Acas plays a unique and vital role in British working life. As the independent public body responsible for improving workplace relationships, Acas helps employers and employees prevent, manage and resolve workplace conflict. Every year, its services support millions of people and organisations, with the vast majority of disputes resolved without the need for an Employment Tribunal.



This is an exciting time to join Acas. Employment law is undergoing significant change, demand for Acas services continues to grow, and the organisation is delivering an ambitious new five-year strategy focused on providing agile, modern and technology-enabled public services. Against this backdrop, as a member of the Executive Board, the People Director will play a central role in shaping the organisation's future capability, culture and leadership.



This is far more than a traditional HR leadership role. You will be responsible for leading Acas's people and workforce strategy, ensuring that approximately 1,100 colleagues across Great Britain have the skills, support and culture needed to deliver outstanding public services. Helping to shape organisational strategy, influence major business decisions, lead strategic workforce planning and driving the development of a high-performing, inclusive and future-focused organisation will be key elements of the post. You will also play a critical role in employee relations, working closely with recognised trade unions and leading Acas's approach to positive workplace relations during a period of significant change and in line with Acas' ambition to strengthen its profile and reputation as a national expert in employment relations and dispute resolution.



We are looking for an accomplished people leader with the credibility, judgement and influence to operate at Executive Board level and candidates must hold a Chartered Fellow or Chartered Member level CIPD qualification or demonstrate equivalent professional expertise. You will bring significant experience of leading a people or HR function within a large, complex organisation, most likely from the public sector. You will bring a successful track record of delivering organisation-wide change, workforce transformation and culture improvement programmes and strong experience of working in partnership with recognised trade unions and managing complex employee relations issues. You will have the demonstrable ability to influence senior stakeholders, provide strategic advice and lead through ambiguity and change, and will bring experience of using digital innovation to improve people services and organisational performance. Most importantly, you will share Acas's commitment to improving working life and creating workplaces where people and organisations can thrive.



Acas is committed to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of modern Britain. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, respected and able to fulfil their potential. Acas actively supports a range of staff networks and is committed to increasing diversity in all its forms, including socioeconomic, regional and cognitive diversity.



This position can be based at the successful candidate's nearest Acas office: Cardiff, Glasgow, London, Manchester and Newcastle. Regular travel across Great Britain will be required



If you have any questions, once you have read this pack, please contact Laura Turley laura.turley@gatenbysanderson.com



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Recruitment Timetable



Closing Date - Strictly

12:00 noon on Tuesday 10 November 2026



Longlist Meeting

w/c Monday 16 November 2026



Preliminary Interviews with GatenbySanderson

w/c Monday 23 November 2026



Shortlist Meeting

w/c Monday 30 November 2026



Final Panel Interview

w/c Monday 14 December 2026




How to Apply



In order to apply, please submit the following: