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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead health, safety, and wellbeing initiatives for nursing staff across the UK.
- Company: Join the Royal College of Nursing, a powerful trade union for healthcare professionals.
- Benefits: Enjoy up to 32 days annual leave, flexible working, and a top-notch wellbeing programme.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of nurses and improve patient care standards.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills and a commitment to trade union values required.
- Other info: Diverse team with opportunities for professional growth and development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About this Role Package
We offer a range of benefits, including learning & development opportunities, a health and wellbeing programme and annual leave starting from 28 days plus bank holidays and 3 additional days for the Christmas break plus generous parental leave packages. There is more to the RCN than you might think. We’re a trade union with a membership of over half a million nurses, midwives, nursing support workers and students. We support their practice, represent them, lobby on their behalf, and develop them. We exist to make a positive difference – to the working lives of our members and ultimately to standards in patient care. Our employees are drawn from many walks of life – we are nurses, marketers and communicators, administrators, IT professionals, policy and finance experts, lawyers… together we are so much more. We couldn’t do what we do without our people.
The role
As a key specialist member of the Employment Relations Department (ERD) you will be the UK employment relations policy lead (job share) for occupational health, safety, and wellbeing issues with respect to the physical and psychological working environments of nurses and nursing staff, wherever they work. Deputising where required for the Associate Director of Employment Relations, you will also line manage a team of specialist Health, Safety and Wellbeing Senior National Officer(s). Supporting the development, and ensuring the effective delivery, of the RCN’s strategy and policy in respect to the Health, Safety and Wellbeing of members, you will work collaboratively and in partnership across the organisation and with key external stakeholders to influence and campaign for improved nursing terms and conditions.
The person
The ability to foster strong professional relationships and encourage close collaboration between departments and stakeholders is at the heart of this leadership role. You will demonstrate a strong commitment to the ethos of trade unionism and promoting the health, safety and wellbeing of RCN members. To succeed at the Royal College of Nursing all you need to do is think bigger, better and brighter. And with an attitude like that, anything’s possible.
What we offer you
We expect you to look after our members. And we expect you to be rewarded for it. We offer an impressive range of benefits, a broad range of learning development opportunities and an award-winning health and wellbeing programme. We offer annual leave up to 32 days plus bank holidays and three additional days for the Christmas break plus generous maternity, adoption, paternity, and shared parental leave packages.
We offer a competitive pay structure with annual pay progression until you reach the top of the salary scale. We normally offer new employees the first point of the salary range, although you may be able to negotiate a higher starting salary depending on your skills, experience and current salary. We are a diverse organisation and understand everyone has different needs and many of our employees enjoy flexible working enabling them to deliver results whilst having a good work life balance. Our hybrid working model allows for up to 60% of your working time to be carried out from home. At least 40% of your working time will be spent working in person. There may be further flexibility to the locations advertised. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss if alternative office locations are available.
Our selection process
Please click the ‘apply now’ button to submit a CV and answer the supporting questions online demonstrating how you meet the criteria for this role. You may not be shortlisted if you don’t. Please ensure your CV is in a simple format with minimal tables and sections. Any identifying information in your application will automatically be anonymised for shortlisting purposes. We want your experience applying for a job with us to be the best it can be. We may hold our interviews and assessments in person or by video call. If you foresee any problems, please let us know.
Closing date: 11.59pm, 1 February 2026.
Assessment and interview date: 17, 18 or 19 February 2026. If we receive many applications after a week of advertising, we may close this vacancy earlier.
Equal opportunities for everyone
Equity, diversity and inclusion are a priority for us and we aim to foster an inclusive environment so our people can bring their selves to work. This is integral to our mission to enable you to support our members and ensure their voice is heard by all UK governments to get the best outcomes for them and their patients. As a proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme we actively encourage applications from people with disabilities.
RCN | Head of Health, Safety and Wellbeing (Employment Relations) in Leeds employer: Trade Union Congress
Contact Detail:
Trade Union Congress Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land RCN | Head of Health, Safety and Wellbeing (Employment Relations) in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the RCN on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Research the RCN’s recent initiatives in health, safety, and wellbeing. Show us you’re passionate about making a difference for our members.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a mate to do a mock interview with you. Focus on articulating how your experience aligns with the role and how you can contribute to the RCN’s mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It keeps you fresh in our minds and shows your enthusiasm!
We think you need these skills to ace RCN | Head of Health, Safety and Wellbeing (Employment Relations) in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Head of Health, Safety and Wellbeing. Highlight your relevant experience in employment relations, health and safety, and wellbeing initiatives. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission!
Answer Supporting Questions Thoughtfully: When you get to the supporting questions, take your time! Use this opportunity to showcase your understanding of trade unionism and how you can contribute to the RCN's goals. We’re looking for genuine insights into your approach and values.
Keep It Simple: Remember to keep your CV in a simple format with minimal tables and sections. This makes it easier for us to read and understand your qualifications. We appreciate clarity and straightforwardness!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to hit that ‘apply now’ button on our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it helps us streamline the process and keep everything organised.
How to prepare for a job interview at Trade Union Congress
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key issues surrounding health, safety, and wellbeing in nursing. Brush up on current policies and challenges faced by nurses today. This will not only show your expertise but also your commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a potential head of a department, it’s crucial to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past, especially in collaborative environments. Highlight your experience in fostering professional relationships.
✨Align with Their Values
The Royal College of Nursing is all about making a positive difference. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with their mission. Share your passion for trade unionism and how you’ve contributed to improving working conditions in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world situations. Think about potential challenges in health and safety within nursing and how you would address them. This will showcase your critical thinking and practical approach.
