About this role
The Metropolitan Police Service is enhancing its HR capability and has partnered with Reed Talent Solutions to recruit a Senior HR Policy Lead on an interim basis.
The initial contract length will be for 6 months, with a rate of £500 - £550 per day umbrella (inside IR35) and will be offered hybrid, with 3 days on site per week.
They are seeking a highly skilled and proactive Senior HR Policy Lead with extensive experience in designing, developing, and reviewing HR policy within large and complex organisations. You would be part of a small and collaborative team who support each other.
About the Role
In this role, you will lead the development, review, and improvement of HR policies and procedures in line with organisational priorities, legislative changes, Police Regulations, and recognised good practice such as ACAS guidance. You will provide strategic oversight, ensuring HR policy supports the operational requirements of the Met while promoting fairness, inclusion, and effectiveness.
You will engage with a wide range of stakeholders—internally and externally—to shape policy direction, influence decision-making, and represent senior management at key meetings.
Key Responsibilities
Review, write, and update HR policies and proceduresProduce clear, concise papers and briefings for senior managersLead formal consultations with stakeholders including Police Federation, Trade Unions, senior leaders, and third-party suppliersRepresent senior management at internal and external meetingsCollaborate with external HR suppliers to deliver a joined-up “one HR” serviceContribute to and/or lead HR-related projects, ensuring successful outcomesIdentify unnecessary bureaucracy in existing policies and propose practical improvementsProvide solutions to HR policy challenges as part of continuous improvement activityAnticipate organisational issues and propose proactive policy responses
The ideal you
CIPD qualified is desirableStrong knowledge of employment legislation and/or Police Regulations gained from a senior HR roleUnderstanding of equality, diversity, and inclusion legislationExcellent policy-writing skills and experience producing papers for senior audiencesConfident in leading formal and informal meetingsStrong prioritisation skills with the ability to juggle multiple tasksAble to quickly build credibility with colleagues at all levelsSkilled in diplomatically challenging senior stakeholdersCapable of proposing alternatives to existing or suggested processesStrong risk awareness with the ability to identify and mitigate organisational risksEffective in navigating a fast-paced, changing organisationExcellent written and verbal communication skillsStrong negotiation and influencing capability
Preferred Experience & Qualifications
Significant strategic-level HR experience within a large and complex organisationExperience writing HR policies and procedures at scaleDemonstrated success in leading or managing projectsExperience working with trade unionsProven ability to deliver HR advice on complex issuesExperience managing people and supporting wider HR teamsDemonstrated ability to work collaboratively across HR and organisational boundaries