Chief People Officer jobs in United Kingdom

Chief People Officer

We are looking for a Chief People Officer to lead the strategic development and operational delivery of the organisation’s people agenda

If you have experience of driving excellence across learning and organisational development, recruitment and shared services, employee relations, equality, diversity and inclusion… then we want to hear from you!

Rethink Mental Illness is a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. Every year, we support thousands of people through our network of groups, services and helplines. Our vision is for equality, fair treatment and maximum quality of life for everyone affected by mental illness. Help us reach that goal by applying today.

Position: Chief People Officer

Location: London/Hybrid

Hours: Full time, flexible working available

Salary: £85,453 to £102,956 based on experience

Contract: Permanent

Closing Date: 5pm, 4 August 2025

Interviews: Interviews will be held in two stages: the first stage with our Executive Team and second stage with the Chief Executive and representatives from our Board of Trustees. Interviews will take place weeks commencing 1 and 8 September 2025.

Candidates may be asked to complete psychometric assessments as part of the recruitment process.

The Role

As the Chief People Officer, you will lead the strategic development and operational delivery of the organisation’s people agenda, with responsibility for driving excellence across learning and organisational development, recruitment and shared services, employee relations, equality, diversity and inclusion, as well as involvement and volunteering.

You will play a pivotal role in cultivating a high-performance, values-driven culture that empowers employees, fosters inclusion, and enhances engagement across all levels of the organisation, from frontline care to national campaigning. This role is a key member of that team, working alongside the Deputy Chief Executive, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Finance Officer, and Chief Business Improvement and Technology Officer.

Together, you will shape the organisation’s strategy, culture, and delivery.

If you are excited by the opportunity to lead across people and organisational development and to be part of a collaborative leadership team, then we would love to hear from you.

About You

We are looking for a Chief People Officer with the ability to shape and execute an integrated people and organisational development strategy that supports both care outcomes and social change. Someone who can demonstrate a commitment to inclusive leadership and the ability to foster an inclusive organisational culture.

You will have:

• Substantial senior leadership experience in people management, organisational development, and EDI within a care, support, health, or social impact organisation.
• Proven ability to develop and implement people strategies that enhance organisational performance and employee experience.
• Strong track record of leading EDI initiatives that promote inclusivity and diversity.
• Experience in organisational development, including change management, learning and development, and performance management.
• Demonstrated success in building and leading multidisciplinary teams across HR, EDI, and organisational development functions.
• Membership of CIPD.

About the Organisation

Work for an organisation that research shows is one of the most trusted major voluntary sector brands. In a rapidly changing world, the charity brings together delivery of care and support services, policy influencing, and campaigning – with people living with mental illness at the heart of what they do. The charity supports tens of thousands of people every year to get through crises, live independently and feel that they do not have to face mental illness alone. For over 50 years, the charity has campaigned for the rights of people severely affected by mental illness whilst working tirelessly to ensure that the people they support have a voice at all levels of the mental health system.

Benefits include:

• Employer funded pension
• Flexible working
• Life assurance
• Eye care vouchers
• Training opportunities
• 25 days annual leave, rising to 30 plus Bank Holidays
• Rewards, benefits and recognition platform
• Employee assistance programme
• Your birthday off
• Plus many more great benefits…

“It feels very rewarding to be part of such a meaningful organisation where everyone is valued and has the opportunity to make a difference” Current staff member

We actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, including applicants with lived experience, those who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (or questioning), Intersex and (asexual) (LGBTQIA+), people with a disability, and people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds.

You may also have experience in areas such as People, HR, Human Resources, Personnel, Head of People, Head of HR, Head of Human Resources, Head of Personnel, Director of People, Director of HR, Director of Human Resources, P Director of personnel, People Director, HR Director, Human Resources Director, Personnel Director.