Head of HR and Culture
British Rowing are seeking a values-led, compassionate and courageous HR leader who will champion their people, lead with kindness, and help them build an inclusive, high-performing culture where everyone can thrive.
A bit about the role
Our Values
British Rowing is a values-driven organisation, proud to represent a sport built on teamwork, respect, integrity, ambition and inclusion. We believe people perform at their best when they feel safe, valued, supported and inspired.
We are seeking a values-led, compassionate and courageous HR leader who will champion our people, lead with kindness, and help us build an inclusive, high-performing culture where everyone can thrive.
This role will play a central part in shaping how it feels to work at British Rowing ensuring our values are lived every day, not simply stated.
A bit about the role
British Rowing is home to a committed and talented workforce. The Head of HR & Culture plays a pivotal role in enabling our people and organisation to flourish.
Working closely with the CEO and Executive Team, you will lead the delivery of high-quality, pragmatic and progressive HR services for over 80 employees across two sites and a remote workforce. You will also provide strategic leadership of our organisational culture programme, helping to shape behaviours, ways of working and leadership capability that support long-term success.
This is a highly visible role that blends strategic leadership, hands-on delivery and cultural stewardship. You will be the trusted expert on people matters, a coach to leaders, and a champion for inclusion, wellbeing and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic & Culture Leadership
- Lead and evolve British Rowing’s people and culture strategy in line with organisational objectives and values.
- Partner with the CEO and Executive Team to shape a positive, inclusive and high- performing organisational culture.
- Act as a role model for values-led leadership, psychological safety and respectful behaviours.
- Support culture change initiatives, employee engagement programmes and organisational development activity.
HR Leadership & Operations
- Lead employee relations casework including performance, attendance, disciplinary, grievance and wellbeing matters.
- Provide expert, pragmatic and timely HR advice to staff and managers across the organisation.
- Ensure HR policies, procedures and practices are up-to-date, legally compliant and consistently applied.
- Monitor and brief the organisation on changes in employment legislation and best practice.
Talent & Performance
- Oversee recruitment and selection processes, ensuring fair, inclusive and effective hiring practices.
- Lead the annual performance review process and support managers to deliver meaningful performance conversations.
- Strengthen induction, onboarding and probation processes to ensure a positive employee experience.
- Support learning and development activity, leadership development and succession planning.
Systems, Governance & Partnerships
- Own and continually improve HR systems, data, processes and records.
- Work closely with Finance to ensure accurate and timely payroll delivery.
- Manage relationships with external HR, legal and occupational health providers as required.
- Lead on Investor in People accreditation and related improvement activity.
Engagement & Accessibility
- Build strong, trusted relationships with Directors, managers and staff.
- Run regular HR clinics (online, Hammersmith and Caversham).
- Act as a visible, approachable presence across the organisation.
This list is not to be regarded as exclusive or exhaustive, as there may be other duties and requirements associated with the post, which British Rowing may call upon the post-holder to perform from time to time.
A bit about you
Person Specification
Essential
- Significant experience (typically 8+ years) in a senior HR or people role.
- Proven experience providing both strategic and operational HR leadership.
- Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice.
- Excellent interpersonal, influencing and communication skills.
- Demonstrated commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
- Strong organisational and planning skills with a high level of attention to detail.
- A hands-on, pragmatic practitioner with a strong bias for action.
- Ability to build trust and credibility with stakeholders at all levels.
Desirable
- CIPD qualification (Level 5 or above) or equivalent experience.
- Experience leading organisational culture or change programmes.
- Experience within sport, charity or membership-based organisations.
Additional Information
Anti-Doping
The post-holder is expected to comply with the core requirements of the WADA Anti-Doping Code and its requirement on Coaches and Athlete Support Personnel to set a good personal example in this field. When directly working with coaches and athletes the post-holder has a responsibility to inform them appropriately of the Code’s application to them and to influence them in following a Clean Sport culture. The postholder will be expected to hold a current Clean Sport certificate relevant to the role they hold, and/or attend a Clean Sport induction provided by British Rowing.
Hours
Standard working hours are 9:00–17:00. Monday to Friday. Flexibility is required to meet organisational needs. This role will be 4 days a week, Salary £45k (FTE £56,250).
Salary: £45,000 (FTE £56,250)
Type: Part-Time, Permanent - 4 days a week, Location: Hammersmith, Caversham, Remote
Application Dates: From Thursday 12th February 2026 to Friday 27th February 2026