Head of Employee Relations and Workforce Governance

Job Introduction

Head of Employee Relations and Workforce Governance

Location: Bristol (Hybrid) 

Package: £50,000 - £70,000 DOE

Lead strategic transformation and shape Brandon Trust’s employee relations future.

About the role

 We are thrilled to be recruiting for the newly created position of Head of Employment Relations and Workforce Governance at Brandon Trust! This is a unique opportunity for a strategic leader who is passionate about building a fair, inclusive, and compliant workplace. You will have the chance to shape and lead our employee relations (ER) function, driving transformative change that enhances employee experience and supports our wider organisational goals.

In this key leadership role, you’ll develop and implement a comprehensive ER strategy, ensuring our policies, processes, and practices not only meet legal requirements but also create a positive, high-performing culture. Working closely with our People Director and wider leadership team, you’ll lead a team of ER professionals, ensuring that our workforce governance is aligned with Brandon’s values and business objectives. You will play a pivotal role in delivering our People Strategy and supporting our Plan B strategy and Well-Led framework.

Why we think you’ll love this role

• Build from the ground up: As our very first Head of Employment Relations, you’ll have the chance to shape a function that will have a lasting impact on our organisation.
• Strategic influence: You’ll collaborate with senior leaders to develop and execute ER strategies that align with our mission, ensuring compliance and creating a culture of inclusivity and engagement.
• Be a change leader: Drive change initiatives that transform our ER function into a proactive, high-performing team focused on positive employee outcomes and reducing legal risks.
• Values-driven environment: Work in an organisation where collaboration, inclusivity, and respect for all are at the core of everything we do.
• Room for innovation: Lead the development of innovative policies and practices that not only comply with legal standards but also foster a workplace where employees feel valued and empowered.

Key deliverables

• Strategic leadership and transformation: Develop and implement an ER strategy that drives cultural change and continuous improvement, aligned with Brandon Trust’s wider business goals.
• Policy and process Development: Create and continuously improve ER policies and processes, ensuring they are compliant, inclusive, and commercially effective.
• Support complex cases: Act as a point of escalation for complex ER issues, providing strategic advice and ensuring cases are resolved fairly and effectively.
• Governance and compliance: Lead the development of a governance framework for people-related activities, ensuring compliance with employment law and managing workforce risks.
• Leadership and development: Lead a high-performing ER team, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement, and providing training and tools for managers.

What you’ll bring

We know that a perfect candidate who ticks every box doesn’t exist, so if you’re excited by the role and can do most of the below – please get in touch. You could be exactly what we need!

• Extensive ER experience: A proven track record of leading employee relations strategy and managing ER-related change with measurable outcomes.
• Expert knowledge of employment law: In-depth understanding of UK employment law, including TUPE, GDPR, and sponsorship schemes, and the ability to ensure compliance across the organisation.
• Strategic thinker: The ability to transform reactive ER functions into proactive teams, focused on reducing risks and enhancing employee experience.
• Leadership skills: Demonstrated ability to lead and develop a team, fostering a collaborative, high-performing environment.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills: Strong data interpretation skills, with the ability to identify trends, make informed decisions, and drive continuous improvement.
• Commercial focus: Experience in reducing legal costs and improving ER processes, aligning them with broader business objectives.
• Commitment to values: Alignment with Brandon Trust’s values of Recognise, Involve, Equip, Challenge, and Support, and a passion for creating an inclusive work environment.

Why join us?

 This is a rare opportunity to shape and lead an essential function within Brandon Trust, creating a fair, inclusive, and legally compliant environment that supports both the organisation and its employees. By joining us, you will be at the forefront of driving positive change, enhancing our employee experience, and ensuring that our workplace is a space where everyone can thrive.

Be part of a values-driven organisation where your work makes a difference—apply today to lead the way in employee relations at Brandon Trust.

About us:

At Brandon Trust, we believe in the power of support and compassion. We're a pioneering charity supporting individuals with learning disabilities and autism. Our mission is to enable these individuals to live life to the fullest, with independence, and confidence. As part of our team, you'll be making a direct impact on the lives of the people we support, ensuring they have the resources they need to thrive.

We will be closing applications on 10^Th December at the latest. However, due to anticipated interest, we may close the process earlier, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. We will be in touch with you to let you know the outcome of your application shortly after this. 

Diversity is key to our success, and we work hard to ensure inclusivity. Let us know if you need any adjustments to the application or selection process, and we’ll be happy to help.

CORP_BT