At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead employee relations and safeguarding, shaping policies and managing complex cases.
- Company: Prestigious organisation in the world of Performing Arts.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working model, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a supportive team focused on building capability and improving decision-making.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on employee relations in a dynamic and creative environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in employee relations, UK employment law, and leadership in complex environments.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 90000 £ per year.
Permanent opportunity
I am delighted to be supporting a prestige and iconic organisation in the world of Performing Arts to appoint a Head of Employee Relations, Policy & Safeguarding. Reporting to the Chief People Officer, this is a critical role shaping how the organisation handles its most sensitive and high-risk people matters.
You'll bring structure, pace and credibility to employee relations, ensuring a consistent, fair and legally robust approach, while strengthening early resolution and leadership capability. Alongside leading complex casework and industrial relations, you'll own employment policy and governance frameworks, ensuring they are practical, compliant and support effective management. You'll also provide oversight of safeguarding and deliver clear insight on organisational risk and trends.
Key ResponsibilitiesThis is a senior leadership role that brings together employee relations, industrial relations, policy and safeguarding into one clear, organisation-wide agenda. You'll set direction, oversee the most complex issues, and ensure a consistent, high-quality approach to how people matters are managed.
- You'll lead the employee relations framework end-to-end - balancing risk and fairness while improving early resolution, strengthening manager capability, and reducing repeat issues.
- You'll also shape the organisation's industrial relations approach, building constructive relationships with trade unions and supporting senior leaders through consultation and negotiation.
- Alongside this, you'll own policy and governance, ensuring frameworks are practical, compliant and support effective decision-making, while providing oversight of safeguarding and visibility of organisational risk.
In practice, this includes:
- Leading employee relations strategy and oversight of complex cases
- Driving early resolution and improving manager capability
- Managing trade union engagement and collective processes
- Owning employment policy, governance and contracts
- Overseeing safeguarding within the workforce
- Monitoring risk, identifying trends and informing leadership decisions
You are an experienced and credible employee relations leader who has operated at scale, navigating complex unionised and fast-paced environments where judgement, pace and consistency really matter. You bring a deep understanding of UK employment law, but more importantly, you know how to apply it pragmatically - balancing legal risk with commercial realities and organisational priorities.
You will have experience shaping policy, designing governance, or improving how cases are managed, you focus on creating frameworks that work in practice and build confidence across the organisation. Just as importantly, you care about building capability. You look beyond individual cases to identify patterns and root causes, and you work closely with leaders and HR colleagues to strengthen early intervention, improve decision-making and reduce unnecessary escalation.
This role suits a commercially minded individual with experience of working in unionised or multi-stakeholder environments at a senior level. Above all, you bring sound judgement, credibility and the ability to lead with both authority and empathy.
Salary: £80,000 - £90,000
Location: London
Hybrid working model: 3 days in office
Head of Employee Relations, Policy & Safeguarding in Slough employer: Frazer Jones
Frazer Jones is an excellent employer that fosters a dynamic and supportive work culture, ideal for those looking to make a meaningful impact in HR. With a focus on employee development and flexible working arrangements, team members are encouraged to grow their skills while enjoying a healthy work-life balance in the vibrant city of Birmingham. The opportunity to lead projects and mentor others makes this role particularly rewarding for ambitious HR professionals.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Employee Relations, Policy & Safeguarding in Slough
✨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 Frazer Jones!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
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.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
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 Frazer Jones.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Employee Relations, Policy & Safeguarding in Slough
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 Frazer Jones. 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 Frazer Jones 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 Frazer Jones. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Frazer Jones'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 Frazer Jones
✨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 Frazer Jones.
✨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 Frazer Jones 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 Frazer Jones and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
