About this role
Job summary
We are seeking an experienced, forward-thinking Deputy Head of Workforce to provide professional leadership and expert case management advice to the Operational Workforce Team, advising on all aspects of Employee Relations, Terms and Conditions of Service and complex Workforce cases. You will drive high-quality workforce governance, assurance, and continuous improvement across the Health Board. This is a pivotal role that will ensure our Workforce services are underpinned by robust policy frameworks, consistent standards, and strong regulatory and legislative compliance.
The postholder will ensure the effective delivery of our People Plan and wider organisational priorities. You will play a key part in strengthening our culture of person-centred employment practices, data-driven decision-making, and professional excellence.
The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; English and/or Welsh speakers are equally welcome to apply.
Main duties of the job
The postholder will lead, plan and organise a range of complex employment relations activities, formulating and adjusting plans to continuously improve workforce governance, assurance, and professional standards across the Health Board. The role will ensure robust Workforce and OD policy frameworks, regulatory and legislative compliance, and data-driven oversight that supports effective delivery of Health Board services.
About us
Aneurin Bevan University Health Board is a multi-award-winning NHS organisation with a passion for caring. The Health Board provides an exceptional workplace where you can feel trusted and valued. Whatever your specialty or stage in your career, we have opportunities for everyone to start, grow and build your career. The health board provides integrated acute, primary and community care serving a population of 650,000 and employing over 16,000 staff.
We offer a fantastic benefits package and extensive training and development opportunities with paid mandatory training, excellent in-house programmes, opportunities to complete recognised qualifications and professional career pathways including a range of management development programmes. We offer flexible working and promote a healthy work life balance, provide occupational health support and an ambitious plan for a Wellbeing Centre of Excellence to support you at work.
Our Clinical Futures strategy continues to enhance and promote care closer to home as well as high quality hospital care when needed. Join us on our journey to pioneer new ways of working and deliver a world-class healthcare service fit for the future.
Job description Job responsibilities
The postholder will: Provide expert advice on employment law, NHS Wales standards, Policies and Procedures, and workforce governance requirements. Produce insightful reporting and Board/Committee papers that facilitate informed decision-making and assurance. Build capability across Workforce and the Health Board to embed best practice, consistency, and continuous improvement. Ensure the delivery of delegated requirements as detailed within the Health Boards People Plan Develop person centred approaches to employment practices and share learning and best practice with NHS Wales employers andother external agencies when required. Lead on key strategies and programmes contained within the Health Board People Plan
Maintain and implement Workforce governance framework (policies, procedures, standards, and controls) and the forward plan ofassurance.
You will be able to find a full Job description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents or please click Apply now to view in Trac.
Person Specification
English Essential
Associate CIPD membership
Desirable
Chartered CIPD membership
English Essential
Educated to CIPD level 7/Masters level qualification in a Workforce related qualification or equivalent experience
Desirable
Employment law qualification
English Essential
Educated to degree level in a business/workforce related subject or equivalent experience
English Essential
Expert knowledge of employment law, NHS workforce policy, equality legislation, and just culture.
Desirable
Knowledge of NHS governance requirements
English Essential
Experience advising on complex ER matters, case quality, and ethical practice.
English Essential
HR leadership role with experience in complex, unionised organisations
Desirable
HR leadership role working within the NHS
English Essential
Advanced written/oral communication, stakeholder management, and influencing skills.
English Essential
Experience leading policy development and corporate governance processes
English Essential
Excellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder management abilities
English Essential
Analytical capability; able to interpret and present complex data clearly.
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.
Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
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 Aneurin Bevan University Health Board
Address Llanfrechfa Grange
Caerleon Road
Cwmbran
NP44 8YN
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://abuhb.nhs.wales/ (Opens in a new tab)