Head of People
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- Employer:
- St Helena Government
- Location:
- St Helena Island (relocation support available)
- Salary:
- Attractive salary package (including benefits and relocation support)
- Closing date :
- 5pm - Sunday 28th June 2026
- Job Ref:
- GSe131587
Description
St Helena Government serves a close‑knit island community in one of the world’s most remarkable locations. As a UK Overseas Territory, the island combines a unique heritage, striking natural beauty and a strong sense of community with an ambitious vision for the future. Government plays a central role in island life—shaping services, enabling opportunity and supporting a thriving, resilient society.
At the heart of this ambition is our people. With a workforce at the centre of delivery, we are focused on building a modern, high‑performing Public Service capable of responding to change, embracing innovation and meeting the evolving needs of the community. Our HR and Organisational Development function is central to this transformation—creating the conditions for strong leadership, effective workforce planning and a positive, inclusive culture.
The Head of People is a key leadership role responsible for shaping and delivering a forward‑looking people strategy across the Public Service. You will lead HR and organisational development, ensuring the organisation is equipped with the capability, capacity and culture needed to deliver Government priorities. From workforce planning and resourcing to organisational design, learning and development, and employee engagement, you will provide expert leadership across the full people agenda.
Working closely with senior leaders and portfolio directors, you will act as a trusted advisor—embedding consistent, high‑quality HR practice and supporting leaders to drive performance and transformation. You will champion a people‑centred approach, putting wellbeing, engagement and inclusion at the heart of service delivery while enabling a professional, agile and future‑ready workforce.
This is a unique opportunity to lead people transformation at system level in a highly visible and connected organisation. You will bring a strong track record of senior HR leadership, with experience of driving organisational change and embedding modern people practices in complex environments. You will be professionally credible, with the ability to balance strategic thinking with hands‑on delivery.
A collaborative and values‑driven leader, you will build trust quickly and work effectively across organisational boundaries. Adaptable, resilient and culturally aware, you will thrive in a distinctive island context where relationships matter and impact is tangible. Above all, you will be motivated by purpose—driven by the opportunity to make a lasting difference to a workforce at the heart of a vibrant community.
For a confidential discussion please contact: orla.brennan@gatenbysanderson.com
Closing date for applications: Sunday 28th June 2026, 17:00.
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How to Apply
- Please submit your CV along with a Supporting Statement addressing the person specification criteria, evidencing how you meet the criteria.
- Detail any employment or education gaps.
- Be ready to provide the names, positions, organisations and contact details for two referees; one should be your current or most recent employer. Referees will be contacted for those proceeding to final stages. We will always gain your permission before we contact referees.
- Let us know any difficulty you may have with the indicative timetable.
- Check that your contact details are correct before you submit.
Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an automated email confirmation. If you do not receive, please email contactus@gatenbysanderson.com