Executive Director of People, Inclusion, Organisational Development

We are WithYou

We are looking for a leader who wants to leave a legacy. As Executive Director of People, Inclusion and Organisational Development, you will sit at the heart of our Executive Leadership Team, reporting directly to the CEO

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At WithYou, we want to see a future where everyone lives a life free from harm caused by drugs and alcohol.

With over 80 services across England and Scotland, we provide free and confidential support to over 100,000 people experiencing challenges with alcohol or drugs each year. Our name reflects who we are – it’s a statement of intent, of support, and of our commitment to work side by side with our clients as equals, to help them believe that the change they want to make is possible.

Our mission is to:

be there for anyone experiencing challenges with drugs and alcohol
work with people on their unique journey, whether it’s staying safe and healthy, making small changes, or completely stopping a harmful habit
reduce stigma associated with drug and alcohol use so that everyone feels able to reach out for help.

It’s an exciting time to join the Executive Team at WithYou, with our new five-year organisational strategy underway to be the best specialist drug and alcohol service provider in the UK. This means being the best for our clients, our staff, our commissioners and the relationships we hold, and in performance.

From 2025-2030, we’re focussed on three strategic priorities:

Develop our core client support offer and operating model
Deliver high performing services and sector-leading client outcomes
Be a confident and bold voice in the sector and proactively work to tackle stigma for our clients, in the system and in society.

And led by our team of over 1,600 colleagues and volunteers, we will do this by delivering specialist, free-to-access services to anyone who needs support, working in partnership with other experts.

We are looking for an Executive Director of People, Inclusion and Organisational Development who is an inspiring, confident leader navigating complex people‑related challenges with both compassion and decisiveness.

We are committed to WithYou being a diverse and inclusive place to work. We continue to build a culture that encourages, supports and celebrates the diverse voices and experiences of our staff and we want all of our Executive Team to champion our focus in this area.

Thank you for your interest in becoming our new Executive Director of People, Inclusion and Organisational Development.

If you want to make a difference, come and join us.

Welcome from Simon Phillips, Chief Executive Officer

At WithYou, we work at the intersection of some of society’s most pressing challenges – supporting people facing challenges with drugs, alcohol, or mental health. These are not standalone problems; they are deeply intertwined with poverty, trauma, housing instability, and health inequalities. The sector is facing unprecedented pressures: rising drug-related deaths, the complexity of contaminated drugs, and the growing need for integrated care models that bring together health, criminal justice, and community services. At the same time, stigma remains a powerful barrier, preventing people from seeking help and perpetuating cycles of harm.

Against this backdrop, the role of Executive Director of People, Inclusion; Organisational Development is pivotal. Our ability to respond effectively depends on the strength and resilience of our workforce. We need a culture that attracts and retains exceptional talent, values lived experience, and champions inclusion at every level. This is not just about HR – it’s about shaping the heart of our organisation so that every colleague feels empowered to deliver life-changing outcomes.

The sector is evolving rapidly. Commissioners are demanding more evidence-based interventions, digital innovation is transforming service delivery, and workforce shortages are a growing concern. Your leadership will ensure that our people strategy meets these challenges head-on, building capability, fostering collaboration, and creating a workplace where wellbeing and continuous learning are prioritised. You will help us embed equality, diversity, and inclusion into everything we do, ensuring that our teams reflect the communities we serve and that every voice is heard.

For me, this is personal. I believe that when we invest in our people, we amplify our impact. By shaping a culture of inclusion and growth, you will help us deliver on our mission: to stand shoulder to shoulder with individuals and communities, offering hope and practical support when it matters most.

If you share our passion for making a tangible difference and have the vision to lead in a sector that is both demanding and deeply rewarding, I look forward to welcoming you to WithYou.

Simon Phillips
Chief Executive Officer
WithYou