Job summary
Following a recent structural change within the Human Resources function, an exciting opportunity for a permanent Head of Employee Relations has arisen with London Ambulance Service NHS Trust.
London Ambulance Service NHS Trust is the largest ambulance service in the UK, covering the 9.6 million residents of London, and the 30 million people who visit annually. Serving one of the world's most dynamic and diverse cities, we receive over 2 million 999 calls and 3.2 million 111 calls each year.
Main duties of the job
Like any big organisation we face challenges, and this appointment is key to us building upon our successes. The Head of Employee Relations will be an expert adviser to our HR Managers, HR Advisors and stakeholders across the wider organisation. They will also lead the transformation of our approach to managing employee relations, putting mediation, advocacy, and resolution at the forefront of what we do and minimising formal casework where we can.
About us
London Ambulance Service NHS Trust is the busiest ambulance Trust in the UK. We are seeking someone who will fit with the Trust values of being respectful, professional, innovative and collaborative.
You will, therefore, have the opportunity to join the team at an exciting time of growth and to gain experience of being involved in a varied portfolio.
Annual leave starts at 27 days rising to 33 days, plus bank holidays, in line with agenda for change (NHS terms and conditions).
Employees can access Blue Light (emergency services) discounts as well as NHS discount schemes.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Key duties:
- Drive strategy, change and service improvement in the specialist area of employee relations
- Embed the ER service to provide high quality, consistent and timely expert advice on the management of all employee relations issues
- Lead and provide an effective employee relations advisory service, HR Hub and Resolution, Advocacy and Mediation service that is efficient, customer focused, consistent and in accordance with the Trust objectives and the People & Culture strategy
- Manage the employment tribunal case load in timely and cost efficient manner
- Support, develop and train line managers to enable them to become more self-sufficient when dealing with employee relations matters
- Develop the HR policy and procedure frameworks
- Responsible for ensuring constructive and effective partnership working with Trade Unions
Key criteria:
- Significant experience dealing with employee relations issues effectively, including employment tribunals, union engagement, and change management
- Previous leadership and people management experience, with the ability to deal with difficult situations calmly and efficiently
- Proactive can-do attitude, always striving to improve the service across the organisation
- Excellent interpersonal skills that enable positive working relationships with a range of people internally and externally
- Excellent customer service skills
- Ability to interpret and advise on NHS terms and conditions (agenda for change)
- MCIPD or equivalent qualification
Job description
Job responsibilities
Key duties:
- Drive strategy, change and service improvement in the specialist area of employee relations
- Embed the ER service to provide high quality, consistent and timely expert advice on the management of all employee relations issues
- Lead and provide an effective employee relations advisory service, HR Hub and Resolution, Advocacy and Mediation service that is efficient, customer focused, consistent and in accordance with the Trust objectives and the People & Culture strategy
- Manage the employment tribunal case load in timely and cost efficient manner
- Support, develop and train line managers to enable them to become more self-sufficient when dealing with employee relations matters
- Develop the HR policy and procedure frameworks
- Responsible for ensuring constructive and effective partnership working with Trade Unions
Key criteria:
- Significant experience dealing with employee relations issues effectively, including employment tribunals, union engagement, and change management
- Previous leadership and people management experience, with the ability to deal with difficult situations calmly and efficiently
- Proactive can-do attitude, always striving to improve the service across the organisation
- Excellent interpersonal skills that enable positive working relationships with a range of people internally and externally
- Excellent customer service skills
- Ability to interpret and advise on NHS terms and conditions (agenda for change)
- MCIPD or equivalent qualification
Person Specification
Qualifications, Accreditations, Education
Essential
- Master's Degree
- MCIPD qualified (MCIPD membership)
- Evidence of continuing professional development
- Further specialist training or equivalent experience in employee relations/ Employment law
Experience
Essential
- Significant experience in dealing with Employee Relations issues effectively, including Employment Tribunals, union engagment, and change management
- Experience of supporting an organisation in preparing for and attending Employment Tribunals
- Significant experience in HR at senior level within a unionised environment and working in partnership with union colleagues
- Previous leadership and people management experience, including experience of managing people in difficult situations.
- Significant experience in HR in the public sector in a large complex organisation with union recognition
- Significant knowledge and expertise in policy development and implementation.
Person Specification
Qualifications, Accreditations, Education
Essential
- Master's Degree
- MCIPD qualified (MCIPD membership)
- Evidence of continuing professional development
- Further specialist training or equivalent experience in employee relations/ Employment law
Experience
Essential
- Significant experience in dealing with Employee Relations issues effectively, including Employment Tribunals, union engagment, and change management
- Experience of supporting an organisation in preparing for and attending Employment Tribunals
- Significant experience in HR at senior level within a unionised environment and working in partnership with union colleagues
- Previous leadership and people management experience, including experience of managing people in difficult situations.
- Significant experience in HR in the public sector in a large complex organisation with union recognition
- Significant knowledge and expertise in policy development and implementation.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
