Head of Human Resources

London’s Community Kitchen Academy (LCKA)

LCKA provides students with Higher National Diplomas (HND) in Business and Hospitality Management in partnership with Strode College, as well as professional courses in Cookery and Digital Skills.  LCKA courses provide students with a flexible pathway to the final year of a university degree. They also help students build the confidence they for gainful employment, job promotion or to start their own enterprises.  The LCKA ethos is zero self-doubt, zero hardship.

The Role

The Head of Human Resources will lead the HR department across LCK Academy, providing strategic and operational leadership over all HR functions. This includes HR operations, employee relations, organisational development, recruitment, learning and development, Change Management and Corporate Communications.

The role will serve as the key HR contact for staff at all levels and will provide strategic support to senior leadership. The post-holder will ensure compliance with all HR statutory and legal obligations, alignment with institutional goals, and ongoing development of a high-performing and engaged workforce. They will also liaise with both external HR and legal advisers as required.

Main duties

• Strategic HR Leadership
  • • Develop and implement an HR strategy to align with LCK Academy’s goals and future growth.
    • Take the lead on the development of an Academy People Strategy.
    • Provide high-level support and advice to the CEO, Board, and Senior Leadership Team on all HR matters.
    • Drive organisational change initiatives, workforce planning, and succession management.
• HR Operations & Compliance
  • • Develop, implement, and monitor HR policies, procedures, and standards in accordance with employment legislation.
    • Manage the maintenance of HR systems and staff records ensuring accuracy, data integrity, and confidentiality.
    • Provide expert guidance to line managers on performance, conduct, grievance, and disciplinary matters.
    • Liaise with external HR advisers on complex matters and implement agreed actions.
• Recruitment & Onboarding
  • • Oversee recruitment and selection processes from role design to offer stage, ensuring best practice and compliance. This includes the training of Academy staff to take part in both recruitment and sitting on interview panels. 
    • Lead improvements to recruitment strategies, processes, and candidate experience. 
    • Ensure robust onboarding and induction programmes for all new staff.
•  Employee Engagement & Relations
  • • Support the resolution of staff issues, identifying effective solutions.
    • Drive employee engagement initiatives, including regular staff communications, surveys, and wellbeing campaigns.
    • Foster a positive workplace culture that supports inclusion, diversity, and professional growth.
• Learning & Development
  • •  Champion a consistent and strategic approach to staff training and development.
    • Monitor on appraisal processes and the evaluation of learning outcomes for continuous staff improvement.
    • Provide guidance and input into the development of leadership, management, and career development pathways.
    • Ensure that all Academy staff complete mandatory training requirements.
    • Co-Chair the Academy’s Learning and Development working group.
•  Payroll, Benefits & Data Reporting
  • •  Liaise with the payroll team to ensure timely and accurate salary and benefits administration.
    • Oversee employee benefits, including pensions, healthcare, and expenses.
    • Monitor employee metrics and produce regular reports for the CEO and Board, including turnover, absences, training, and performance data.
• Governance & Organisational Support
  • •  Work closely with the Director(s) to develop and communicate an organisation-wide calendar of activities and events.
    • Lead HR contributions to institutional strategies, audits, and reporting requirements.

Additional Duties (as and when required)

• Be operationally accountable for all aspects of the HR function.
• Promote and safeguard staff health, wellbeing, and inclusion across the organisation.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of employment law and sector-wide HR trends.
• Adapt HR policy and support structures in response to changes.
• Commensurate with the level of the post, undertake such other duties as may be required reasonably by the Director of Advancement and Operations

Essential Criteria

• Educated to degree level in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a relevant field.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in an HR role.
• Strong working knowledge of UK employment law and HR compliance.
• Demonstrable ability to lead HR strategy and support organisational development.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including report writing and presentations.
• Ability to handle complex employee relations issues with sensitivity and discretion.
• Strong IT and HR systems knowledge (e.g., HR databases, Microsoft Office Suite).

Preferable Criteria

• Chartered CIPD membership or equivalent professional qualification.
• Track record of designing and implementing employee wellbeing and engagement initiatives.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned in consultation with the postholder to ensure the continual progress of the Academy.