# Head of Employment Policy and PracticeLondon Borough Tower HamletsLondonSalary: £84,459 - £92,332Full TimeCIPD Member13 November 2026View more categories* Job Details**Head of Employment Policy and Practice****Shaping the future of employment practice in one of London's most ambitious councils**People are at the heart of delivering excellent public services. At Tower Hamlets, we are transforming how we support, develop and engage our workforce to build a high-performing organisation that delivers exceptional outcomes for residents.We are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Head of Employment Policy and Practice to lead our approach to employment relations, policy development, workforce governance and trade union engagement.Reporting to the Director of HR & OD, you will provide strategic leadership and professional expertise across employment policy, employee relations, trade union partnerships and HR operations, helping us create a modern, inclusive and high-performing workplace.**About the Role**This is a senior HR leadership opportunity with responsibility for shaping the Council's employment framework and ensuring policies, processes and practices support organisational success.You will lead the development of employment policy, oversee employee relations practice, build strong trade union relationships and drive a proactive, data-led approach to workforce management. Working across the HR & OD leadership team, you will help ensure our people strategy supports organisational priorities, financial sustainability and workforce excellence.**This role includes:****Employment Policy Leadership** Designing and implementing progressive, legally compliant and inclusive employment policies.**Employee Relations Excellence** Leading the Council's approach to complex and high-risk employee relations matters.**Trade Union Engagement** Building effective partnership relationships that support positive employment outcomes.**HR Transformation and Continuous Improvement** Driving simplification, modernisation and service improvement across HR processes and practice.**Workforce Insight and Governance** Using workforce data, analytics and evidence to inform strategic decision-making and organisational improvement.**About You**We are seeking a highly credible senior HR professional who can combine strategic leadership with deep employment expertise.You will bring:* Extensive experience in senior HR leadership roles.* Expert knowledge of employment law, employee relations and workforce governance.* Experience operating within a complex, unionised organisation.* A strong track record of leading organisational change and policy development.* Outstanding stakeholder management, negotiation and influencing skills.* The ability to use workforce insight and data to drive evidence-based decisions.* Membership of the CIPD at Chartered level or equivalent professional standing.**Why Tower Hamlets?**This is an opportunity to influence the future of employment practice across one of London's most diverse and ambitious organisations, helping to create an environment where colleagues can thrive and deliver their very best for residents.**Our Values**Our council is a beacon for diversity and inclusion. We want a borough where everyone feels valued, supported and able to thrive, and a council that works collaboratively to deliver the very best outcomes for residents.That's why we look for leaders who embody our TOWER values of **Together, Open, Willing, Excellent and Respectful****For more information and to apply please visit:** https://penna.com/jobs**For a confidential discussion, please contact our retained consultants at Penna**:· **Rachael Morris** at Rachael.Morris@penna.com or on 07840 711217· **Julie Towers** at Julie.towers@penna.com or on 07764 791736· **Tom Niven** at Tom.Niven@penna.com or on 07860 657044**Closing Date:** 13th November 2026 #J-18808-Ljbffr
Head of Employment Policy and Practice employer: Festival of Work
The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service (SCTS) is an exceptional employer that prioritises a culture of collaboration, integrity, and innovation. With a commitment to employee development and a focus on strategic change, SCTS offers unique opportunities for growth within the public sector, all while contributing to the delivery of high-quality services that impact the community positively. Working in a hybrid environment allows for flexibility, ensuring a healthy work-life balance as you engage in meaningful reform initiatives.
