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- Tasks: Lead HR policy development and ensure compliance with new employment laws.
- Company: Join Aston University, a vibrant campus in Birmingham with a dynamic culture.
- Benefits: 30 days annual leave, discounts, gym access, and excellent training opportunities.
- Other info: Opportunity for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship available.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on shaping policies that support the university's 2030 strategy.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 7 qualified or equivalent experience in HR policy creation.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
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.
Policy & Compliance Lead employer: Aston University
Contact Detail:
Aston University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Policy & Compliance Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the HR field, especially those who have experience with policy and compliance. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on UK employment law and recent changes. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show you're not just a candidate, but a knowledgeable partner ready to tackle compliance challenges.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your drafting skills! Bring examples of your previous work, like policies or guidance documents, to the interview. This will demonstrate your attention to detail and commitment to clear communication.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Policy & Compliance Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in developing HR policies and compliance. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since this role requires excellent communication, don’t shy away from showcasing your drafting skills. Keep your writing clear and concise, and make sure to demonstrate how you've effectively communicated complex policies in the past.
Highlight Your Stakeholder Management Experience: We want to see how you've built relationships with stakeholders, especially in a unionised environment. Share specific examples of how you've engaged with trade unions or other groups to implement policy changes.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Aston University
✨Know Your Policies Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the current HR policies and compliance frameworks. Familiarise yourself with UK employment law, especially recent changes like the Employment Rights Act 2026. This will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you're ready to lead the overhaul of policies.
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Think of specific instances where you've successfully developed or implemented HR policies in a complex organisation. Be ready to discuss how you managed stakeholder relationships, particularly with trade unions, and how you ensured compliance while keeping things straightforward and accessible.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since excellent communication is key for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Prepare to explain how you would translate complex legal requirements into plain English policies. You might even want to bring along examples of your drafting work to showcase your attention to detail.
✨Demonstrate Your Planning Prowess
Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise multiple workstreams and manage deadlines. Share your strategies for maintaining an action tracker and defining KPIs to evidence progress. This will show that you can handle the structured compliance-readiness programme effectively.