At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure accurate workforce data and compliance across the organisation while supporting managers.
- Company: Join Southwark Council's collaborative HR Governance & Assurance team.
- Benefits: Enjoy a permanent position with a supportive environment and opportunities for skill development.
- Other info: Be part of a team focused on continuous improvement and organisational efficiency.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on workforce planning and governance in a dynamic local authority.
- Qualifications: Experience with HR systems, strong analytical skills, and excellent communication abilities.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Do you see yourself playing a key role in ensuring accurate and compliant workforce data across a large organisation?
Can you use your experience to maintain robust governance and control of establishment data, ensuring compliance and accuracy?
Does the idea of joining a collaborative and supportive team focused on continuous improvement and service excellence appeal to you?
If yes, we have the perfect role for you!
About the Role
We are looking for a skilled, detail‑focused Establishment Control Officer to join our HR Governance & Assurance team at Southwark Council.
In this role, you will play a key part in maintaining the integrity of the Council’s workforce data and ensuring strong governance across our establishment control processes.
You will support managers across the organisation, helping to ensure workforce structures are accurate, compliant, and aligned to financial controls.
This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to strategic workforce planning, strengthen data quality, and support the delivery of robust audit and assurance processes.
- As An Establishment Control Officer, You Will
- Maintain accurate establishment data within HR systems (e. g., SAP), including organisational structures, cost centres and positions.
- Ensure compliance with governance and control processes for all changes to the establishment.
- Work closely with Finance colleagues to validate funding for new posts and monitor establishment spend against budgets.
- Produce high‑quality reports, dashboards and analysis to support senior decision‑making.
- Act as a key point of contact for HR, Finance and service managers, providing expert guidance on establishment processes.
- Support workforce planning activity, including restructures and scenario modelling.
- Prepare documentation to support internal and external audits.
- Identify opportunities to improve processes and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
- Support system enhancements and testing relating to establishment functionality.
- Deliver training and guidance to managers across the organisation.
About You
- Experience working with HR systems (e. g., SAP or other ERP systems) and managing workforce data.
- A strong understanding of establishment control, governance and financial alignment.
- Advanced Excel and data analysis skills, including reporting and dashboard creation.
- Experience supporting workforce planning activities and organisational change.
- Confidence producing audit‑ready documentation and working within compliance frameworks.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Strong problem‑solving abilities and attention to detail.
- The ability to manage competing priorities and deliver to deadlines.
- You Will Be
- Analytical, organised and highly detail‑oriented.
- Comfortable working with complex datasets and translating them into meaningful insights.
- A collaborative team player who can build strong relationships across HR, Finance and services.
- Committed to continuous improvement and delivering high‑quality outcomes.
- Passionate about supporting effective workforce planning and governance.
- About the Team
The role sits within a newly created team focused on delivering accurate and well‑governed establishment control services that support organisational efficiency and financial accountability.
We work collaboratively with managers to ensure workforce data is robust, compliant and aligned with strategic priorities.
The team promotes a culture of continuous improvement and offers opportunities to develop skills in workforce planning, data analysis and governance within a supportive and professional environment.
- Contact Information
- For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Sana Kamani at
- Additional Information
- One permanent position.
- Hours of work: 36 hours per week, Monday – Friday.
Benefits And More Information
Recruitment Timeline
Advert close date: 11:59 pm on Wednesday 29th July 2026. Shortlisting date and interview date are to be confirmed.
Guaranteed Interview Scheme
As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people.
To qualify, you must meet the minimum requirements for the role and identify with one of the following criteria:
- Members of the Armed Forces and veterans.
- Those currently in care, or who have previously been in care.
- Individuals who consider themselves disabled or who have a long‑term health condition.
- About Southwark
We are the largest local authority social landlord in London, managing 55,000 homes lived in by 40% of Southwark’s residents.
We house over 18,300 businesses, including iconic London venues and social enterprises, and support a young, diverse and growing population.
Southwark is committed to making our borough just and fair, taking positive action to tackle inequalities.
Our refreshed borough plan and the Southwark Stands Together initiative underpin everything we do.
- Attachments
- Job Description and Person Specification – Establishment Control Officer
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Establishment Control Officer in London employer: Southwark Council
As a leading organisation in public health, we offer a dynamic and inclusive work environment where your contributions directly impact the health and wellbeing of the Southwark community. With a commitment to professional development, our employees benefit from hybrid working arrangements, fostering a healthy work-life balance while engaging in meaningful projects that address health inequalities. Join us to be part of a diverse team dedicated to making a difference in public health through collaboration and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Establishment Control Officer 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 Southwark Council!
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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 Southwark Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Establishment Control Officer 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 Southwark Council. 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 Southwark Council 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 Southwark Council. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Southwark Council'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 Southwark Council
✨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 Southwark Council.
✨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 Southwark Council 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 Southwark Council and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
