Policy & Compliance Lead in Birmingham

We have an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated, proactive individual with excellent communication skills to join the HR Partnering and Policy team as a HR Policy and Compliance Lead. It’s a great time to be joining the HR function as we work towards the University’s emerging 2030 strategy and delivering the associated People Strategy.

This role would be to overhaul the policies and procedures, providing a comprehensive and professional suite of policies and procedures that ensure compliance but are also streamlined, accompanied by manager support, reflective of best practice and non‑bureaucratic to allow us to move forward the Aston 2030 agenda.

What you will be doing:

• Lead a structured compliance‑readiness programme for new employment law requirements (including the Employment Rights Act 2026), translating change into practical policy, process, contract and guidance updates.
• Complete gap analyses, maintain an action tracker, and define internal standards/KPIs to evidence progress and sustain compliance.
• Coordinate consultation and implementation plans (including trade union engagement), ensuring changes are clearly communicated, understood and embedded across the University.
• Provide assurance reporting to senior HR leadership, highlighting milestones, dependencies, risks and mitigations.
• Work with colleagues across HROD to shape briefing materials, FAQs, toolkits and readiness learning to support managers and staff.

What we are looking for:

• Proven experience of developing and implementing HR/people policies and procedures within a complex organisation.
• Strong working knowledge of UK employment law and the ability to translate legislative requirements into clear, practical guidance.
• Excellent drafting skills and attention to detail, with a commitment to plain‑English policy writing and accessibility.
• Confident stakeholder manager, able to build effective relationships and support consultation (including with recognised trade unions).
• Strong planning and prioritisation skills, comfortable managing multiple workstreams to deadlines.
• With strong communication, influencing and problem‑solving skills, the successful applicant should be CIPD Level 7 qualified and Associate Member, or with equivalent experience, and substantial experience in HR policy creation, revision and interpretation, ideally within a unionised environment.

What we offer:

• Aston University is a dynamic and vibrant campus located within Birmingham city centre, which has excellent transport links via bus or train.
• Excellent training and development opportunities.
• A generous annual leave scheme with 30 days bookable leave and a further 13 days bank holiday and University Closure days.
• Everyday discounts to a number of activities and retailers.
• Great family friendly policies.
• On site gym and pool with discounted staff membership available.

This role may meet the requirements for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. If you require sponsorship, Aston University will assess eligibility if you are shortlisted for the role. Please note we are unable to confirm individual eligibility before shortlisting.