Associate Director of Health and Colleague Wellbeing

People and Organisational Development plays a central role in shaping an inclusive, healthy and high performing culture at Keele. The Directorate leads the University’s people plan, ensuring colleagues have the environment, support and capability to deliver excellence in education, research and professional services. We provide leadership across the full employee lifecycle, including recruitment, development, engagement, wellbeing, organisational design and employee relations.

Through evidence based practice, progressive people policies and strong partnership working, People and Organisational Development strengthens organisational capability and fosters a sense of belonging. We champion colleague wellbeing, support effective governance and ensure compliance with people‑related legislation and standards. Our work enables Keele to be a place where colleagues feel valued, supported and able to thrive.

The Opportunity

This new senior role will lead Keele’s approach to colleague health and workplace wellbeing, providing strategic direction and visible drive across this critical area of University activity. The postholder will maximise and enhance the services that support colleague wellbeing, ensure a healthy working environment, and oversee the resources and systems needed to meet statutory health obligations for employees and our responsibilities for students on professional programmes, particularly in medicine and allied health.

Working collaboratively with Health and Safety, Student Wellbeing, the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, other areas of People and Organisational Development and Trade Unions, the role will build strong partnerships that enable effective delivery. As a member of the People and Organisational Development senior leadership team, the Associate Director will contribute to shaping a positive, inclusive and high‑performing culture. The successful candidate will be self‑motivated, credible and experienced in developing and delivering health and wellbeing plans with diverse stakeholders.

A degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field and a relevant Postgraduate/ Professional qualification, or equivalent significant senior experience. You will be able to demonstrate a significant level of leadership experience in a complex organisational with diverse stakeholders.

The Benefits

The University recognises that its success depends upon the contribution and dedication of its talented staff. In return, we have a competitive benefits package available, including:  

• Competitive rate of pay with opportunities for performance related enhancements
• Generous annual leave entitlement with opportunities to purchase additional leave  
• Excellent staff pension scheme   
• Access to continued personal, professional and career development   
• On site ‘outstanding’ nursery    
• Discounted health & fitness facilities on site  
• Cycle to work scheme (subject to eligibility)

The University

Keele University is renowned for its exciting approach to higher education, innovative research, beautiful campus, strong community spirit and excellent student experience. With a turnover in excess of £170 million, over 15,000 students and a total staff of approximately 2000, the University provides high quality teaching across a wide range of academic and vocational subjects and promotes world-class research. Further information can be found at https://www.keele.ac.uk/about/

Keele University values diversity, and is committed to ensuring equity of opportunity, and to proper and fair representation across its senior decision making groups. In support of these commitments, the University particularly welcomes expressions of interest and applications from individuals of Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds, for this post.

How to Apply

For full post details click the 'Apply' button above. 

For informal enquiries may be addressed to Frances Hewison, f.hewison@keele.ac.uk. Applications to this address will not be accepted. 

Closing Date: 4 November 2026

Interviews will be held on: 19 November 2026

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