This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced and motivated Employee Relations professional to join our People & Organisational Development team as Deputy Head of Employee Relations.
In this key leadership role, you will support the Head of Employee Relations to deliver a high-quality, responsive and values-driven ER service across the Trust. You will play a pivotal role in shaping our approach to employee relations, ensuring consistency, fairness and alignment with our Just and Learning Culture.
You will lead complex casework, oversee service delivery, and work in close partnership with senior leaders to strengthen manager capability, improve outcomes for staff, and reduce organisational risk.
We are looking for a collaborative and credible ER leader who can operate with confidence at senior level.
In this role you will:
- Provide visible leadership to the Employee Relations team, driving high standards of performance and continuous improvement
- Lead and oversee complex employee relations cases from initial advice through to resolution, including investigations, hearings and tribunals
- Support the development of a high-performing ER service that is proactive, data-informed and solution-focused
- Coach and support managers to build confidence and capability in handling people issues
- Work closely with P&OD Business Partners, senior leaders and Trade Union colleagues
- Analyse ER trends and provide insight to inform service improvements and Board-level reporting
- Contribute to the development and review of policies, ensuring alignment with legislation and NHS best practice
- Support governance, risk management and assurance processes within the service
- Line manage the Senior Employee Relations Advisors
- Deputise for the Head of Employee Relations as required
At South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, we believe in providing excellent care which is delivered with pride and compassion. Everything we do is to improve the lives of the people and communities we serve and to promote mental health and wellbeing for all.
The Deputy Head of Employee Relations has responsibility for managing all aspects of service delivery within the relevant corporate function of South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust to agreed quality standards and within the resource and income base available, to support the Trust’s development as a clinically led organisation.
The Deputy Head of Employee Relations will lead on the development, implementation, establishment and review of performance management systems within the relevant corporate function it is critical that this is done collaboratively with other within the service area and across other Directorates.
§ To support the Head of ER to lead and build a high performing team that in turn adds value to the Trust through the delivery of effective and efficient employee relations provision.
§ Support the development of increased competency in line management and ensuring appropriate consistency of application of policies and procedures across the Trust which supports the ‘just and fair culture’ and to protect the Trust as far as possible from the risk of litigation
§ Work with the Head of ER on the development, implementation and evaluation of an innovative employee relations service, P&OD policies and governance solutions which will support the Trust to successfully embed the Trust’s values as well as any associated organisational cultural changes.
§ Ensure casework is undertaken to the highest standard, in a sensitive and timely manner, in line with employment legislation, NHS guidance and best practice.
§ To monitor trends and analysing information and learning from ER cases, presenting findings as required.
§ To work with the Head of ER to ensure delivery of the KPIs for the ER team.
This means specific accountability to:
- Ensure that service delivery standards are achieved.
- Work collaboratively with Directorate Directors, Clinical Leads, Operational leads, and other colleagues to ensure that service delivery and improvement plans are developed, implemented and reviewed.
- Ensure that financial controls are established and maintained within the relevant department.
- Work in partnership with colleagues across the Trust to drive the achievement of the Trust’s corporate goals and business plan, including the achievement of all the relevant performance standards incorporating quality, safety, contractual, financial and people.
- Act as an ambassador for the Trust, ensuring the positive development of the Trust brand, championing the Trust’s values.
