Head of People Partners

at  Royal Shakespeare Company

WE ARE LOOKING FOR AN EXPERIENCED PEOPLE PROFESSIONAL TO PROVIDE FIRST CLASS LEADERSHIP TO A TEAM OF PEOPLE PARTNERS, ENSURING THAT THEY PROVIDE EXCELLENT ADVICE, COACHING AND GUIDANCE ON ALL PEOPLE-RELATED MATTERS, AND SUPPORTING MANAGERS TO ENSURE THAT EVERYONE CAN PERFORM AT THEIR BEST.

This newly created role will be part of the People leadership team, reporting to the Director of People. It will contribute to the creation, development and implementation of the RSC’s People and Culture strategy, which underpins delivery of our strategic ambitions.

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING (PLEASE SEE THE FULL JOB DESCRIPTION AND PERSON SPECIFICATION FOR THE COMPREHENSIVE LIST):

• Lead the team of People Partners to ensure the provision of a high-quality, responsive and inclusive people partnering and advisory service to the organisation.
• Support the design and implementation of the People and Culture strategy and action plan, collaborating with the People leadership team to ensure delivery of all objectives.
• Ensure that principles of equity and inclusion are embedded in all people practices.
• Create and oversee a framework for developing locally appropriate people plans across the organisation, ensuring that departments can deliver the RSC vision and strategic priorities through effective people practices and workforce planning.
• Oversee effective management of employee relations casework, focussing on informal resolution wherever possible, and balancing risk to ensure the best outcome possible.
• Develop and maintain all people-related policies and procedures.
• Work with the People Leadership Team to nurture a culture of psychological safety, professional development and high performance within the People team.
• Lead a culture of reflective practice and continual improvement.

TO BE SUITABLE FOR THIS ROLE, IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT YOU HAVE THE FOLLOWING EXPERIENCE:

• CIPD Level 7 or equivalent professional experience.
• Broad, generalist HR experience in a complex organisation.
• Confident, up-to-date knowledge of UK Employment Law and best practice in HR.
• Extensive experience of managing a wide range of complex employee relations issues, including restructures, TUPE, grievances, disciplinaries, investigations, protected conversations / settlement agreements, absence and performance management.
• Supporting a culture of continuous improvement and building high levels of performance.
• Leading and managing a team.
• Working with a variety of contractual working arrangements, including both employees and freelancers.
• Building positive relationships with Trade Unions, including pay negotiations and amicable resolution of disputes.
• Appreciation of the intricacies of the charity and arts and cultural sectors.
• Understanding of safeguarding principles.
• Embed principles of equity and inclusion within professional practice.
  This post is offered as a permanent contract and is subject to a 20-week probationary period. Based in the RSC offices in Stratford-upon-Avon, with travel to London and other UK sites and touring venues as necessary.
  The People team works to a hybrid model. We trust that colleagues know where, and how, their role can best be delivered and support a mix of remote and on-site based working, as best fits the needs of the team, their partner departments, and the RSC. As this is a leadership role, it is essential that the postholder works closely with the People team and stakeholders. They should therefore be visible and present across the organisation as needed, typically working a minimum of three days on site each week.
  The normal hours of work are 35 hours per week, worked Monday to Friday, with the understanding that additional hours (including occasional evenings or other out of hours work to reflect working in the arts and culture sector) may be required to fulfil the responsibilities of the role.