Director of People & Culture
Join to apply for the Director of People & Culture role at Alternative Futures Group, a charity that has been driving positive change for over 30 years. We are a recognised Great Place to Work® and are looking for a strategic, compassionate, and dynamic leader to inspire our award‑winning team.
Overview
At Alternative Futures Group, we support people with learning disabilities and mental health conditions. The Director of People & Culture will be the expert voice on people matters, championing collaboration and driving delivery of a comprehensive People & Organisational Development strategy. You will shape people strategies that align with organisational goals, optimise performance and enhance employee experience.
Job Purpose
The Director of People & Culture will demonstrate strong leadership, champion partnership and focus on delivery, ensuring the charity meets its strategic objectives and continues to be a Great Place to Work®.
Dimensions
* 2 direct reports and a wider team of more than 45 colleagues
* Budget responsibility of up to £5m
* Portfolio responsibilities include: Recruitment, Employee Relations, Payroll, Employee Experience (including Equality, Diversity and Inclusion), Learning, Organisational Development
Principal Accountabilities
* Refresh and deliver on the People & Organisational Development Strategy and associated success measurements.
* Set a clear direction contributing to the Annual Business Plan and budget.
* Ensure the day‑to‑day delivery of People and Learning activity is customer‑focused.
* Monitor and report across the People agenda, ensuring compliance, performance and risk management.
* Prepare and present comprehensive reports and dashboards on behalf of the Chief People Officer.
* Drive continuous improvement using process improvement methodology and technology.
* Maintain an outward‑looking People function, developing the charity’s Employer Value Proposition.
* Shape a high‑performing People and Learning support service building capacity, capability and culture.
* Support the organisation in meeting its growth agenda through proactive leadership.
* Ensure legal and regulatory compliance for all People and Learning matters.
* Oversee in‑house monthly payroll, ensuring compliance.
Skills and Knowledge
* Exceptional leadership, earning respect from others.
* Highly developed interpersonal, influencing and communication skills.
* Public speaking ability, engaging with public, private and voluntary sectors.
* Positive engagement with staff, Trustees, people supported and families.
* Innovative, solution‑focused, analytical, creative, fast‑paced and agile.
* Politically astute.
* Astute negotiator, grasping relationships between stakeholders.
* Sound knowledge of corporate governance.
Values and Attitudes
* Champions collaboration and coproduction.
* Accountable, comfortable with scrutiny, support and challenge.
* Growth mindset.
* Commitment to continuous improvement.
* Resilient and self‑driven.
* Drives outcomes while supporting individuals and teams.
Experience
* Strong track record of leadership in a significant organisation.
* Formulated strategies and action plans to achieve objectives.
* Strategic thinking and high performance delivery.
* Senior Leadership experience in public, private or voluntary sectors.
* Oversaw complex in‑house payroll.
* Designed and implemented strategic recruitment initiatives in competitive markets.
* Delivered significant people transformation projects.
Qualifications & Training
* CIPD Level 7
Other Information
* This role is home based but requires a regular presence in the North West; we will provide travel and accommodation support for required visits.
* Flexible working options: 9‑day fortnight or 4.5‑day week.
* Car allowance between £7,840‑£9,800 per annum.
* Role band: Band IV.
* Previous applicants need not apply.
Interview Dates
* 1st stage – 4th February 2026 – Liverpool, in‑person.
* 2nd stage – Week commencing 9th February 2026 – Teams interview.
About Us
We are a health and social care charity providing specialist support for people with learning disabilities or mental health conditions. Over 30 years, we have created personalised, outcome‑focused plans to help people achieve their aspirations. As a values‑based employer, we celebrate the contribution of our staff and provide career development, employee benefits and lifestyle support.
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