Head of People and Culture

Blackwood is a leading housing and care provider whose purpose is to help people live independently, using innovation and technology so that they can have choices and control over how they live. Founded in 1972 by Dr Margaret Blackwood, they are award-winning pioneers in providing highly accessible homes for people with disabilities and, more recently, for older people.

With over 400 employees, 1700 homes, three care homes and over 10,000 hours per week in care at-home services across Scotland, Blackwood operates in 28 out of 32 local authorities.

Blackwood’s annual turnover is around £29 million from housing and care services. In addition, it:

• funds adaptations and new builds through capital grants and borrowing,
• invests in innovation in design and technology to create the best solutions for customers and stakeholders
• ensures independent living for the future

The Head of People and Culture is a crucial role for the organisation. As a member of Blackwood’s Executive Management Team (EMT), you will work collaboratively with other members of the team to contribute towards the delivery of Blackwood’s strategic aims. You will lead in measuring the people capacity and capability within the organisation, both for now and in the future, whilst also being flexible and responsive to the needs of Blackwood and its customers.

The Head of People and Culture will ensure that proactive people management plans and activities are in place to support Blackwood in successfully delivering its key goals and strategies through its values and a positive culture.

Experience and qualifications:

• Relevant Business qualification such as a Higher Diploma or equivalent professional experience.
• FCIPD or equivalent experience
• Able to demonstrate continuous professional development
• Experience in leading and managing an HR and OD function
• Experience in delivering culture change and change management
• Experience with employee engagement strategies and plans
• Project management experience

Knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Demonstrable knowledge of HR and OD in an organisation like Blackwood
• Sound knowledge of Human Resources and Organisation Development and culture change
• Experience in organisation development and employee engagement tools and techniques
• Demonstrable change management experience
• Ability to set targets and monitor performance
• Ability to lead, manage and motivate staff
• Ability to develop and implement strategies, policies and procedures
• Knowledge of relevant and current employment law
• Familiarity with the CIPD HR Profession Map

Values and attitudes:

• Ability to demonstrate a commitment to Blackwood’s values
• Commitment to diversity and equality for all
• Commitment to a performance-based approach to delivering services
• Takes responsibility for maintaining current employment law knowledge
• Takes responsibility for professional development and training to support this
• Open and flexible approach to meet people’s needs
• An awareness of the rights of Blackwood’s customers
• Honest and trustworthy
• Respect for the opinions, values and beliefs of others

Other Considerations:

• Good level of IT skills and willing to develop these further as needed
• Ability to travel across the organisation where needed

To be considered for this role, you can be based anywhere in Scotland with the ability to travel regularly to Blackwood’s Edinburgh office (Fountainbridge).

Blackwood is committed to being an equal opportunities employer and has a comprehensive Recruitment Policy and procedures, which encourages a wide range of talent into Blackwood. Furthermore, Blackwood will ensure that throughout the employee life cycle (for example, training, promotion, and managing performance] every employee will be treated fairly whilst appreciating individual requirements.

Please note that the closing date for applications will be Monday 12^th August.