-efficiently, making commuting cheaper and greener.Home & Tech SchemeGet the gear you want for home or work with our Home & Tech Scheme from BHNExtras. Choose from a wide range of tech, furniture and more — all available througha salary sacrifice arrangement that can save you money on everyday essentials.Private Medical InsuranceYour health matters — that’s why we provide comprehensive Private MedicalInsurance with BUPA. This benefit supports quicker access to medical specialists,diagnostics, and treatment when you need it most, giving you peace of mind andbetter control over your care.Life Assurance (3× Annual Salary)We support your loved ones if the unexpected happens. Our Life Assurance benefit,provided by AIG, pays out a lump sum of three times your annual salary, helping toprotect your family’s financial future.Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme (10% Employer Contribution)Plan for tomorrow with confidence. Our pension scheme, provided by Aviva,includes a generous 10% employer contribution via salary sacrifice — giving you atax-efficient way to build your retirement savings and benefit from long-termfinancial security.Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)Life can be unpredictable — and support should be too. Through BUPA’s EmployeeAssistance Programme, you and your household members can access confidentialwellbeing services, including counselling, advice and resources for everydaychallenges.33 Days Annual Leave (Inclusive of Bank Holidays)We recognise the importance of work-life balance. All employees receive 33 days ofannual leave, inclusive of UK Bank Holidays, so you have plenty of time to rest,recharge and enjoy life outside of work.BENEFITS AT ST JOHN’S9REGISTERED CHARITY 201476ST JOHN’S FOUNDATION EST.11744-5 CHAPEL COURT, BATH, BA1 1SQPATRON: HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN