Elrha

About

Elrha is a humanitarian-focused organisation that funds pioneering solutions and robust research to improve the quality of humanitarian action and the outcomes experienced by people affected by crises. As part of a period of organisational change, Elrha needed an Interim HR Manager to strengthen people management and maintain a positive employee experience while the organisation reorganised and reduced in size.

For Elrha, this hire mattered because the HR Manager would operate as a standalone lead, supporting managers and staff across the employee lifecycle, from recruitment and onboarding through to development, performance management, contract changes, and exit, while ensuring policies and practice remained legally compliant and well-communicated.

The Brief

The role was an Interim HR Manager on a remote-first basis, based from home anywhere within the UK, with office availability for those who wished to work in-person. It was an interim contract at 28 hours per week. The position was funded initially until September 2026, with an expectation that it could convert to permanent.

Key priorities included delivering high-quality people management in a standalone HR capacity and leading efficient, positive employee lifecycle processes, including recruitment, onboarding, contract changes, performance, development, and exits. The role also required supporting managers and staff with practical, fair, and consistent HR advice, particularly for sensitive or complex employee relations matters, ensuring accurate and on-time processing of HR data (including payroll-related information), maintaining secure data flow, and owning partner-level escalation of high-risk matters for senior oversight.

Our Approach

Working closely with Elrha, we focused on identifying candidates with the right blend of CIPD level 7 (or equivalent) and demonstrable experience delivering end-to-end HR processes. Particular attention was given to change management capability, because the organisation anticipated potential staff departures during restructure, and to the ability to keep remaining teams engaged and supported.

We assessed candidates for their ability to provide consistent, legally mindful HR guidance, and to escalate complex matters appropriately. Inclusive, values-led hiring also formed part of our selection stance, in line with Elrha’s commitment to welcoming applicants regardless of protected characteristics. A targeted search produced a strong volume of applications, with multiple CV responses reviewed as Elrha narrowed in on the most suitable fit.

The Outcome

The selection process culminated in Jane Martin being placed for the role, supported by positive progression through to approval by Elrha. Her appointment provides Elrha with dedicated, interim HR leadership in a standalone capacity, supporting high-quality employee lifecycle processes and practical guidance for managers and staff during a period of change, helping protect a positive employee experience and ensuring HR decision-making is grounded in accurate data and sector good practice.

If you would like support in sourcing exceptional HR talent into a role in your organisation, find out more about our Permanent or Temporary and Interim Recruitment, or reach out to the team.