Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development (Workforce Transformation Programme)

Overview

12 Months Fixed Term Contract / Secondment Opportunity. At Hackney Council, we''re proud of our progressive approach and our unwavering commitment to social justice, diversity, and inclusion. As the Head of HR and OD for the Workforce Transformation Programme, you’ll be at the heart of one of the most ambitious organisational change agendas in local government. Reporting to the Director of HR and OD, this is your opportunity to lead a high impact team and shape a workforce that reflects the borough we serve, dynamic, forward-thinking, and inclusive.You’ll lead on delivering our corporate workforce transformation programme, working collaboratively across all Directorates to embed new ways of working and support cultural change. From organisational design to employee relations, policy development and staff engagement, you’ll drive initiatives that improve outcomes for residents and empower our people to thrive. This is a politically restricted post, requiring a high level of credibility, resilience, and a strategic mindset.This role is about more than HR operations; it’s about inspiring real change. You’ll lead on workforce transformation, embed new ways of working, and drive cultural shifts that empower staff across the Council. With a clear focus on delivering high quality, inclusive HR and OD services, you’ll ensure our people are equipped to meet the Mayor’s key priorities: a fairer, safer Hackney; a greener, healthier Hackney; and every child supported to thrive.Responsibilities

Lead the corporate workforce transformation programme and embed new ways of working across Directorates.Drive organisational design, employee relations, policy development, and staff engagement initiatives.Support cultural change to improve outcomes for residents and empower staff to thrive.Provide high-quality, inclusive HR and OD services aligned with the Mayor’s priorities.Build credibility, resilience, and strategic leadership in a politically restricted post; develop strong relationships with trade unions and senior stakeholders.Qualifications and experience

Strong HR and OD background with experience of complex workforce change.Understanding of the local government context.Ability to inspire confidence at all levels and lead a high-performing team.MCIPD qualification (or equivalent by experience).Demonstrated integrity, clarity, and a solution-focused approach.Additional information

As a Council, our most outstanding asset is our staff, who are highly dedicated to serving our residents and committed to our goals as an organisation.If you want to work in a place where you can represent our values, so we achieve the best for our residents, please click on the apply button below.We operate a fair and open anonymous selection process. Therefore, we do not accept supporting statements or CVs.To proceed with your application, you will need to create an account and submit your application. You will complete competency-based questions to demonstrate your suitability for the role and provide examples from your skills, knowledge and experience as outlined in the job description.We understand the benefits of using AI in the workplace. However, if you are thinking of using this tool to submit your application, we ask you to think about what value it will add. AI tools tend to lack the personal touch and authenticity we value in candidates. Please use your own voice to showcase your knowledge and skills.This application process replaces a supporting statement.Closing date for applications: 15 September 2025 (22:59).Interview date: 26 September 2025.We are also working towards our vision to be a place for everyone; a place that celebrates diversity where everyone can feel valued, included and involved. We look for people who are: Proud; Ambitious; Pioneering; Open; Proactive; Inclusive.Hackney Council works to eradicate discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. We also recognise that people can be disadvantaged by their social and economic circumstances, so we will also work to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage caused by social class. We particularly welcome applications from disabled people, as this group is currently under represented in our workforce.The Council has a dedicated employment support service (Hackney Works), which offers Hackney residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you are thinking about applying for a job, please contact the Hackney Works team to find out what support is available: ..... full job details .....