Goldsmiths - Director of People and Organisational Development

Welcome

Dear applicant

Thank you for expressing an interest in joining Goldsmiths as our director of people and organisational development.

Goldsmiths is a world-renowned university that has a reputation for rigorous and innovative academic work; creativity has long been our hallmark. As part of the University of London, we blend academic excellence with forward-thinking approaches to teaching and learning. Our research tackles some of the most urgent challenges of our time—such as environmental sustainability, population change, artificial intelligence, and advancing equality across gender, sexuality, and race. Deeply rooted in our local community yet with a global perspective, Goldsmiths offers a unique and dynamic environment.

As a key member of our senior management team and reporting to me as chief operating officer, the director of people and organisational development will play a key role in ensuring that our strategic goals are achieved through our most valuable asset: our people. Leading a dedicated team of approximately 30 professionals across organisational development, equity, people services, and HR data management, you will drive Goldsmiths’ commitment to fostering an inclusive, diverse, and forward-thinking workplace.

You will bring substantial experience in leading people and organisational development within large, complex organisations. You will have a proven track record of delivering high-quality people services, coupled with expertise in managing organisational change. Your skills in providing expert advice across a wide range of people-related issues will be critical, and experience of managing trade unions is essential. Above all, you will share our passion for promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion at all levels.

Goldsmiths is an exciting, dynamic, and rewarding place to work. We are committed to offering a transformative educational experience, generating new knowledge, and encouraging self-discovery through creative, bold, and intellectually rigorous approaches.

This role offers you the opportunity to play a central role in ensuring that Goldsmiths continues to thrive as a catalyst for change and a champion of social action and cultural progress.

You can find out more about Goldsmiths and the role on this site. Our advising consultants at Anderson Quigley would be pleased to discuss the role with you in confidence. Their details can also be found on this site.

I do hope you will consider joining us in shaping the future of Goldsmiths and making a lasting impact on our community and beyond.

Imran Chughtai
Chief Financial Officer and Acting Chief Operating Officer

About us

We offer a space for self-discovery, delivering world-leading research and excellent teaching from our single-site campus in the heart of South East London. Part of the prestigious University of London, we combine academic excellence with creative and innovative approaches to teaching and learning.

Teaching that challenges
Teaching across our academic departments spans the arts, humanities, social sciences, cultural studies, computing, law, teaching, social work and business management – bringing everything you’d expect from a world-renowned arts institution and much more.

Research that pushes boundaries
Our research draws on expertise from across our disciplines to help us craft responses to some of the most pressing topics of our time – including environmental sustainability, population change, AI and sexual, gender and racial equality.

We cooperate extensively with other academic institutions to find novel ways of approaching the issues that matter in our society. And we look beyond our sector, collaborating at local and national level with NGOs, businesses and governments to share knowledge and in turn enrich our own. All of this means a rich learning environment shaped by real-world issues.

A partner for business
From start-ups to multinational corporations – our community has the expertise to help organisations achieve its goals, whatever the size or sector. We support SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) in our home borough of Lewisham by playing an active role in local programmes. Our world-leading academics regularly share their expertise through consultancy, mentoring and research projects.

A local university
We are one of 50 universities in the Civic University Network, which means we’re committed to prioritising the local economy and quality of life in our home borough of Lewisham and across London. Through our Green New Deal project we are working to enhance the environment of our campus and surrounding area for everyone who spends time at Goldsmiths or nearby.

We’re proud of our many local partnerships, including with local authority and NHS partners as well as South East London charities and arts and culture organisations.

Our campus is open to the public, with exciting cultural offerings including our Goldsmiths Centre for Contemporary Art, as well as regular talks and events and spaces to hire for community groups.

A global institution
We are a diverse community welcoming people from all over the world – over a third of our students and staff come from outside the UK. Our campus is located in London, one of the most diverse cities in the world where more than 300 languages are spoken each day.

Firmly committed to our South East London roots, we are global in our reach and outlook, collaborating with universities and colleges from around the world and undertaking research with an international focus.

Senior Management Team

Our Senior Management Team (SMT) are responsible for overseeing the academic and administrative leadership of the University. Each member has responsibility for managing different areas from strategic development to academic development.

The Warden, Professor Frances Corner OBE, is the academic and administrative leader of Goldsmiths. She leads the Senior Management Team, which considers major policy issues and oversees the submission of business to Council, Academic Board and Finance and Resources Committee.

The title of Warden is unique in British universities, where the equivalent role is normally known as a Vice-Chancellor. It is a reminder of the founding of the College by the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, one of the City of London’s ancient Livery Companies.

Professor Corner has more than 20 years’ experience in higher education leadership.

Before joining Goldsmiths, she was Head of the London College of Fashion and Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Arts London.

You can find out more about the leadership of Goldsmiths here.

Further information
You can find out much more about Goldsmiths at our website here.

Mission, values and strategy

Our Mission and Values articulate what type of institution we are and what is important to us.

Mission
We offer a transformative experience, generating knowledge and stimulating self-discovery through creative, radical and intellectually rigorous thinking and practice.

Values
Our Mission is underpinned by the following values:

Achieving academic excellence

Pursuing intellectual curiosity
Encouraging the highest standards of research and practice
Building on our diverse strengths through interdisciplinary imagination
Maximising the interaction of teaching and research

Radical and innovative thinking

Cultivating a unique and creative approach to all our subjects
Daring to think differently and to challenge the norms
Embracing new ideas with energy and reflection

Respecting the individual

Encouraging individuality and nurturing talent
Enabling freedom of thought and expression
Nurturing an environment of openness and tolerance

Promoting access and diversity

Enabling a wide range of people to benefit from our learning opportunities
Recruiting students and staff from all backgrounds and experiences
Strengthening our local connections as we extend our international reach

Supporting our students and staff

Creating a responsive and collaborative learning environment
Providing inspiring opportunities for personal and social development
Enhancing the life skills of employable and enterprising global citizens

Creating change, locally and globally

Being socially aware and socially engaged
Actively promoting sustainability
Fostering a social and intellectual community within, and beyond, Goldsmiths

A new institutional strategy
Goldsmiths is developing and delivering a new institutional strategy in academic year 2024/25, which draws on our heritage as an agent of change with a proud history of partnership in social action and cultural progress.

Equality and diversity

We are passionate about advancing equality and celebrating diversity at Goldsmiths.

Goldsmiths has a rich heritage of challenging inequality in all its forms, and equality, inclusion and social justice are values which are incredibly important to us. These values are enshrined in our history, entrenched in the subject matter of our research and teaching, and embraced by members of our community.

We are rightly proud of this history. But there is more to do – which is why we have a team of specialists leading our work in this area on an ongoing basis.

Our EDI team is led by the Head of Equalities, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI), and includes an EDI Officer, EDI Coordinator, Race Equality Charter (REC) Officer, and Race Justice Projects Officer.

Our aim is to embed equality, diversity, and inclusion across Goldsmiths and make it a part of everything that we do. Fundamentally, we want to provide opportunities for all staff to develop and thrive in their careers here.

Goldsmiths has six staff networks, focused on Disability, Gender, LGBTQ+, Race Equality, Parenting and Caring responsibilities, and Menopause.

Schemes and Charters

Goldsmiths has long been a Stonewall Diversity Champion, and since February 2023 has held a Stonewall Silver Award. We are proud of our strong commitment to advancing LGBTQ+ equality and to maintaining an inclusive environment for everyone.
We hold a Bronze Athena Swan Award, which evidences our commitment to gender equality across the institution and in particular departments.
We are a member of the Disability Confident scheme, and actively encourage applications from disabled people for positions at Goldsmiths.
We took the Inclusive Culture Pledge, overseen by leading diversity consultancy EW Group.

You can read more about our commitment to equality and diversity here.

The role

Director of People and Organisational Development (AQ2855)

Apply now

JOB DESCRIPTION

Title: Director of People and Organisational Development
Reporting to: Chief Operating Officer
Job reference: 4880/9626
Department: People Services & Organisational Development
Grade/ salary: Competitive
Contract type: Permanent
Hours: Full time
Location: New Cross, London

Summary:
The postholder will report directly to the Chief Operating Officer and work with colleagues from across the College to support and deliver the College People Strategy to embed organisation development and to introduce customer focussed services.

An experienced leader and motivator, the role holder will have a record of successfully inspiring and leading a team to deliver across the HR generalist and specialist areas, an ability to lead strategically on all matters relating to HR with a record of delivering great service, building effective working relationships and demonstrating passion and understanding for HR in a Higher Education setting.

Purpose of the job:

A member of Goldsmiths’ Senior Management Team, the Director of People and Organisational Development is the strategic lead on HR matters and responsible for the achievement of Goldsmiths’ strategic aims through its people.
The Director of People and Organisational Development will lead the development, implementation and ongoing review of the People Strategy, assessing current and future services which will be aligned with the College’s mission, values and strategy.
The Director of People and Organisational Development is responsible for leading and managing the People Services & Organisational Development Directorate to ensure the delivery of an effective HR service for Goldsmiths. Functions within the team comprise Organisational Development and Equality, People Services Operations and HR Data Management Information.

Main duties:

To be a member of the College’s Senior Management Team, in particular advising on all aspects of Human Resources.
To be a key member of the COO’s senior team, working with all professional services directors to deliver a joined-up support infrastructure.
To lead and direct the People Services & Organisational Development directorate to ensure that the College’s approach to the delivery of HR services reflects best practice, is innovative and addresses legal requirements.
To take a strategic lead on detailed design and delivery of HR processes associated with the change programme.
To provide expert advice on the design and implementation of organisational structures, workforce development and planning across the change programme.
To work supportively and collaboratively with senior colleagues across the College to disseminate best practice in relation to staff development and management, and embed effective processes and use of technology.
To ensure that the College’s staff development programme meets the need to support the enhancement of staff performance and leadership and management capabilities to embed change effectively across the institution.
To ensure that People strategies, services, practices, policies and procedures reflect the needs of the College’s structures.
To ensure that all governance processes relating to HR, including the Human Resources and Equalities Committee, and Remuneration Committee, are effectively serviced and supported.
To liaise with representatives of the College’s recognised Trade Unions to maintain constructive working relationships, ensuring they are kept up to date with and able to input to College decisions where appropriate.
To attend or be a member of committees as required to provide specialist input and knowledge of current developments and external policies.
To convene and lead internal networks which support the development of specific services and projects.
To ensure Goldsmiths is represented on appropriate external bodies and be an active member of relevant professional networks, to ensure influence over key agendas, enhance reputation, contribute to maintaining the profile of Goldsmiths and share and learn from best practice across the sector.
To lead the development and advancement of staff across the institution, ensuring that effective recruitment, induction, support, performance management, development and training procedures are in place to enable staff to fulfil their potential and meet best practice in their professional areas.
To have budget responsibility and operate in line with the Financial Regulations.
To ensure equitable and competitive reward and recognition strategies attract, motivate and retain the staff critical to organisational performance.
To ensure effective approaches are in place to ensure high quality management information is maintained in a way it can effectively inform decision making.
To always carry out your responsibilities with due regard to the College’s Code on Equality and Diversity and the Discrimination, Bullying and Harassment Policy.
To undertake any other duties as may reasonably be required.
To ensure that you are aware of and aligned with Goldsmiths’ Regulations, Strategy, and Objectives to work together to proactively advance Equality and Diversity.
To always maintain a safe working environment by participating in training as necessary and following the Goldsmiths’ Health and Safety Codes of Practice and Policy.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential criteria 1 – Qualifications

Membership of Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.
Degree level qualification or equivalent experience.

Desirable criteria 1 – Qualifications

Post Graduate Management/Business Qualification.

Essential criteria 2 – Experience

Significant senior experience working at a strategic level in a large complex organisation, including a track record of delivering and enabling change.
Proven experience of working within a regulatory/procedural framework.
Significant experience of managing a team of HR professionals.
Substantial experience of working with and influencing senior management including at Board level.
Experience of working as a senior HR professional in a highly unionised environment.
Track record of delivering and enabling change.

Desirable criteria 2 – Experience

Experience within a senior role in a Higher Education Institution.

Essential criteria 3 – Knowledge

In-depth understanding and knowledge of HR and organisational development.
Understanding of the current and changing HE sector.
Sound grasp of the legal and financial aspects of resourcing.
In-depth knowledge of UK employment law.
Understanding of the importance of good HR data quality in supporting decision-making.

Essential criteria 4 – Skills

Strength and quality of leadership and personal skills required to develop and lead an effective and motivated team.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to think strategically and provide innovative solutions to complex issues.
Understanding of the challenges and benefits of working in a transparent, collegiate and open environment.
Commitment to the mission and values of the Goldsmiths.
High level of probity, diplomacy and confidentiality.
Proven ability to quickly grasp and respond to a complex and changing environment.
Commercial acumen that is applied to the development and delivery of HR objectives.

Additional attributes

Committed approach to diversity.
A style which is proactive and enabling with the presence and gravitas to operate successfully at the top of an organisation.
Driven to achieve results.
Consultative and able to work collaboratively.

Please also note that where qualifications are required, employment is conditional on the verification of them.

Qualifications (must be original documents) will be checked on the first day of appointment.

Apply now

Summary of benefits

If you choose to work with us, you will become part of a learning organisation that is committed to professional and personal development, with a comprehensive and innovative staff development programme.

You’ll also have access to frequent lunchtime and evening talks, seminars and performances, and annual performance and development reviews.

Our other benefits include:

Competitive salary.
Working in Zone 2, with fantastic transport links and interest free travel to work loans.
Excellent annual leave entitlement plus additional closure days at Christmas and Easter.
Membership of USS or LPFA pension scheme.
Access to exclusive discounts, including high street retailers.
Maternity, paternity and adoption leave and pay and tax efficient childcare voucher scheme.
Contractual sick pay provision.
Free eye tests.
Wellbeing initiatives including the Chaplaincy and Staff Choir.
On-site dining facilities and gym.
Access to University of London facilities such as Senate House Library.

You can find out more about working at Goldsmiths here.

How to apply

Anderson Quigley is acting as an advisor to Goldsmiths. An executive search process is being carried out by Anderson Quigley in addition to the public advertisement.

The closing date for applications is noon on Friday 1^st November 2024.

Applications should consist of:

A full CV.
A covering letter (maximum of two pages) outlining your motivations to apply for this role, your relevant experience and how you meet the criteria of the person specification.
Please include details of two referees on your CV, though please note that we will not approach your referees without your prior consent and only should you be shortlisted.

Should you wish to discuss the role in strict confidence, please contact Eliott Rae at elliott.rae@andersonquigley.com or +44 (0)7584 078 534, Alicja Janowska at alicja.janowska@andersonquigley.com or +44 (0)7743 927 783.

Appointment of the Director of People and Organisational Development