Interim Director of People & Organisational Development

Role Title: Interim Director of People & Organisational Development Salary: £81,019 to £92,340  Pro-Rata Location: Hybrid: London Hybrid (with regular travel to Chard, Somerset) Tenure: Fixed Term Contract, 18 Months

ActionAid UK is a member of the ActionAid Federation, an international charity that works with women and girls living in poverty. We work with our partners and dedicated staff in 43 countries to end violence and fight poverty so that all women, everywhere, can create the future they want

Are you a keen advocate of women and girls’ rights in emergencies? 

Are you an experienced People leader with a track record of delivering organisational transformation?

Are you skilled at influencing Boards, Executive teams and trade unions through periods of change?

Do you want to play a pivotal role in advancing feminist leadership, anti-racist practice and organisational change at ActionAid UK?

Then we'd love to hear from you!

As we embark on the delivery of our ambitious 2025-2028 strategy, we are seeking an experienced and values-led Interim Director of People & Organisational Development to lead a significant period of organisational transformation.

This is a unique opportunity to influence the future of our organisation, building the people, culture, systems and capabilities needed to support our mission while championing feminist leadership, anti-racist practice and decolonised ways of working.

About the Role

Reporting to the Co-CEO, you will lead ActionAid UK's People & Organisational Development function through an exciting period of transformation. You will work closely with the Executive Leadership Team, Board members, trade union representatives and colleagues across the organisation to deliver strategic change and create a high-performing, inclusive and values-driven workplace.

Key priorities will include:

• Developing and delivering a People Transformation Roadmap aligned to our organisational strategy.
• Leading the implementation of improved HR systems, technology and processes to enhance employee experience and organisational effectiveness.
• Shaping organisational design, workforce planning and succession planning arrangements.
• Providing strategic advice and leadership on culture, organisational development, employee relations and governance matters.
• Building strong and constructive relationships with recognised trade union representatives.
• Embedding feminist, anti-racist and decolonial approaches across the employee lifecycle.

About You

• You will be an experienced People leader with a track record of delivering complex organisational transformation in values-led organisations.
• Significant senior-level HR leadership experience supported by a CIPD Level 7 qualification or equivalent.
• Experience leading large-scale organisational and cultural transformation programmes.
• Expertise in employment relations, workforce planning, organisational design and change management.
• Proven experience of working collaboratively with trade unions and senior stakeholders.
• Experience overseeing HR systems and technology transformation.
• A commitment to feminist principles, equity, safeguarding and anti-racist practice.
• The ability to inspire confidence, influence at Executive and Board level and lead through complexity and change.

Additional information

Diversity, equality, inclusion and belonging:

Diversity, inclusion and belonging are key to our organisational culture. We are on a journey to become not only an anti-racist organisation but one that proudly celebrates the diversity of all applicants and employees. We look forward to you bringing your full self to work, proudly sharing your unique perspective and helping us to shape our combined future. We especially welcome applications from those from under-represented/marginalised communities.

AAUK is a Disability Confident Committed organisation and as such any candidate that declares a disability will be shortlisted for interview if they meet the essential criteria for the role.

Referencing and safeguarding:

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include Misconduct Disclosure Scheme, safeguarding, criminal records and terrorism finance checks. By submitting an application the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures. 

ActionAid UK is committed to preventing any form of sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse (including child abuse and adult at-risk abuse) and responding robustly when these harms take place. We expect all ActionAid UK staff and ActionAid UK representatives to share this commitment. We will not tolerate our staff or other representatives carrying out any form of sexual harassment, exploitation or abuse towards anyone we come into contact with through our work.

Working practices:

ActionAid is committed to supporting flexible working. If you would like to discuss flexible working options, including the possibility of a job share for this role, there will be space to do so during the interview process.

ActionAid UK has a hybrid working policy for many of our roles. The requirement will vary from team to team and the responsibilities of individual roles. As a minimum, all colleagues are expected to attend the office 12 days per year, plus additional time for induction, training, and company connection days. Some roles may require in-office attendance on all days and if so, these will clearly be marked as in-office roles.

Please note that ActionAid UK does not offer fully remote working options. We encourage you to discuss hybrid working expectations at interview.

Recruitment processes:

Please note that ActionAid UK may review, shortlist and interview candidates prior to the closing date so we encourage all candidates to apply as soon as possible. If we receive a very high response, we may close the vacancy early and will not accept further submissions. Vacancies close at 23:55pm

Quick tips before you apply

Please read this carefully before you apply for the role.

Please complete all sections of the application form as honestly and thoroughly as possible, showing how you meet the job description and person specification criteria.

To be considered for this role, you must be able to provide proof of eligibility to work in the UK.

Recruitment consultancies/agencies should not approach ActionAid with regards to open vacancies. We regret that agency candidates will not be considered.

Equality, diversity and inclusion at ActionAid

ActionAid UK is absolutely committed to providing equal and inclusive opportunities for everyone regardless of their background.

We value diversity and lived experience, and acknowledge the underrepresentation of people from certain backgrounds, both within our organisation and across the sector.

We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic people; people with disabilities; people from the LGBTQIA+ community; and for senior positions, applications from women.

We strive to provide an inclusive and supportive working environment where all employees and volunteers feel respected and supported in fulfilling their potential.

If you have any questions or concerns about applying for a role at ActionAid, please contact us.

Gender pay gap at ActionAid UK

The UK Government legislates that any organisation with over 250 employees needed to publish their gender pay gap.

Even though ActionAid UK has fewer than 250 employees, as an organisation that champions the rights of women and girls we felt that it was important to publish our data. Download our gender pay gap report

Privacy Policy

ActionAid's privacy and data protection policy explains how we collect, manage and protect your personal information and keep your data securely - including how we use information about you, if you apply for a job.

Benefits

Work-life balance

• Flexible working, core hours
• Generous annual leave
• Extra 5-day annual holiday purchase
• Pension contributions
• Employer-paid life assurance

Travel

• Interest-free season ticket loans
• Tax-free Bike2Work scheme

Health

• Reimbursement for eye tests and glasses
• Enhanced maternity leave
• Enhanced paternity leave