Job Summary
A rare opportunity for an experienced senior HR leader to shape the future of People Services in a values driven NHS Trust. As Associate Director of People Services, you will strengthen how we support and empower our workforce. You will lead People Relations and People Business Partnering, overseeing complex, high risk casework, shaping employment policy, and embedding a restorative, just and inclusive culture. This role suits someone who thrives in complexity, brings calm and credibility and balances strategic leadership with hands on expertise. You will work closely with Executive leaders, clinical divisions, trade unions and senior managers, providing trusted advice on sensitive, legally complex and reputational matters. You will be emotionally intelligent, values led and resilient, able to influence at senior level while staying mindful of the human impact of people decisions.
Why work with us?
You will join a supportive leadership environment where your expertise is trusted, your voice is valued and your impact is visible. We value autonomy, psychological safety, ethical decision making and professional growth, alongside high standards and accountability. This is a role for someone who wants to shape strategy, lead cultural change and make a lasting impact.
Stakeholder session and formal interview: The stakeholder session will be held before the formal interview. The formal interview is provisionally scheduled for Wednesday 4 March 2026 (subject to confirmation).
Main duties of the job
About The Role
As Associate Director of People Services, you will:
* Provide senior strategic leadership for the Trust's people relations agenda
* Lead complex and high-risk case management, including Employment Tribunals
* Champion a restorative, just and learning culture across the organisation
* Lead and develop our People Business Partners and Head of People Relations
* Shape employment policy and governance at Trust level
* Provide expert advice to Executive Directors and senior leaders
* Oversee workforce planning and divisional people strategies
* Strengthen data-led decision making and reporting
* Act as nominated deputy to the Deputy Director of People
This role sits at the heart of our organisational culture and risk governance, offering the opportunity to influence strategy, practice and leadership at scale.
About Us
Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is a high performing and flourishing organisation serving the population of Hackney, East London, The City and beyond. We are proud that Homerton Hospital has attained the highest rating of 'Outstanding' from the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
Our integrated Trust provides hospital and community health services for our local population and a range of specialist services for a wider group of patients. We also manage services out of St Leonard's Hospital and the Mary Seacole Nursing Home. We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and have policies to support this, including Fair Recruitment Standards. We value the nursing community and offer a range of staff benefits. Homerton is proud to have been listed in the HSJ & Nursing Times Best Places to Work.
Details
Date posted 28 January 2026
Pay scheme Agenda for change
Band Band 8c
Salary £85,431 to £97,148 a year per annum
Contract Permanent
Working pattern Full-time
Reference number 293-CSEP-0640
Job locations Homerton Hospital, London, E9 6SR
Job Description
Job responsibilities
The Associate Director of People Services is a senior leadership role within the People Division, providing strategic leadership across People Relations and People Business Partnering. Reporting to the Deputy Director of People, the post holder will lead the Trust’s people relations agenda, ensuring high-quality, legally compliant and compassionate people practices that support workforce wellbeing, organisational performance and patient care.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead the Trust-wide People Relations function, providing oversight of complex and high-risk employee relations cases, including Employment Tribunals
* Act as a trusted senior advisor to Executive Directors, clinical leaders and senior managers
* Lead and develop the People Business Partnering service, ensuring divisions are supported strategically and consistently
* Champion a restorative, just and inclusive culture across the organisation
* Lead employment policy development and ensure compliance with employment law, ACAS and NHS guidance
* Provide governance, assurance and reporting on people relations risks and trends to senior leadership and committees
* Lead organisational change programmes in partnership with trade unions and stakeholders
* Line manage the Head of People Relations and People Business Partners, supporting high performance and development
* Use people data and insight to inform workforce planning and decision-making
* Deputise for the Deputy Director of People as required
This role requires a senior HR professional with strong employee relations expertise, high emotional intelligence and the credibility to operate at Board and system level.
Person Specification
Essential
Education / Qualifications
* Degree Level Education or equivalent experience
* Post graduate Diploma or MSC in HR or equivalent experience
* Chartered Member of the CIPD or Equivalent
* Evidence of Continuing Professional Development
Desirable
* Chartered Fellow of the CIPD
Skills/ Abilities
* Strong effective communicator in writing, presentations and interpersonal communication
* Ability to communicate highly complex information around change management, difficult disciplinary cases, chairing meetings, presenting reports to committees / board
* Highly developed teamwork skills
* Effective management and delegation skills with the ability to assign work at the correct level
* Results oriented with a clear customer focus
* Demonstrable ability to see the big picture and provide strategic advice across the Trust
* Ability to lead in an environment of constant change
* Knowledge of compliance and regulatory frameworks
* Analytical and planning skills with attention to detail and process
* Good understanding of HR Information Systems
* Full range of operational and strategic skills at a senior HR level
* Experience of workforce planning
* Knowledge of best practice facilitation and negotiating skills
* Ability to analyse and interpret complex data to inform decision making
* Builds productive working relationships and strategic partnerships with a range of stakeholders
Desirable
* Working knowledge of NHS pay and reward systems
Experience
* Experience of leading, coaching and building capability in an HR business partner model
* Experience of working in a senior HR role in a complex environment
* Complex employee relations management experience including Employment Tribunal case management
* Experience of working alongside trade unions and professional organisations in change management, negotiation and mediation situations
* In-depth knowledge of employment legislation, HR policies and procedures
Knowledge
* Knowledge of governance processes including safer recruitment practices
* Knowledge of FOI and SAR principles in relation to data sharing
* Budget management
Trust Values, Equal Opportunities & Other Requirements
* Commitment and adherence to equality, diversity and inclusion
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and a Disclosure to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website. The guidance includes criminal records checks for overseas applicants.
Employer details
Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Homerton Hospital, London, E9 6SR. Website: https://www.homerton.nhs.uk/
LNKD1_UKTJ
#J-18808-Ljbffr