At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex employee relations and trade union negotiations to drive positive workforce outcomes.
- Company: Join the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, a dynamic public sector organisation.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on continuous improvement and stakeholder engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on employee relations while shaping organisational change.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in trade union negotiations and employee relations.
Purpose of the Role
The Interim Employee Relations (ER) Lead is responsible for leading complex employee and industrial relations matters across the Council, with a strong focus on trade union consultation, negotiation, and dispute resolution.
Working closely with senior leaders, HR and Legal colleagues, the role ensures employment practices are legally compliant, consistent, and aligned with ACAS guidance.
The post holder will strengthen relationships with Trade Unions, support organizational change, improve ER processes, and deliver practical, evidence-based solutions that promote positive workforce outcomes and modernize employee relations across the Council.
- What a Typical Day Might Look Like
- Meet with Trade Union representatives to discuss ongoing disputes, consultations, and workforce issues.
- Advise senior leaders and managers on complex employee relations cases and employment law.
- Lead negotiations and consultation meetings to help reach agreed outcomes.
- Review and progress high-level disciplinary, grievance, or organizational change cases.
- Work with HR and Legal colleagues to manage risks and ensure compliance with policies and legislation.
- Develop or improve ER processes, guidance, and standard operating procedures.
- Monitor emerging employee relations issues and agree actions to prevent escalation.
- Build strong relationships with stakeholders while supporting organizational change and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
- Build and maintain effective, professional and collaborative trade union relationships.
- Create workflows, standard operating procedures and compliance / quality checks that ensure ER is managed effectively, consistently and in line with core policies and legislation.
- Lead and coordinate formal consultation and negotiation activity across the organization.
- Support major organizational change, transformation and restructuring programmed.
- Work with senior leaders to develop effective employee and industrial relations strategies.
- Ensure compliance with collective consultation requirements and employment legislation.
- Manage the resolution of complex and high level ER issues, disputes and industrial relations matter at pace.
- Provide expert advice to managers and HR colleagues on consultation, negotiation and employee relations.
- Identify organizational risks and opportunities relating to workforce and union relations and be accountable for the plan to manage these.
- Promote early resolution approaches and proactive partnership working.
- Contribute to the development of employment policies, procedures and workforce initiatives.
- Monitor trends, issues and emerging risks across employee and industrial relations activity.
Experience Required
- Significant experience of line managing Trade Unions.
- An experienced trade union negotiator who has significant experience of reaching solutions on matters of dispute.
- The ability to work at pace and with initiative to reduce disputes compliantly in a way that maintains positive relationships with trade unions.
- Significant experience working within employee relations, industrial relations or workforce relations in a public sector environment.
- Experience leading engagement with Trade Unions in a large and complex organization.
- Proven experience supporting organizational change and consultation processes.
- Strong knowledge of employment law, collective consultation and industrial relations practice or trade union legislation.
- Experience advising senior leaders on complex workforce matters.
- Experience formal negotiation and consultation with Trade Unions with the ability to influence in challenging and politically sensitive environments.
- Strong understanding of employee relations risk management.
- Experience developing positive stakeholder relationships across multiple groups and interests.
- Knowledge and Skills
- Excellent negotiation, communication and relationship-building skills.
- Strong influencing and negotiation capability.
- Ability to manage conflict constructively and professionally.
- Strong judgement and political awareness.
- Client
- London Borough of Tower Hamlets
- Location
- 160 Whitechapel Road, London, Tower Hamlets, E1 1BJ, United Kingdom
- PAYE : £550.00 per day
- Work pattern
- 2 to 3 days in the office (Hybrid Working)
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
OR110517 – ER Lead – Trade Union Relations (Grade O) – Interims employer: Carrington Blake Recruitment
As a leading employer in Harrow, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee development and engagement. Our commitment to professional growth is evident through tailored training programmes and leadership opportunities, ensuring that every team member can thrive while contributing to the Council's strategic objectives. With a focus on diversity and community impact, we offer a unique chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of residents while enjoying a supportive and dynamic workplace.
Contact Details:
Carrington Blake Recruitment Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land OR110517 – ER Lead – Trade Union Relations (Grade O) – Interims
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✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
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We think you need these skills to ace OR110517 – ER Lead – Trade Union Relations (Grade O) – Interims
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your People Skills:In HR, showcasing your interpersonal skills is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you have dealing with talent management, resolving conflicts, or facilitating workshops. We want to see your ability to connect with others!
Tailor Your CV to HR:Use HR-specific language in your CV and cover letter. Mention any specific HR tools, software, or methodologies you’re familiar with, like ATS systems or performance management frameworks. This will show that you’re not just a good fit, but you've got the know-how to back it up!
Emphasise Your Flexibility:Since this is a temporary role, emphasising your adaptability and willingness to learn quickly is crucial. Include examples of how you've successfully jumped into new environments before or handled sudden changes in previous jobs. We love a team player who can hit the ground running!
Availability Matters:In your application, make sure to clarify your availability and commitment to the temporary position. This will help us understand when you can start and how you fit into our plans at Carrington Blake Recruitment. So, don’t be shy about laying it all out there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Carrington Blake Recruitment
✨Showcase Your Adaptability
Given that this is a temporary HR role at Carrington Blake Recruitment, it's crucial to demonstrate your flexibility and ability to adapt quickly. You might be thrown into new projects or systems, so share examples of how you've successfully navigated changes in past roles.
✨Familiarise Yourself with HR Tools
Many HR positions require familiarity with tools like HRIS or ATS systems. Before the interview, brush up on the specific software that Carrington Blake Recruitment uses—if you see any mentioned in the job posting, make sure you're ready to discuss them and your experience with similar tools.
✨Your Motivation Matters
As a temp, it's essential to convey your motivation for this role. Employers often look for candidates who are not just filling a position, but who are genuinely keen on contributing effectively in a short period. Consider sharing why you’re passionate about HR and how you see yourself adding value at Carrington Blake Recruitment.
✨Prepare for Real-World Scenarios
HR interviews often include situational questions that test your problem-solving skills. Think about common HR challenges, like dealing with conflict or managing onboarding efficiently, and prepare to discuss how you would handle these situations at Carrington Blake Recruitment.
