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- Tasks: Lead and modernise the Employee Relations function at SECAmb, shaping a fair workplace culture.
- Company: Join South East Coast Ambulance Service, a vital NHS service committed to cultural transformation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27+ days holiday, NHS pension scheme, training opportunities, and access to wellbeing resources.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in a supportive environment while championing fairness and inclusion.
- Qualifications: Chartered Member of CIPD or working towards it; significant ER experience in complex organisations required.
- Other info: This role requires regular on-site presence and offers a chance to influence NHS-wide developments.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Head of Employee Relations
Band 8b | Based in Crawley : required regularly at SECAmb Regional Locations | Minimum 40% On-Site
Be the trusted voice. Shape the culture. Champion fairness.
At SECAmb, we’re on a bold journey of cultural transformation — and we need a Head of Employee Relations who’s ready to lead from the front.
This is not a role for the faint-hearted. It’s a rare opportunity to shape the future of employee relations in one of the country’s most vital NHS services. You’ll be stepping into a complex, high-pressure environment where legacy practices need to evolve — and where your leadership can unlock lasting, meaningful change.
We’re looking for someone who thrives in ambiguity, sees beyond the status quo, and brings both strategic vision and pragmatism. You’ll need to balance the demands of reactive ER work with the drive to embed proactive, values-led approaches that support our people and strengthen our culture.
If you’re ready to take on a big challenge for big impact — and you’re passionate about creating a fair, supportive, and inclusive workplace — we want to hear from you.
Apply today via NHS Jobs / Trac Jobs and start your next meaningful leadership chapter at SECAmb.
You’ll be a key player in our People Directorate, working closely with senior leaders and operational teams to:
• Lead and modernise our ER function, ensuring it’s fit for the future.
• Champion fairness, inclusion, and early resolution in everything we do.
• Build capability and confidence across the organisation to manage people issues well.
• Influence and shape the wider transformation agenda through expert ER insight
At SECAmb, we\’re not just managing ER casework. We\’re actively shaping a compassionate, resolution-focused, people-first organisation. You’ll:
• Lead a talented, specialist Employee Relations team, supporting over 4,500 staff.
• Be a strategic partner to senior leaders and trade union colleagues.
• Champion early resolution and meaningful partnership working.
• Influence and design organisational policy and people strategies.
• Manage complex and high-profile ER cases, change programmes and employment legal matters.
• Play a key role in workforce transformation, cultural initiatives and NHS-wide developments.
• Option to join NHS pension scheme
• A minimum 27 days\’ holiday each year, increasing after 5 years’ service.
• Personal and professional development and training opportunities.
• Salary Sacrifice schemes for cars or push bikes.
• Access to occupational health and counselling services.
• Award winning wellbeing hub
• Back up buddy App
• Access to NHS discounts, offering NHS employees a range of money-saving deals.
Other than in exceptional circumstances, the starting salary for staff new to the NHS will be the bottom point of the band to which they have been appointed.
Reporting directly to ourDeputy Chief People Officer, you’ll:
• Deliver expert, forward-thinking advice on complex ER issues.
Lead on high-risk employment matters, including Employment Tribunals.
• Shape and modernise our ER framework and case management approach.
• Build collaborative, proactive partnerships with trade union colleagues.
• Lead ER aspects of organisational change, TUPE, and restructures.
• Design, deliver and embed innovative people management training for leaders.
• Use data insights to identify ER trends and develop prevention strategies.
We’re looking for a bold, confident, people-focused leader who can:
• Inspire trust and confidencein senior colleagues, staff, and union partners.
• Think strategically and act decisivelyin a high-pressure, public sector setting.
• Provide expert advice on complex, sensitive employment law matters.
• Balance compassion, fairness, and commercial risk management.
• Be an outstanding communicator, negotiator, and relationship-builder.
Essential:
• Chartered Member of the CIPD (or working towards it).
• Significant, senior-level ER experience in a large, unionised, complex organisation (NHS or public sector experience welcome but not essential).
This advert closes on Sunday 3 Aug 2025 #J-18808-Ljbffr
Head of Employee Relations | South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust employer: South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust
Contact Detail:
South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Employee Relations | South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the current employee relations landscape within the NHS, particularly focusing on SECAmb. Understanding their unique challenges and cultural transformation goals will help you tailor your approach during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of SECAmb to gain insights into their experiences and the organisational culture. This can provide you with valuable context that you can reference in discussions with interviewers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully led change in employee relations in previous roles. Highlighting your strategic vision and practical solutions will demonstrate your capability to handle the complexities of this position.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the latest trends and best practices in employee relations, especially those relevant to the public sector. Being able to speak knowledgeably about innovative approaches will set you apart as a forward-thinking candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Employee Relations | South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, take time to thoroughly understand the responsibilities and expectations of the Head of Employee Relations position. Familiarise yourself with SECAmb's mission and values to tailor your application accordingly.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your senior-level employee relations experience, particularly in complex or unionised environments. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead and modernise ER functions.
Showcase Leadership Skills: This role requires a bold and confident leader. Make sure to illustrate your leadership style and how you have successfully influenced change in previous roles. Highlight any experience in managing teams and driving cultural transformation.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should not only express your interest in the role but also reflect your understanding of the challenges faced by SECAmb. Discuss how your strategic vision aligns with their goals for a fair and inclusive workplace.
How to prepare for a job interview at South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust
✨Understand the Cultural Transformation
Familiarise yourself with SECAmb's journey of cultural transformation. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to shaping a fair and inclusive workplace, and share examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to lead change.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Vision
This role requires a strategic mindset. Be ready to articulate your vision for modernising the Employee Relations function. Think about how you can balance reactive ER work with proactive strategies that support staff and enhance organisational culture.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Skills
As a leader, you’ll need to inspire trust and confidence. Prepare to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully led teams in high-pressure environments, particularly in managing complex ER cases or organisational changes.
✨Prepare for Complex Scenarios
Expect questions on handling complex employment law matters and high-risk employment issues. Brush up on relevant legislation and be ready to discuss how you would approach sensitive situations while balancing compassion and commercial risk.
