Overall Job Purpose
As a member of the Senior Leadership Team and the HR subject matter expert you will lead the transition of HR and Culture at DENS. You will develop a People and Culture Strategy, that supports organisational aims, responds to increasing HR demands and ensures that DENS is able to attract and retain a diverse workforce of talented staff and volunteers. You will proactively plan for, comply with and respond to the evolving expectations of external stakeholders including future employees, funders and commissioners and changes to employment law.
Duties and Responsibilities
* Develop and embed a People and Culture Strategy in collaboration with the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and the Board.
· Be the trusted expert HR Advisor to Senior Leaders, the lead on all formal Employee Relations (ER) related cases, and coach the HR and Culture Officer to support managers on informal cases.
· Keep abreast of employment law, case law and trends, sharing these with key stakeholders to ensure policy and practices are not only compliant but innovative and supporting the assessment and mitigation of people related risks.
· Gain an understanding and support leaders to innovatively respond to the recruitment challenges faced by low unemployment rates in the local area.
· Lead a proactive, data informed resource/workforce planning approach, based upon internal needs and external insight and trends (including recruitment needs, skills development, employment law changes).
· Develop a HR infrastructure and systems to support DENS service development. With the support of the HR and Culture Officer, review, develop and implement standardised processes and frameworks and supporting documents.
· Lead, motivate and develop your team, encouraging a collaborative climate.
· Review and implement staff development initiatives, including a structured training plan, quality assurance of one-to-one meetings, and annual performance reviews.
· Oversee employee relations and improved HR systems, ensuring compliance with best employment practices and risk management.
· Promote a healthy workplace culture and employee and volunteer proposition through contemporary HR practices such as wellbeing, recognition.
· Lead the implementation of the EDI policy, ensuring an inclusive and equitable workplace
· Role model a culture that supports autonomy and responsibility by coaching managers on the use of tools and guidance to enable them to effectively and confidently manage employee related issues.
· Ensure payroll accuracy monthly and ensure post payroll checks have been completed.
· Responsible for managing the HR and Culture budget.
· You may be asked to undertake any other duties that are commensurate with the post as requested by your manager and you must carry out the duties of the post in accordance with DENS policies and procedures.
How to apply
Please read the full Job Description & Personal Specification
If you match our criteria:
· Submit your CV including your Supporting Statement to
· Closing date for receipt of applications is 5th October 2025
· We may interview, and offer the role to a suitable candidate before the deadline
For an informal chat, please email to discuss the role further
Please advise us should you require adjustments to be made for you at interview.
To find out more about DENS visit
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: £30,000.00 per year
Expected hours: 22.5 per week
Benefits:
* Company pension
* Paid volunteer time
* Sick pay
Work Location: In person