About this role
Job summary
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Head of Employee Relations to lead our ER function and drive a fair, compassionate and high-performing workforce culture across the Trust. This senior role provides both strategic influence and hands-on leadership, ensuring the delivery of a high-quality, customer-focused HR advisory service that supports safe patient care and a positive staff experience.
Working closely with the Deputy Chief People Officer, the wider people team and leaders across the organisation and beyond, this role will also play a pivotal role in developing and implementing our people strategy for all our people, in line with our ambition to deliver the best care to patients across our communities across integrated pathways both within and outside the hospital, in line with the 10-Year Plan.
Should you have any questions, please contact Sam Eales at Morgan Law - [email protected] / 07785 241 561.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will:
Lead and develop the HR Advisory Team, ensuring consistent, compassionate and high-quality ER support. Act as the Trust's senior advisor on complex and high-risk cases, including MHPS and ET preparation. Oversee Trust-wide employment policies, ensuring they are modern, inclusive and aligned to a just and learning culture. Build management capability through training, coaching and guidance. Use ER data and metrics to identify trends, risks and improvement opportunities. Partner with staff-side colleagues to maintain positive and constructive industrial relations. Provide senior HR input into organisational change programmes and culture-building initiatives.
About us
We offer:
A hybrid work environment with three days in our Teddington or Kingston Hospital offices and two days remote. A supportive and dynamic team that values innovation and collaboration. A clear path for personal growth and professional advancement. Standard NHS staff benefits package. In return, we are looking for someone with:
Significant employee relations leadership experience within the NHS. Expertise in managing complex cases, including MHPS. Strong knowledge of employment law and NHS T&Cs. Experience developing policies and delivering ER-related training. Excellent communication, influencing and stakeholder-management skills. A compassionate, inclusive and values-led approach to people management.
Job description Job responsibilities
Please see the attached supporting document which contains more and person specification information about the role.
Person Specification
Skills & Knowledge Essential
Demonstrable ability to draft clear and concise reports Ability to take the lead within a team context and drive forward improved ways of working.
Qualifications Essential
Master's Degree, Level 7 CIPD qualification (or working towards) or equivalent relevant experience MCIPD membership
Experience Essential
Demonstrable experience in team management, leadership and staff development Significant experience in dealing with employee relations cases in a unionised environment
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details Employer name Kingston and Richmond NHS Foundation Trust
Address Kingston & Richmond Hospital
180 High Street Thames House/Kingston Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Teddington
TW11 8HY
Employer's website https://www.kingstonandrichmond.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)