Chief People & Culture Officer (Volunteer)
Independent Federation for SafeguardingRole: Chief People Officer (Volunteer)
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Hours: Approximately 7 hours per week
Location: Flexible / Remote
Status: Voluntary
The Independent Federation for Safeguarding (IFS) is committed to promoting high standards of safeguarding and supporting organisations, professionals and communities to create safer environments for children, young people and adults at risk.
As the Federation develops, we are seeking an experienced and values-driven Chief People Officer (Volunteer) to provide strategic leadership across our people, culture and organisational development agenda.
The Chief People Officer will provide strategic advice and leadership on all aspects of people management, organisational culture, workforce development and volunteer engagement.
Working closely with the CEO and wider leadership team, the postholder will help establish and embed effective people practices that support the Federation's mission, values and strategic objectives.
This is an important leadership role for someone who is passionate about creating inclusive, ethical, supportive and high-performing organisations.
- Develop and contribute to the Federation's people strategy, aligned with its vision, values and strategic priorities.
- Provide expert advice to the CEO and leadership team on people-related matters.
- Support the development of an organisational culture based on trust, integrity, respect, accountability and continuous improvement.
- Advise on organisational design, workforce planning and future people requirements as the Federation grows.
- Lead the development and review of appropriate people policies, procedures and frameworks.
- Ensure people practices are proportionate, transparent, fair and consistent.
- Support the Federation to develop appropriate arrangements for recruitment, induction, performance management, learning and development, volunteering and employee/volunteer wellbeing.
- Provide advice on people-related governance and good practice.
- Support the development of effective recruitment and selection processes.
- Help ensure that the Federation attracts and retains people with the skills, experience and values required to deliver its objectives.
- Promote fair, inclusive and values-based recruitment practices.
- Support succession planning and talent development as the organisation develops.
- Support the development of learning and development opportunities for staff, volunteers and leaders.
- Promote a culture of continuous learning and professional development.
- Advise on approaches to wellbeing, engagement and recognition.
- Support the Federation to create an environment in which people feel valued, supported and able to contribute effectively.
- Provide leadership and advice on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI).
- Help ensure that EDI is embedded throughout the Federation's policies, practices, culture and decision-making.
- Promote an inclusive environment where everyone is treated fairly, with dignity and respect.
- Support the Federation to identify and address barriers to participation, progression and inclusion.
- Support the CEO and leadership team to ensure that safeguarding is central to the Federation's culture, governance and people practices.
- Promote a culture in which safeguarding responsibilities are understood, taken seriously and embedded across the organisation.
- Ensure appropriate safeguarding considerations are incorporated into recruitment, induction, training, supervision and organisational policies.
- Work collaboratively with the Federation's safeguarding leadership to promote safe recruitment and safer working practices.
- Represent the people and culture perspective within leadership discussions and strategic planning.
- Maintain appropriate confidentiality and professional standards at all times.
- Keep up to date with relevant employment, people management, equality, volunteering and safeguarding developments.
- Undertake other reasonable duties consistent with the nature and seniority of the role.
- Actively promote the values, reputation and objectives of the Independent Federation for Safeguarding.
- Significant experience in a senior people, HR, organisational development or related leadership role.
- Strong knowledge and understanding of people management principles and good practice.
- Experience of developing or implementing people strategies, policies and procedures.
- Experience of advising senior leaders on complex people and organisational matters.
- Experience of promoting equality, diversity and inclusion within an organisation.
- Experience of supporting organisational culture and change.
- Understanding of safer recruitment and the role of people practices in safeguarding.
- Strong understanding of contemporary HR/people management practice.
- Good knowledge of employment principles and relevant UK employment legislation.
- Understanding of organisational culture, employee/volunteer engagement and organisational development.
- Understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion principles and their practical application.
- Understanding of safeguarding principles and the importance of creating safe organisational cultures.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Strong strategic thinking and organisational development skills.
- Ability to provide clear, constructive and pragmatic advice to senior leaders.
- Excellent judgement, discretion and confidentiality.
- Ability to build positive relationships with people at all levels.
- Strong influencing and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently and effectively in a voluntary, flexible environment.
- Ability to balance strategic priorities with practical delivery.
- Passionate about the mission and values of the Independent Federation for Safeguarding.
- Demonstrates integrity, professionalism and sound judgement.
- Inclusive, approachable and collaborative.
- Committed to fairness, equality and respect.
- Empathetic and people-focused.
- Comfortable working in a developing organisation and contributing to its growth.
- Willing to contribute time, expertise and leadership in a voluntary capacity.
- Experience within the charity, voluntary, community or safeguarding sectors.
- Experience of working with volunteers and/or volunteer-led organisations.
- Professional HR/people qualification, such as CIPD, or equivalent experience.
- Experience of organisational governance or working with boards/trustees.
- Experience of supporting organisations through periods of growth or change.
- Knowledge of safeguarding in relation to children, young people and/or adults at risk.
The Independent Federation for Safeguarding is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk.
We expect everyone who works with or represents the Federation to share this commitment and to contribute to creating a culture in which safeguarding is prioritised, concerns are taken seriously and appropriate action is taken.
The successful applicant will be expected to comply with the Federation's safeguarding policies and procedures and to undertake any appropriate safeguarding checks, training or declarations required for the role.
The Independent Federation for Safeguarding is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from people from all backgrounds.
We seek to create an organisation where everyone is valued, respected and able to contribute fully, regardless of age, disability, sex, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, or any other protected or personal characteristic.
We particularly welcome applications from people whose lived experience, professional expertise or community connections can help strengthen the diversity of our leadership and inform our work.
We are committed to making reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process where required.
This is a voluntary leadership position, with an anticipated commitment of approximately 7 hours per week. The role is flexible and can be undertaken remotely, with meetings arranged electronically as appropriate.
The successful applicant will work closely with the CEO and other members of the Federation's leadership team.
The appointment will be subject to the Federation's usual recruitment, safeguarding and eligibility processes.
Applicants should submit:
- A current CV; and
- A supporting statement explaining your interest in the role, relevant experience and how you would contribute to the Independent Federation for Safeguarding.
Applications should be sent to:
info@inclusion-uk.com
Closing date: 18th September 2026
We encourage applicants to demonstrate in their supporting statement how their experience, values and approach align with the Federation's commitment to safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion.