Head of Human Resources

Role Overview

We are looking for an experienced and values-driven Head of HR to join a pioneering organisation making a lasting difference to the lives of care-experienced young people.

You will be working for a charity that transforms the lives of care-experienced young people. Your passion for staff development, wellbeing, and organisational culture will make a significant contribution to the charity’s overall mission.

Position: Head of Human Resources

Location: Hybrid – London Waterloo office
Salary: Up to £45,000 per annum (pro rata to 3 days per week)
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 22.5 hours per week (3 days)

Closing Date: Sunday 18th January 2026 at 11.59pm

About Drive Forward

We are dedicated to transforming the lives of care-experienced young people by giving them the skills, confidence, and inspiration to build sustainable, fulfilling careers. We work in partnership with employers, policymakers, and supporters to open doors for young people as they move from care to career.

Our work is underpinned by our values: visionary, people-focused, collaborative, and empowering. 

About the Role

The Head of HR plays a pivotal role in fostering a workplace where every member of staff feels valued, supported and recognised for the impact they make. You will lead the organisation’s people strategy, ensuring wellbeing, professional growth and inclusive practice are embedded at every level.

By championing a positive organisational culture, staff development and ensuring effective HR systems and processes, you will enable staff to thrive and deliver their best work for the young people we serve.

This is a senior, standalone HR role, working closely with the CEO, leadership team and line managers, and acting as the main point of contact with our external HR support service.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead Learning & Development and wellbeing initiatives
• Oversee Equality, Diversity and Inclusion practice
• Provide expert HR advice to managers
• Manage HR data, reporting and workforce insights
• Support reward, recognition and induction processes
• Act as main contact for external HR support
• Lead on HR policy and Health & Safety (excluding safeguarding)

About You

You will be an experienced HR professional who is confident operating at both a strategic and operational level. You will bring sound judgement, empathy and clarity to complex people matters, and enjoy working collaboratively in a small, mission-driven organisation.

You will be organised, proactive and comfortable managing multiple priorities, with a strong commitment to inclusive practice and staff wellbeing.

Experience, Qualifications and Skills

Essential 

• Experience of managing an HR function
• Experience of developing and implementing HR processes and initiatives
• Up-to-date knowledge of employment law and risk management
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Budget management experience
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work to deadlines

Desirable

• CIPD Level 7 or equivalent
• Experience working with vulnerable young people or in the charity sector

If you are passionate about creating inclusive, supportive workplaces and want to play a key role in enabling a dedicated team to transform young lives, we would love to hear from you.

You may have experience in roles such as: Head of HR, HR Manager, People Manager, HR Business Partner, Senior HR Advisor, People & Culture Manager, HR Lead, or Human Resources Manager.

Did we tickle your interest?

Great. To apply, please send your most recent CV and a Cover Letter to info@driveforwardfoundation.org – we’ll only consider applications that include both, a CV and CL.

If you wish to learn more about the role or Drive Forward in general, get in touch using the above email or ring the office at 0207 620 3000.

We look forward to hearing from you!