Interim Director of People & Culture

University for the Creative Arts

  • Interim
  • Farnham, South East
The following job is no longer available:
Interim Director of People & Culture
Reference:AQ3750
Specialisms:Education, Higher Education
Date posted:14th September 2026
Closing date:27th September 2026

We’re delighted to be partnering with the University for the Creative Arts as they look to appoint an outstanding People and Culture leader to join their Senior Management Team as Interim Director of People and Culture.  You will need to be available to start the role in or around November.

Reporting directly to the Joint President and Vice-Chancellors, you will lead the People and Culture function, providing leadership across organisational development, employee relations, leadership capability, culture and change. This is a pivotal senior management role ensuring our people agenda supports the delivery of ambitious organisational goals.

The Role

Based in Farnham – with some travel to our Epsom and Canterbury Campus’

You will:

  • Lead the direction of the People and Culture function.
  • Provide expert advice to senior leaders on workforce, culture and organisational effectiveness.
  • Drive key transformation, change and organisational development initiatives.
  • Build an inclusive, high-performing culture that enables colleagues to thrive.
  • Lead employee relations and stakeholder engagement, including partnership working with trade unions.
  • Ensure high-quality, responsive People and Culture services across the organisation.

About You

You will be an experienced senior leader with:-

  • A proven track record of leading the people agenda and organisational change in a large, complex organisation.
  • The credibility to influence executive leaders, boards and senior stakeholders.
  • Strong expertise in workforce planning, organisational development and employee relations.
  • Excellent leadership, communication and relationship-building skills.
  • A degree-level qualification and FCIPD status, or equivalent professional experience.

Why Join UCA? 

This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact at a pivotal time, helping shape organisational culture, strengthen leadership capability and support the achievement of strategic priorities.

UCA support agile working and recognise the benefits of flexibility for both individuals and the University. While the role offers flexibility in how work is undertaken, the successful candidate will be expected to be present on campus for a minimum of three days per week, with additional attendance as required to support business needs, leadership responsibilities and key stakeholder engagement.

To Find Out More

Please contact Az Ahmed at az@andersonquigley.com or on 07873 628 945 or John  Laycock at john.laycock@andersonquigley.com or on 07949 700 538 if you would like to know more.

To Apply

Please click on Apply and upload the following documents to complete the application process:

  • Your updated CV
  • A cover letter addressing your suitability for the role

University for the Creative Arts

Any questions?

If you have any questions about your application, please get in touch.

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