Head of Employee Relations

Head of Employee Relations Overview

We are looking for an experienced leader in Employee Relations to join our team at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape a modern, compassionate, and effective Employee Relations service. The successful candidate will serve as the Trust’s senior expert in Employee Relations, providing credible and legally sound advice to Executive Directors, senior leaders, clinicians, and managers.

The primary responsibilities of this role include:

• Leading the Trust’s Employee Relations strategy and service.
• Advising on complex and high-risk employee relations cases.
• Providing expert guidance on employment law, NHS terms and conditions, and organizational risk.
• Overseeing Employment Tribunal matters and collaborating with external legal advisers.
• Building effective relationships with recognized trade unions and staff representatives.
• Supporting organizational change, restructuring, consultation, and TUPE processes.
• Developing manager confidence through coaching, training, and early-resolution approaches.
• Using workforce data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.

To be considered for this position, candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Chartered Member of the CIPD (MCIPD) or equivalent professional experience.
• Master’s degree or equivalent level qualification in Human Resources, Employment Relations, Employment Law, or a related discipline.
• Significant experience working within the NHS or another large, complex, highly regulated organization.
• Proven experience managing complex and high-risk employee relations cases.
• Experience advising senior managers and Executive Directors.
• Desirable: Qualification or formal training in mediation.

This is a full-time, permanent position with a salary range of £66,582 to £77,368 per annum. We recognize the importance of work-life balance and invite applicants to discuss flexible working arrangements prior to application submission.

Applications from job seekers requiring current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.

For further information or to discuss the role informally, please contact Sandeep Karir, Deputy Chief People Officer at [email protected].

Degree Requirement: Bachelor’s

Visa Sponsorship Promising