AMS PSR

On behalf of Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) we are looking for a Head of People Services (Pay, Talent and Shared Services) - (Inside IR35) for a 3-month contract based 1 day a week on in the Wilmslow (Cheshire) Office and the remainder remotely

Overview

The ICO is seeking an experienced HR leader to provide strategic and operational leadership across key areas of the People function. This role will focus on Pay & Reward, Talent, and HR Central Services, supporting a period of significant organisational change and transformation.

As a Head of People Services (Pay, Talent and Shared Services) , your main responsibilities will be:

• Lead and oversee the delivery of HR Shared Services, Pay & Reward, and Talent functions.
• Provide expert guidance and hands-on delivery for pay-related change projects within the civil service pay framework.
• Support the development of an employee value proposition and employer branding.
• Strengthen and modernise recruitment and selection processes.
• Drive improvements in HR systems and service delivery, including Workday optimisation.
• Build strong relationships with trade unions and lead negotiations and consultations.
• Empower and support HR teams through collaborative leadership and coaching.
• Ensure compliance with employment legislation, HR policies, and governance standards.
• Contribute to talent strategy and workforce planning initiatives.

Essential:

• Proven experience in senior HR leadership roles, ideally within the public sector or civil service.
• Deep technical knowledge of pay and reward frameworks, including civil service structures.
• Strong stakeholder engagement, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead through change and transformation.
• Experience working with trade unions and managing complex employee relations.
• Background in HR operations, systems (Workday preferred), and service delivery

Desirable:

• CIPD qualified
• Experience leading HR transformation and improvement initiatives.
• Familiarity with employer branding and talent attraction strategies.
• Coaching and leadership development capabilities.
• Experience with Workday is highly desirable, particularly in relation to HR operations and payroll.
• Understanding of payroll systems and integration with HR platforms
• Public Sector experience

Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.

Disability Confident 

As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, ICO guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of candidates who have a disability who meet all the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. This scheme encourages candidates with a disability and/or neurodivergence to apply.

In applying for this role, you acknowledge the following "this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different".