Sally Phillipps

Director of People and Culture

As the Director of People and Culture, I am responsible for shaping and leading the people strategy at Smile Together, ensuring that the business attracts, retains, and develops the best talent while creating a positive and inclusive workplace culture. My role is about ensuring that our people feel valued, supported, and engaged, while also ensuring that our People policies, processes, and practices align with employment law and best practices.

Beyond traditional HR, I lead initiatives that enhance employee well-being, professional growth, and reward and recognition, ensuring our people practices align with our company values and strategic goals. I also work closely with the board and senior leadership team to ensure that our workforce is equipped to meet both current and future business needs.

Each day in my role is different, but much of my time is spent working closely with leaders and teams across the business to align our people and culture initiatives with business objectives. I provide strategic input on workforce planning, talent development, and employee engagement, ensuring we have the right structures, support, and opportunities in place for our people to grow and thrive. Whether it’s developing initiatives or working on long-term strategies such as career pathways and reward and recognition, my focus is always on creating an environment where employees feel valued and supported.

A key part of my role is ensuring that our policies, pay structures, and practices remain competitive, fair, and legally compliant. I regularly review our HR policies and contracts, ensuring they align with employment law and best practice while being clearly communicated to employees and managers. I also provide guidance on complex HR matters such as employee relations, performance management, and leadership development, ensuring that managers have the tools and confidence to support their teams effectively.

Recruitment and workforce planning also form a significant part of my responsibilities, particularly as we navigate challenges such as recruiting dentists to Cornwall. I work closely with my team and hiring managers to improve our recruitment strategies, enhance our employer brand, and streamline our processes to attract and retain top talent. This involves ensuring a seamless and engaging recruitment and onboarding experience while also focusing on long-term workforce sustainability.

Compliance and governance are another important aspect of my role. I ensure that we adhere to employment law and regulatory requirements, particularly around contracts, policies, equality and diversity, GDPR, and ethical workforce practices. I also work alongside finance to manage shareholder-related matters and governance responsibilities, ensuring that our people practices align with both legal requirements and Smile Together’s business strategy.

Overall, my role is about creating a workplace where people feel engaged, empowered, and able to develop their careers while ensuring that Smile Together operates as a responsible, compliant, and people-focused organization.

The most fun part of my role is definitely the people I work with. I get to collaborate with amazing colleagues across all parts of the business, and no two days are ever the same. One day, I might be brainstorming new ways to make Smile Together an even better place to work, and the next, I’m helping a team tackle a challenge or celebrate a success. I love the variety and the chance to connect with so many different people, finding creative ways to improve how we work together and seeing the positive impact on our culture. The best moments are when our ideas come to life, and you can see the difference it makes for everyone.

One of the biggest challenges in my role is keeping up with ever-changing government legislation and ensuring that our policies, processes, and practices remain compliant while also being practical and people focused. Employment law is constantly evolving, and it’s essential that we stay ahead of these changes, whether it’s updates to pay regulations, working time directives, or equality and diversity requirements. Balancing legal compliance with creating a positive and engaging workplace can sometimes be complex, but it’s a challenge I enjoy tackling.

Another challenge is navigating the ongoing workforce shortages, particularly in clinical roles like dentistry. Attracting and retaining talent in a competitive market requires creative thinking and a proactive approach, from enhancing our employer brand to improving our recruitment and onboarding experience. Ensuring that Smile Together remains an employer of choice while adapting to industry changes and government policies makes this role both demanding and rewarding.

Before working at Smile Together I was the Training Manager for the Rick Stein Group. Prior to that I worked for O2 for 20 years in Learning and Development in Retail.

What inspired me to pursue a career in People and Culture was my passion for helping people grow and develop in their careers. My background in Learning and Development gave me a deep appreciation for how the right support, training, and culture can empower individuals to reach their full potential. I’ve always been fascinated by what makes a workplace thrive—how leadership, engagement, and well-being come together to create a positive environment where people feel valued and motivated.

I love the variety this career offers, no two days are ever the same and the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s working lives. Whether it’s helping someone develop their skills, improving workplace well-being, or shaping initiatives that bring teams together, I find it incredibly rewarding.

What inspires me most about working for Smile Together is the incredible impact we have, not just on our people but on the wider community. It’s amazing to be part of a business that is purpose-driven, where everything we do is about making a real difference. Knowing that our work helps improve access to dental care and supports those who need it most makes every day feel meaningful.

I’d say that if you’re looking for a workplace where you can truly make a difference, feel valued, and be part of a passionate team, then Smile Together is the place for you. We’re not just about delivering dental care we’re about supporting communities, and creating a workplace where people love what they do. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for the next step in your career, there’s so much opportunity to develop and be part of something special. Plus, you’ll be working alongside a fantastic team who genuinely care about each other and the impact we make.

Outside of work, I love spending time walking my dog, Winnie getting outdoors is a great way to unwind. I also enjoy baking, whether it’s trying out new recipes or making treats to share with my family and friends. One of my favourite ways to relax is spending time at our house in Jalon, a beautiful small village in Spain, where I can enjoy the slower pace of life, soak up the sunshine, and appreciate the local food, wine and culture.