Director of People and Wellbeing

University of West of Scotland

People and Wellbeing Department

THE POST - Director of People and Wellbeing

This University of West of Scotland is seeking a Director of People and Wellbeing to join the university and be a pivotal part in the strategic direction of the Directorate of People and Wellbeing Services.

The Director of People & Wellbeing plays a key strategic and senior management role by contributing to the formulation of the people & wellbeing plan and leading in the creation and development of People enabling strategies which have a significant long term (5 years plus) impact on UWS performance.

We are looking to recruit an outstanding individual for the role of Director, who will provide strategic advice, guidance, and leadership across the institution on all aspects of People & Wellbeing. As a key member of the University leadership team, the Director will take ownership of the strategic direction of the overall People plan, leading on organisational change, people management, inclusive colleague and student wellbeing, and cost effectiveness.

The Director will shape and develop the People & Wellbeing strategy, ensuring wellbeing, fairness, inclusivity, and respect for diversity are embedded in all UWS activities. The Director will drive a culture of engagement, promoting employee voice and partnership working with trade unions; and ensure that the requirements of monitoring, evaluating and continuously improving the People and Wellbeing provisions are recognised.

The Director will take accountability for leading an extensive, multidisciplinary team who ensure that the University’s expectations of individuals are clear in the context of wider University and departmental objectives and priorities Through effective leadership of this team, growing a culture where individuals feel supported and valued in an environment that demonstrates concern for wellbeing and success.

The successful candidate will have:

• A degree level of education or equivalent relevant experience
• Chartered MCIPD or commensurate experience
• Proven success in leading people management and development strategies within a medium to large organisation, including organisational design, wellbeing and change management at a senior managerial level.
• Demonstrable track record of leadership of professional staff and implementation of People management and development objectives, preferably within a HE environment.
• Strategic leadership and managerial skills to operate effectively in a complex organisational environment undergoing considerable change.
• In-depth knowledge and professional expertise in the field of People management, development and Wellbeing including an exceptionally sound knowledge of employment legislation and best practice.
• Able to work with a high degree of autonomy to set and deliver business priorities and manage workload within a complex and dynamic operating environment.
• Strong communication, political and influencing skills, in relation to all levels of University staff, engagement with high level committees, external representatives, stakeholders and bodies.
• Creative problem-solving skills with the ability and initiative to develop solutions to overcome challenge, ensuring implementation and effecting change.

ABOUT US

Our professional services teams are the backbone of UWS, providing robust and innovative solutions to support the vast range of work across learning and teaching, and research and innovation. You will join a supportive and dedicated team, playing a key role in a range of work that will help drive forward our ambition to deliver world-leading research, and graduates who will design, shape and build a new future.

We offer our staff a caring and supportive environment, across five campuses, and a competitive benefits package which includes:

• 31 days of annual leave, plus a further 12 days for public/university holidays
• An additional days leave on your birthday
• Defined benefit contribution pension scheme (currently 19.3%), including death in service benefits upon joining the scheme.
• A flexible approach to working pattern and work-life balance
• Employee discount scheme across 3,500 retailers
• Fitness facilities across our campuses
• Access to a range of health and Wellbeing resources, including occupational health, physiotherapy and access to our Employee Assistance Programme
• Professional, career and research development opportunities.

Closing Date: Tuesday 27th February 2024

Interview Date: Thursday 14th March 2024

The University reserves the right to shorten/extend the closing date of any position where a high/low volume of suitable applications are received. Therefore, if you are interested in this role, an early application would be encouraged.

UWS is committed to equality and diversity and welcomes applications from underrepresented groups.

UWS is a "Disability Confident" employer.

University of the West of Scotland is a registered Scottish charity, no. SC002520.