At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead employment policy and practice to shape a high-performing workforce.
- Company: Tower Hamlets Council, a diverse and ambitious organisation in London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunity for impactful leadership, and a focus on diversity.
- Other info: Join a council that values diversity, inclusion, and collaborative outcomes.
- Why this job: Influence the future of employment practices and create a thriving workplace.
- Qualifications: Extensive HR leadership experience and expert knowledge of employment law.
The predicted salary is between 84459 - 92332 £ per year.
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: a confidential discussion, please contact our retained consultants at Penna.
Head of Employment Policy and Practice in London 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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Employment Policy and Practice in London
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Festival of Work!
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If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
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Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Festival of Work.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Employment Policy and Practice in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Festival of Work. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Festival of Work and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Festival of Work. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Festival of Work's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Festival of Work
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Festival of Work.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Festival of Work will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Festival of Work and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
