Head of People
The Vacancy
Are you ready to shape the people experience at CHAS, ensuring our teams are supported, inspired and equipped to make a meaningful impact for children and families during the most challenging moments of their lives?
Join CHAS as our Head of People and play a pivotal leadership role in supporting our teams across Scotland. If you are driven by purpose, energised by organisational development, and passionate about creating an exceptional workplace culture, this is your opportunity to make a profound impact.
Reporting to the Director of People and Strategy, you will provide strategic leadership, vision and direction for the People function (HR and Learning & Organisational Development) across CHAS. You will ensure our People Strategy, policies and practices enable delivery of the CHAS Plan and support our people to thrive
You will act as a key influencer and professional lead, advising senior leaders and managers on workforce planning, employment law, organisational change, employee engagement, governance and best practice in people management, while promoting a positive, inclusive and values-led culture.
You will:
- Provide strategic leadership for the People function, ensuring effective delivery of HR, workforce planning, recruitment and retention, employee relations, learning and organisational development.
- Lead development and evaluation of the CHAS People Strategy to ensure it remains fit for purpose and aligned to organisational objectives.
- Act as a senior business partner to the Senior Leadership Team, influencing and coaching leaders to deliver excellent people management practice.
- Lead organisational change initiatives, workforce modernisation and culture development to enhance employee experience and service delivery.
- Ensure robust governance across HR policy, employment legislation, data protection, job evaluation, pay and reward, and employee wellbeing.
- Oversee effective people data, systems and reporting to support decision making, planning and performance.
- Manage and develop the People team, including HR Business Partnering, Learning and Organisational Development and Talent Acquisition, fostering a culture of engagement and continuous improvement.
About You
- You will bring extensive senior-level HR leadership experience, ideally within a multi-site or complex organisation, alongside the credibility and confidence to influence at the highest level.
- You will be a CIPD Chartered Fellow with deep expertise in employment law, HR strategy, organisational development and employee relations.
- You will demonstrate strong analytical, communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to handle complex and sensitive situations with professionalism, compassion and integrity.
- You will share CHAS values and bring a collaborative, inclusive leadership style with a commitment to supporting staff and volunteers.
People Team Structure
Reporting to the Director of People and Strategy, you will lead a function that includes HR, Learning and Organisational Development, Talent Acquisition and People Systems.
Why CHAS?
At CHAS, we support families when they need us most – offering care, comfort and compassion during the hardest moments of their lives. We are driven by a bold ambition: to reach every family in Scotland whose child is dying and provide the support they deserve.
We Offer
- Flexible Working: our teams work flexibly and in a hybrid manner with time split between home and onsite in Edinburgh, Balloch, Glasgow or Kinross
- Development Opportunities: Lead and shape the People Strategy during a period of organisational growth and transformation.
- Professional Growth: Work with industry leaders in a high-performing team where you will be encouraged and supported to excel and develop your skills.
- Supportive Leadership: you’ll have the backing of a collaborative leadership team that empowers you to drive progress, innovate, and lead with creativity
- Comprehensive Benefits: Including generous annual leave and pension, incremental salary progression, access to Blue Light discounts, a health cash plan and health and wellbeing support.
Further Information and How to Apply
If this sounds like you, we would love you to apply! Follow the link to answer a couple of questions and upload your CV or complete our full application form.
If you would like more information about the role, please contact MorvenMacLean@chas.org.uk to arrange an informal chat with Morven MacLean (Director of People & Strategy).
For any queries regarding the recruitment process and any support or adjustments you may require, please contact our HR Team on 0131 444 3293 or by emailing careers@chas.org.uk
Interviews are provisionally planned for Wednesday 4th March 2026 at Rachel House, Kinross.
This role requires membership of the PVG (Protection of Vulnerable Groups) scheme in relation to working with children. CHAS will organise and fund the PVG application.
The Company
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