Organisational Development (OD) Partner

The role

The Organisational Development (OD) Partner is a pivotal role within our high-performing OD team, leading the design and delivery of innovative projects that drive real change across the council. Working closely with colleagues at every level, you’ll help shape a culture rooted in our values, where behaviours and capabilities are aligned with the priorities set out in our council delivery plan. Whether it's facilitating change programmes, delivering council-wide engagement activities, or designing targeted interventions, your work will support a thriving, inclusive and forward-thinking organisation.

Acting as a trusted expert and key contact for OD across the council, you’ll collaborate with leaders, teams, and stakeholders to embed our vision through meaningful organisational development strategies. From supporting behavioural change to managing high-profile events like the People Powered Staff Awards, you’ll play a leading role in delivering creative, evidence-based solutions that make a measurable impact. You’ll also oversee key strands of our employee engagement and recognition strategies, ensuring every voice is heard and celebrated.

This role also provides opportunities to support our early careers agenda, mentoring apprentices and graduates as they grow within the council. You’ll be part of a collaborative team that’s central to shaping how we work as an organisation – not just for today, but for the future. Through your leadership and insight, you’ll help ensure Southwark remains a place where staff feel empowered, connected and proud of the difference they make.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead the design and delivery of OD strategies and change programmes aligned with the council’s priorities and vision
• Collaborate with leaders and managers to embed cultural and behavioural change across the organisation
• Deliver impactful engagement and recognition initiatives that give staff a voice and make them feel valued
• Design, procure and implement OD interventions such as diagnostic tools, team building and action learning sets
• Manage high-profile corporate events and projects that strengthen organisational effectiveness and staff experience
• Provide expert advice on OD best practice, while mentoring and supporting early careers talent within the team

How will you make an impact as our Organisational Development Partner?

You’ll bring the passion, knowledge and experience to drive meaningful organisational change and support Southwark’s vision of becoming an ever more inclusive, connected and high-performing council. To thrive in this role, you’ll need:

• Significant experience in organisational development, change management or a related field
• A relevant degree, professional qualification, or equivalent work experience
• Proven track record of designing and delivering OD programmes or interventions
• Experience managing projects or programmes to time and budget
• Skilled at engaging and influencing stakeholders at all levels
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to analyse information, think strategically and set clear priorities
• A strong commitment to inclusion, public service, and continuous improvement

Why Southwark?

Southwark Council is the largest local authority social landlord in London, managing 55,000 homes lived in by 40% of Southwark’s residents. We are home to over 18,300 businesses including iconic London venues such as The Shard, The Tate Modern and Borough Market along with conservation areas, historic buildings, social enterprises and a young, diverse, and growing population.

At Southwark we are committed to making our borough just and fair and are taking positive action to tackle inequalities. Our residents and communities are our greatest asset and the passion we have for Southwark is shared by millions of Londoners who enjoy our outstanding cultural offer, use our hospitals, and attend our universities. Our refreshed borough plan and focus on Southwark 2030 and Southwark Stands Together, underpins all that we do.

Organisational Development is at the heart of how we work as an organisation – done right, the OD team provide the key strategic messaging from senior leaders and teams across the council to all staff, but also make staff feel valued and part of one organisation. To be a leader of any organisation you must understand how you engage with all staff and communicate effectively, bringing people together under our strategic vision and embedding our values. The vision of OD is for everyone to love working in Southwark – to feel heard, valued and supported in delivery of the council’s ambitions.

Additional information:

Full time, 36 hours per week, Monday to Friday. This role offers a flexible hybrid working arrangement, with time split between working from home and our Tooley Street offices.

Employee benefits:

You’ll join a motivated, driven, and supportive team that values each of its members and strives for excellence. You’ll also be part of a successful, high-achieving development team making a real difference to the lives of residents across the borough. In return for all your hard work, skills and experience, you will receive:

• A competitive base salary (pro rata for part time staff)

• Strong supportive senior management team

• Regular one to one supervision

• Professional development & training opportunities

• Clear career development pathways

• Agile and flexible working arrangements

• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)

• Season ticket and cycle loans

• Annual Leave starting at 29 days per year, increasing to 37 (with length of service) (pro rata for part time staff)

• Wellbeing programme

• HSF Health plan and eye care scheme

• EAP employee assistance programme, confidential counselling and support

• Social clubs and staff groups

Guaranteed Interview Scheme:

As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria:

• Members of the Armed Forces and veterans

• Are currently in care, or have previously been in care
• If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition.

Recruitment timetable:

Closing date: 3rd August 2025 at 23:59*

*We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role, in which case we will move the key dates for the process. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

Interview date: to be confirmed

Attachments

• Job Description - Organisational Development Partner.pdf