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Head of Employment Policy & Practice

Licensed sponsor London Full-time Posted 2 weeks ago

Tower Hamlets is recruiting a Head of Employment Policy & Practice to lead the council’s employment framework, including employee relations, policy and trade union engagement.

This is a critical leadership role, ensuring our approach is legally sound, fair, consistent and enabling.

What you’ll do

  • Own and lead the council’s employment policy framework
  • Set and maintain high standards for employee relations practice
  • Lead effective and constructive trade union engagement and negotiation
  • Ensure risk is managed through strong governance and clear decision-making frameworks
  • Use insight and data to shift from reactive casework to proactive risk management
  • Work closely with other Heads of Service to create a joined‑up people system

 What we’re looking for

  •  Deep expertise in employment law and employee relations
  • Experience leading in a complex, unionised environment
  • Strong judgement and credibility with senior leaders and Members
  • Ability to balance partnership and challenge

 Our Benefits

  • Competitive salary £84,459 to £92,332 
  • Local Government Pension Scheme membership.
  • Generous annual leave: 29 days, rising to 33 with 5+ years’ service, plus bank holidays and 3 additional days at Christmas.
  • Flexible and agile working to support work–life balance.
  • Staff money-saving schemes (e.g., rent deposit loans, season ticket loans).
  • Learning and development opportunities through our Learning Academy, with clear career development and leadership pathways.

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