At Amegreen, people are at the heart of everything we do. We provide therapeutic residential care and specialist education for children and young people with complex social, emotional and learning needs. Across our homes and schools in West Berkshire and Hampshire, our teams create safe, nurturing environments where young people can feel secure, build confidence and achieve positive outcomes.

We are growing, and we're looking for an exceptional Head of People to help shape what comes next.

This is a fantastic opportunity to lead our people agenda, working closely with our Directors and senior leadership team to build a high-performing, inclusive and genuinely supportive organisation where colleagues can thrive.

As our Head of People you will be Amegreen's lead HR professional and a trusted strategic advisor to the Directors.

You will shape and deliver our People Strategy, influence organisational culture, develop talent, strengthen employee engagement and wellbeing, and ensure our people practices support our continued growth.

This is a role for someone who enjoys both strategic influence and hands-on impact. You'll be equally comfortable advising Directors on complex people matters, leading organisational change, developing managers and resolving challenging employee relations issues.

You'll lead a small HR team and work collaboratively across Recruitment, Operations, Finance, Quality Assurance and Safeguarding to ensure our people strategy supports our organisational ambitions.

What You'll Be Responsible For

• Lead and continuously develop our People Strategy, aligned to Amegreen's values, growth and organisational objectives.
• Act as a trusted advisor to Directors and senior leaders, providing strategic HR expertise, challenge and support.
• Drive initiatives that improve employee engagement, wellbeing, retention, performance and culture.
• Lead workforce planning, succession planning and talent management.
• Lead and support organisational change and continuous improvement.
• Provide expert guidance on complex employee relations matters, including disciplinary, grievance, absence, capability and performance.
• Manage employment-related risk and ensure compliance with employment legislation and HR best practice.
• Oversee HR governance, contracts, policies, records, audits and compliance processes.
• Lead, motivate and develop the HR team.
• Work closely with Recruitment and operational leaders across the full employee lifecycle.
• Champion equality, diversity, inclusion, safeguarding and safer recruitment.
• Use workforce data and employee feedback to identify opportunities and inform strategic decisions.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for an experienced HR professional who combines strategic thinking, commercial awareness and exceptional people skills.

You'll ideally have:

• Strong experience managing complex employee relations cases and employment law matters.
• Experience leading, coaching and developing an HR team.
• Experience supporting a multi-site workforce and diverse stakeholder groups.
• Experience working with senior leaders and influencing decision-making.
• Excellent organisational, communication and problem-solving skills.
• Strong emotional intelligence, sound judgement and the ability to handle sensitive matters with discretion.
• Resilience and adaptability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• The ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining high standards of compliance and employee experience.
• Advanced IT skills, particularly Microsoft Office and Excel.
• The ability to operate strategically while remaining hands-on when required.

CIPD Level 7 or equivalent is desirable. Experience in children's services, education, healthcare or social care, Skilled Worker sponsorship, safeguarding, safer recruitment, Ofsted-regulated environments, employee engagement or organisational change would also be advantageous.

What We Offer

We know that great people are the foundation of a great organisation. That's why we want our colleagues to feel valued, supported and looked after.

As part of the Amegreen team, you'll have access to:

• Vitality Healthcare - comprehensive healthcare and wellbeing support.
• Life Assurance - additional peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
• Workplace Pension - supporting you in planning for your future.
• Cycle to Work Scheme - supporting healthier and more sustainable travel.
• Company Vehicle Scheme - subject to eligibility.
• Professional Development - ongoing opportunities to develop your skills, knowledge and career.
• A supportive, purpose-driven environment where the work you do genuinely matters.

Why Amegreen?

This is an opportunity to join Amegreen at an exciting stage of our growth and help shape the organisation's future.

With approximately 250–300 colleagues, you'll have the scope to make a visible difference to our HR function, our culture and the experience and development of our workforce.

Ultimately, the work you do will support the people who make a difference to the lives of children and young people every day.

If you're ready for a senior HR role where you can influence, lead, innovate and make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Amegreen is committed to creating an organisation where people can be their authentic selves in a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and want everyone to have the opportunity to contribute their best work and develop to their full potential. If you require any reasonable adjustments or accessibility support during the recruitment process, please contact us.

Safeguarding and DBS

Amegreen Children's Services is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

All appointments are subject to satisfactory references and an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Adherence to safeguarding and GDPR requirements, including completion of relevant training, is mandatory for all employees. All employees are expected to understand and promote effective safeguarding and GDPR practices throughout their employment with Amegreen Children's Services.