At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Employee Relations function and drive a compassionate workforce culture.
- Company: Kingston and Richmond Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, committed to excellent patient care.
- Benefits: Career progression opportunities and strategic exposure in a supportive environment.
- Other info: Collaborate with senior leaders and develop a high-performing workforce.
- Why this job: Shape ER policy and influence organisational culture while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Significant ER leadership experience within the NHS and strong knowledge of employment law.
The predicted salary is between 62215 - 72293 ÂŁ per year.
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Head of Employee Relations to lead our ER function and drive a fair, compassionate and high‑performing workforce culture across the Trust. This senior role provides both strategic influence and hands‑on leadership, ensuring the delivery of a high‑quality, customer‑focused HR advisory service that supports safe patient care and a positive staff experience.
Working closely with the Deputy Chief People Officer, the wider people team and leaders across the organisation and beyond, this role will also play a pivotal role in developing and implementing our people strategy for all our people, in line with our ambition to deliver the best care to patients across our communities across integrated pathways both within and outside the hospital, in line with the 10‑Year Plan.
About the role- Lead and develop the HR Advisory Team, ensuring consistent, compassionate and high‑quality ER support.
- Act as the Trust’s senior advisor on complex and high‑risk cases, including MHPS and ET preparation.
- Oversee Trust‑wide employment policies, ensuring they are modern, inclusive and aligned to a just and learning culture.
- Build management capability through training, coaching and guidance.
- Use ER data and metrics to identify trends, risks and improvement opportunities.
- Partner with staff‑side colleagues to maintain positive and constructive industrial relations.
- Provide senior HR input into organisational change programmes and culture‑building initiatives.
A great opportunity for career progression. We are offering an excellent step‑up opportunity for a senior ER or HR manager ready to progress to their first Head‑of‑level role. You will gain:
- Strong strategic exposure, working closely with the Deputy CPO, CPO and senior leaders.
- Greater autonomy to shape ER policy, culture and workforce practice.
- Experience leading Trust‑wide programmes and influencing organisational culture.
- A strong pathway towards future senior HR leadership posts.
We are looking for someone with:
- Significant employee relations leadership experience within the NHS.
- Expertise in managing complex cases, including MHPS.
- Strong knowledge of employment law and NHS T&Cs.
- Experience developing policies and delivering ER‑related training.
- Excellent communication, influencing and stakeholder‑management skills.
- A compassionate, inclusive and values‑led approach to people management.
Please note all applications must be made directly via the link below. Date is 22nd May.
For further information, please contact Sam Eales at Morgan Law.
Head of Employee Relations employer: Morgan Law
Contact Detail:
Morgan Law Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Employee Relations
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the NHS or related fields. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Trust's culture and values. Show us how your experience aligns with their mission to deliver top-notch patient care and a positive staff experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially around employee relations scenarios. We want to see how you handle complex cases and your approach to fostering a compassionate workplace.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the team at Kingston and Richmond Hospitals.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Employee Relations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your employee relations leadership experience and any relevant NHS knowledge to show us you’re the right fit for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about employee relations and how your values align with our Trust’s mission. Be sure to mention any specific achievements that demonstrate your capability.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As a Head of Employee Relations, strong communication is key. In your application, make sure to convey your ideas clearly and concisely. This will give us a taste of how you’ll communicate with stakeholders in the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Morgan Law
✨Know Your ER Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your employee relations knowledge, especially within the NHS context. Be ready to discuss complex cases and how you've handled them in the past. This shows you're not just familiar with the theory but have practical experience too.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Employee Relations, you'll need to lead a team effectively. Prepare examples of how you've developed teams or influenced culture in previous roles. Highlight your coaching and training experiences to demonstrate your capability in building management skills.
✨Understand the Trust's Values
Familiarise yourself with the Trust’s mission and values. During the interview, align your answers to reflect these values, showing that you’re not just a fit for the role but also for the organisation's culture. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly understands their ethos.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and decision-making skills. Think about potential challenges you might face in this role and how you would address them. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.