The Metropolitan Police Service is enhancing its HR capability and has partnered with Reed Talent Solutions to recruit a Senior HR Policy Lead on an interim basis.
The initial contract length will be for 4 months, with a rate of £500 - £550 per day umbrella (inside IR35) and will be offered hybrid, with 3 days on site per week.
They are seeking a highly skilled and proactive Senior HR Policy Lead with extensive experience in designing, developing, and reviewing HR policy within large and complex organisations. You would be part of a small and collaborative team who support each other.
About the Role
In this role, you will lead the development, review, and improvement of HR policies and procedures in line with organisational priorities, legislative changes, Police Regulations, and recognised good practice such as ACAS guidance. You will provide strategic oversight, ensuring HR policy supports the operational requirements of the Met while promoting fairness, inclusion, and effectiveness.
You will engage with a wide range of stakeholders—internally and externally—to shape policy direction, influence decision‑making, and represent senior management at key meetings.
Key Responsibilities
- Review, write, and update HR policies and procedures
- Produce clear, concise papers and briefings for senior managers
- Lead formal consultations with stakeholders including Police Federation, Trade Unions, senior leaders, and third‑party suppliers
- Represent senior management at internal and external meetings
- Collaborate with external HR suppliers to deliver a joined‑up “one HR” service
- Contribute to and/or lead HR‑related projects, ensuring successful outcomes
- Identify unnecessary bureaucracy in existing policies and propose practical improvements
- Provide solutions to HR policy challenges as part of continuous improvement activity
- Anticipate organisational issues and propose proactive policy responses
The ideal you
- CIPD qualified is desirable
- Strong knowledge of employment legislation and/or Police Regulations gained from a senior HR role
- Understanding of equality, diversity, and inclusion legislation
- Excellent policy‑writing skills and experience producing papers for senior audiences
- Confident in leading formal and informal meetings
- Strong prioritisation skills with the ability to juggle multiple tasks
- Able to quickly build credibility with colleagues at all levels
- Skilled in diplomatically challenging senior stakeholders
- Capable of proposing alternatives to existing or suggested processes
- Strong risk awareness with the ability to identify and mitigate organisational risks
- Effective in navigating a fast‑paced, changing organisation
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong negotiation and influencing capability
Preferred Experience & Qualifications
- Significant strategic‑level HR experience within a large and complex organisation
- Experience writing HR policies and procedures at scale
- Demonstrated success in leading or managing projects
- Experience working with trade unions
- Proven ability to deliver HR advice on complex issues
- Experience managing people and supporting wider HR teams
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across HR and organisational boundaries
If you have the right skills and experience suited to this role, apply now and we’ll be in touch.
