About this role
Job summary
The People Manager (HR & Culture) is a new full-time post created following the separation of the former combined People and Operations Manager role. This role is the dedicated HR and people function for the PCN, responsible for everything that pertains to the PCN as an employer of people.
The People Manager will lead on HR strategy, recruitment and onboarding, learning and development, staff wellbeing, employment relations, and the cultural and relational dimensions of working in a growing PCN. As the PCN workforce grows to over 30 employed staff, this role provides the specialist people expertise required to attract, develop and retain the talent the PCN needs.
The postholder will be proactive, resilient, experienced in HR and people management, and committed to building a positive, inclusive organisational culture. They will work closely with the Chief Operating Officer (COO), Operations Manager and Executive Assistant, with clear accountabilities agreed to avoid duplication.
Main duties of the job
A broad, strategic HR role embedded within a Primary Care Network (PCN), acting as the internal HR lead alongside an external HR provider, COO, and Clinical Directors.
Strategy & Policy Lead the People Strategy aligned to PCN objectives. Maintain employment policies in line with current law and NHS guidance. Support ARRS workforce planning with the ICB and keep GDPR-compliant HR records.
Recruitment & Onboarding Own end-to-end recruitment from job design to onboarding. Manage DBS checks, right-to-work, and pre-employment compliance. Develop onboarding that embeds PCN culture from day one.
Learning & Development Design an L&D framework supporting capability growth and succession planning. Oversee mandatory training compliance and coordinate consistent appraisal processes.
Wellbeing & Culture Champion staff wellbeing and shape the PCN's culture and values. Foster psychological safety, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Employment Relations Manage HR casework (disciplinary, grievance, capability, absence). Support line managers through ER processes with fair, legally compliant approaches, using external advisors as needed.
Governance & Reporting Maintain workforce data and report to the COO and board. Ensure compliance with employment law, equality legislation, and NHS standards. Promote EDI across all people practices.
The role is evolving and requires flexibility and adaptability.
About us
North Shropshire Primary Care Network (PCN) is a group of 6 local GP practices working together to care for more than 85,000 people across North Shropshire.
By working as one team, we offer a wider range of services to support the health and wellbeing of our patients. These include extended opening hours, home visits from paramedics, and specialist clinics led by pharmacists along with many other services designed around our patients needs.
Were proud to be part of our local community and are committed to neighbourhood working. This means we work closely with other health, care, and community organisations in the area to provide joined-up care and support thats easier to access, closer to home, and focused on what matters most to you.
Job description Job responsibilities
Purpose of the role
The People Manager - HR & Culture, is a new full-time post created following the separation of the former combined People and Operations Manager role. This role is the dedicated HR and people function for the PCN, responsible for everything that pertains to the PCN as an employer of people.
The People Manager will lead on HR strategy, recruitment and onboarding, learning and development, staff wellbeing, employment relations, and the cultural and relational dimensions of working in a growing PCN. As the PCN workforce grows to over 30 employed staff, this role provides the specialist people expertise required to attract, develop and retain the talent the PCN needs.
The postholder will be proactive, resilient, experienced in HR and people management, and committed to building a positive, inclusive organisational culture. They will work closely with the Chief Operating Officer, Operations Manager and Executive Assistant, with clear accountabilities agreed to avoid duplication.
Main Responsibilities
HR Strategy & Employment Policy
Lead the development and implementation of a People Strategy aligned to PCN objectives and workforce plans.
Develop, implement, and maintain employment policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with current employment law and NHS guidance.
Act as the internal HR Lead for the PCN, working with the external HR provider, COO and Clinical Directors.
Support the PCN Core Team with strategic ARRS workforce planning for the retention and development of ARRS roles, liaising with the ICB as required.
Maintain accurate employment documentation, contracts, and HR records in compliance with GDPR and best practice.
Recruitment & Onboarding
Lead all recruitment activity across the PCN, from job design and advertising through to offer and onboarding, in alignment with the workforce plan.
Develop and maintain effective onboarding processes that give new starters the best possible start and embed the PCN's culture and values from day one.
Coordinate with the Operations Manager on systems access, facilities, and operational onboarding elements.
Manage DBS processes, right-to-work checks, and pre-employment compliance requirements.
Learning, Development & Mandatory Training
Design and implement an L&D framework that supports staff growth, capability development, and succession planning.
Oversee mandatory training compliance across all staff to ensure completion rates are maintained.
Coordinate appraisal and performance review frameworks ensuring consistency of approach.
Share knowledge and learning with the PCN Core Team and contribute to the professional development of staff.
Staff Wellbeing & Organisational Culture
Champion staff wellbeing across the PCN, developing initiatives that support a positive, healthy working environment.
Take an active and visible role in developing and embedding the PCN's culture, values, and reputation as an employer.
Foster a culture of collaboration, psychological safety, continuous improvement, and professional pride.
Act as a trusted point of contact for staff on people-related matters, ensuring issues are addressed promptly and fairly.
Employment Relations & HR Case Management
Manage HR casework including disciplinary, grievance, capability, and absence management processes, taking appropriate HR and legal advice as required.
Support line managers through ER processes, ensuring a fair, consistent, and legally compliant approach.
Coordinate with external HR advisors as directed by the COO.
Governance & Reporting
Maintain accurate HR data and provide workforce reporting to the COO and board as required.
Ensure the PCN meets its obligations under employment law, equality legislation, and NHS workforce standards.
Contribute to the development of standard operating procedures and policies as they relate to the people function.
Promote and support equality, diversity, and inclusion across all employment practices and in the PCN's culture.
Other
Any other responsibilities identified during the course of the job. This is an evolving role and the postholder will need to be flexible and adaptable.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
HR Qualification or equivalent experience
Desirable
CIPD qualification (Level 5 or above) or equivalent experience
Experience Essential
Strong HR expertise and knowledge of employment law and best practice. Experience of managing the full employee lifecycle from recruitment through to offboarding.
Desirable
Experience working in NHS, primary care, or a similar healthcare setting. Experience of L&D framework design and mandatory training oversight
Knowledge & Skills Essential
Ability to manage sensitive HR cases with discretion, fairness, and professionalism. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust with staff at all levels. Ability to work calmly and professionally under pressure in a fast-paced environment. Highly organised, with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities. Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of people management. Self-motivated and able to work autonomously with minimal supervision. High level of computer literacy, including HR systems and Microsoft Office. Commitment to continuous professional development. Ability to work from the PCN hub and travel across practices as required.
Desirable
Knowledge of ARRS roles and NHS workforce frameworks. Knowledge of GMC, BMA and LMC guidance as it relates to primary care employment.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer details Employer name North Shropshire Primary Care Network
Address North Shropshire Primary Care Network
Drumcarrig
Bridgewater Street
Whitchurch, Shropshire
SY13 1QH
United Kingdom