Latest Vacancies

Head of People - Borehamwood, Hertfordshire

Location: Westgate Healthcare Head Office, Chester Road, Borehamwood, Herts, WD6 1NA

Job type: Full time, permanent

Salary: Competitive, depending on experience

Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday

Annual Leave: 25 days plus bank holidays

Come and make a difference with the team at Westgate Healthcare! #CareWithUsAtWestgate

We are an award-winning, family-run care home operator with nine established homes and three exciting new developments underway. With around 750 employees across our group, we are proud of the supportive, positive culture we have built — one where people are valued, ideas are encouraged, achievements are celebrated and teamwork is at the heart of everything we do.

As we continue to grow, we are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Head of People to lead our HR function and shape our people strategy across the organisation.

The Opportunity

This is a pivotal leadership role within the business. You will take full ownership of the HR function, leading our Head Office HR team while partnering closely with our care homes and Senior Management Team.

We are looking for a dynamic, innovative and hands-on HR leader who can operate both strategically and operationally. In a growing, family-run organisation, you will need to balance big-picture thinking with day-to-day execution, ensuring our people processes are robust, compliant and aligned with our values.

As we operate in a highly regulated sector, strong governance and compliance expertise are essential — particularly in relation to CQC and Home Office requirements. We also hold multiple Sponsorship Licences, and you will oversee associated compliance responsibilities in partnership with our Authorising Officer.

This role is based at our Head Office in Borehamwood and requires regular travel to our homes. A full UK driving licence and access to a car are essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and drive the HR function across the group
• Manage and develop the Head Office HR team
• Partner with care home leaders to support operational excellence
• Oversee all core HR functions including:
• Recruitment and onboarding
• Performance management
• Employee relations
• Learning and development
• Engagement and retention
• Succession planning
• Policy development and implementation
• Ensure full compliance with CQC, Home Office and employment legislation requirements
• Take accountability for Sponsorship Licence compliance and monitoring
• Audit and strengthen HR processes across the group
• Develop and deliver initiatives to positively impact key KPIs
• Optimise HR systems and technology to improve efficiency
• Prepare and present board-level reports for Directors
• Lead strategic people projects, including the development of company values and value-based recruitment tools
• Act as an ambassador for Westgate Healthcare

About You

We are looking for a confident, credible HR leader who thrives in a fast-paced, growing environment.

You will:

• Hold a full CIPD qualification (Level 7 preferred) or equivalent higher HR qualification
• Be A-Level educated (minimum), with a degree preferred
• Have proven experience leading an HR function and delivering measurable results
• Possess up-to-date knowledge of UK employment law
• Demonstrate strong governance and compliance experience
• Ideally have experience within the care sector (advantageous but not essential)
• Be proactive, adaptable and solutions-focused
• Show strong attention to detail and the ability to produce high-quality reports and business documentation independently
• Be highly organised, able to prioritise effectively and meet deadlines
• Have strong IT skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Demonstrate excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills
• Be comfortable operating at both strategic and operational levels

Above all, you will bring a caring, accountable and innovative approach, aligned with our values as a family-run organisation.

Why Join Westgate Healthcare?

• Be part of a respected, award-winning and growing organisation
• Play a key role in shaping our people strategy during an exciting phase of expansion
• Work in a supportive, collaborative and values-led environment
• Make a meaningful impact in the care sector

If you are ready to lead, innovate and help shape the future of our workforce, we would love to hear from you.

Join us and make a difference.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy once we receive suitable applications, therefore, an early submission is encouraged. Due to a high volume of applications, if you do not hear from us within 5 working days, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful.

Westgate Healthcare is an equal opportunities employer, and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age.

WGHROB

Contact information

Rosie Dance

jobs@westgatehc.co.uk