Head of Employee Relations

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YOU MAKE US MORE

Join Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

At Moorfields, people's sight matters-and so do the people who make it possible.

For over 200 years, Moorfields has been at the forefront of ophthalmic care, research, and education. With more than 2,300 dedicated team members and over 700,000 patients seen annually across our City Road site and 22 networked sites, we are proud to be a global centre of excellence.

We're also a vibrant community where kindness, equity and excellence shape every aspect of our work. Whether it's pioneering research through our partnership with UCL Institute of Ophthalmology and Moorfields Biomedical Research Centre or training the next generation of global eye care leaders, we're united by one mission-delivering world-class eye health, sustainably and at scale.

And we're just getting started.

From 2027, we'll move to our brand-new Oriel site in St Pancras, Camden-a state-of-the-art centre that will unite eye care, research, and education under one roof. This groundbreaking facility, developed in partnership with UCL Institute of Ophthalmology and Moorfields Eye Charity, will enable transformative innovation and collaboration like never before.

Could you be part of this future? Make us more.

Job overview

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

We want someone who:

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.

Working for our organisation

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 connections
• 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.

Detailed job description and main 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 maximize 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/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

Essential criteria

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

Experience

Essential criteria

• 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

Essential criteria

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

Due to the nature of this position, employment is subject to proof of eligibility to work in the UK, completion of a satisfactory DBS disclosure and two references. We do not offer visa sponsorship for roles unless clearly stated in our adverts, so please consider this before applying.

Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion is at the heart of our organisational culture. As part of our pledge to take positive action in recruitment we encourage applications from under-represented candidates including BAME (Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic) and Disabled candidates as we work towards a representative workforce that is able to provide the quality, the dignity and respect and to deliver above and beyond.

Moorfields is a flexible working friendly organisation, and we are committed to helping our employees achieve a work-life balance that is beneficial for health and wellbeing, motivation levels and job satisfaction. Every employee of the Trust has the right to request to work flexibly. Please speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate a flexible working arrangement. If it works for the service, we will do our best to make it work for you.

If we receive sufficient applications, we will close this ad prior to the closing date. You are advised not to delay submitting your completed application.

If you would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments before applying or would like an accessible version of any recruitment documents, please contact the recruitment team at moorfields.recruitment@nhs.net.

https://www.moorfields.nhs.uk/work-for-us

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