Head of Employee Relations
The closing date is 22 May 2026
Job summary
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Head of Employee Relations to lead our ER function and drive a fair, compassionate and high-performing workforce culture across the Trust. This senior role provides both strategic influence and hands-on leadership, ensuring the delivery of a high-quality, customer-focused HR advisory service that supports safe patient care and a positive staff experience.
Working closely with the Deputy Chief People Officer, the wider people team and leaders across the organisation and beyond, this role will also play a pivotal role in developing and implementing our people strategy for all our people, in line with our ambition to deliver the best care to patients across our communities across integrated pathways both within and outside the hospital, in line with the 10-Year Plan.
Should you have any questions, please contact Sam Eales at Morgan Law - sameales@morgan-law.com / 07785 241 561.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will:
- Lead and develop the HR Advisory Team, ensuring consistent, compassionate and high-quality ER support.
- Act as the Trust's senior advisor on complex and high-risk cases, including MHPS and ET preparation.
- Oversee Trust-wide employment policies, ensuring they are modern, inclusive and aligned to a just and learning culture.
- Build management capability through training, coaching and guidance.
- Use ER data and metrics to identify trends, risks and improvement opportunities.
- Partner with staff-side colleagues to maintain positive and constructive industrial relations.
- Provide senior HR input into organisational change programmes and culture-building initiatives.
About us
We offer:
- A hybrid work environment with three days in our Teddington or Kingston Hospital offices and two days remote.
- A supportive and dynamic team that values innovation and collaboration.
- A clear path for personal growth and professional advancement.
- Standard NHS staff benefits package.
In return, we are looking for someone with:
- Significant employee relations leadership experience within the NHS.
- Expertise in managing complex cases, including MHPS.
- Strong knowledge of employment law and NHS T&Cs.
- Experience developing policies and delivering ER-related training.
- Excellent communication, influencing and stakeholder-management skills.
- A compassionate, inclusive and values-led approach to people management.
Details
Date posted
01 May 2026
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 8b
Salary
£72,719 to £83,505 a year Per annum inc HCAS outer london
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
396-7982216-OA
Job locations
Kingston & Richmond Hospital
180 High Street Thames House/Kingston Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Teddington
TW11 8HY
Employer details
Employer name
Kingston and Richmond NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Kingston & Richmond Hospital
180 High Street Thames House/Kingston Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Teddington
TW11 8HY
Employer's website
https://www.kingstonandrichmond.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)
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Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact:
Supporting documents
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