Head of Employee Relations

Go back Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Head of Employee Relations

The closing date is 29 May 2026

Previous applicants within last 3 months need not apply

Please note, for those shortlisted, stakeholder interviews will be held on 8th June with interviews on 9th June.

We're looking for someone who cares deeply about people at work - someone who wants to make sure every member of staff feels supported, treated fairly, and able to thrive.

At Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, the Head of Employee Relations will lead the team that helps managers and staff work through challenges, improve workplace culture, and make sure policies and practices really work for the people they affect.

What we're looking for

• Has experience in employee relations and knows how to handle complex people issues.
• Understands employment law and can explain it clearly to others.
• Can build trust quickly and work well with staff, unions, and senior leaders.
• Knows how to lead a team with warmth and clarity.
• Wants to keep learning and improving how things are done.

Main duties of the job What the role involves

This isn't just about policies and procedures - it's about people. You'll:

• Lead a small, dedicated team who provide advice and support to staff and managers.
• Help shape how we handle employee issues, making sure our approach is fair, open, and inclusive.
• Work closely with managers, trade unions, and staff networks to solve problems early and positively.
• Keep us up to date with employment law and good practice so our people feel protected and respected.
• Support and develop managers so they feel confident dealing with people matters.
• Use data and feedback to spot where we can make things better and take action.

Why it matters

At Moorfields, our people make everything possible for our patients. This role helps make sure our staff feel listened to, supported, and treated with respect - so they can do their best work.

About us What's in it for you?

At Moorfields, we invest in you - your growth, your wellbeing, your future. You'll join a flexible, supportive organisation offering:

• Competitive salary (including high cost area supplement)
• Membership of the NHS Pension Scheme
• 24/7 independent counselling support
• Career long learning and development opportunities
• Excellent transport connection
• Access to NHS and Blue Light discount schemes
• Free Pilates classes
• Full support and training to develop your skills

And so much more! To see the full range of benefits we offer please view our Moorfields benefits leaflet.

Job responsibilities

To lead the provision of a proactive and customer focused Employee Relations team service for the Trust. Reporting to the Associate Director Workforce Strategy and Transformation OD, the post holder will support the Trust in the delivery of corporate objectives and delivery of strategic and operational people projects and initiatives that maximise performance to meet current and future business needs. Working in partnership with key stakeholders to develop and deliver the Trust's Employee Relations strategy, which is a crucial element of the overall Workforce Strategy that will deliver an approach to people management that embodies a Just Culture. With a passion for excellence in customer service, the post holder will develop and deliver best in class employee services.

Accountable for the provision of advice on Trust policy, local and national terms and conditions of employment, and employment legislation, and be a subject matter expert in all aspects of employee services and the improvement of people practices in the Trust. The Head of Employee Relations will be expected to create an environment of continuous quality improvement and professional development, ensuring that the delivery of services to staff is regularly reviewed and that service developments or changes are implemented when necessary. The Head of ER will provide visible, credible and effective leadership to deliver a high quality service by coaching and supporting their direct reports. The post holder will be a strong, inspirational leader who influences and shapes the Trust's people strategy agenda, forging strong relationships with stakeholders internally and externally and building the reputation of collaborative partnership working and innovation in the provision of Employee advisory and support services across the customer base.

Person Specification Qualifications

• Degree plus master's level qualification or equivalent specialist experience
• Evidence of continued professional development

Experience

• Experience designing and delivering a range of training to managers on people management issues
• Excellent demonstrable knowledge of current employment legislation and best practice in managing ER policies, principles, and procedures
• Significant demonstrable experience of advising a range of stakeholders on a broad range of employee relations issues, including balancing legal compliance with business needs

Skills and Knowledge

• Well developed written and verbal communication skills to communicate effectively with staff at all levels, including senior managers, different professionals, and Trade Unions

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.

Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust