An iconic public sector organisation is currently recruiting for a Head of HR Policy and Industrial Relations on an interim basis for 3 - 6 months.
This is a senior, high‑profile role based in Central London and will offer hybrid working with 3 days on site per week. The role will be offered inside IR35 ranging between £600 - £650 per day umbrella.
You would lead the development of its people policy framework and oversee strategic industrial relations within a complex, unionised environment. They are offering the opportunity to influence organisation‑wide policy, employee relations and workforce change at scale.
About the Role
This is a senior, high‑impact position within a large and diverse public sector organisation, focused on modernising HR policy, strengthening governance and leading constructive industrial relations.
You will own the organisation’s HR policy framework, ensuring policies and procedures are legally compliant, future‑focused and aligned to the multi‑year People Strategy. Alongside this, you will act as the organisation’s single point of contact for Trade Unions and senior employee representatives, leading formal consultation, negotiation and engagement.
You will also play a key role in delivering major strategic programmes, and advising senior leaders on complex workforce and employment matters.
This role will be responsible for:
* Leading the development, review and implementation of HR policies, procedures and the Employee Handbook, ensuring compliance with employment law, regulation and best practice
* Owning and delivering the organisation’s industrial relations strategy, acting as the principal liaison with Trade Unions and Senior Employee Representatives
* Leading and managing the Corporation side of the Joint Consultative Committee (JCC), including agenda setting, governance and follow‑up actions
* Managing the annual pay award process, including preparation, negotiation, stakeholder engagement and communications
* Developing and implementing a new Trade Union Recognition Agreement that supports modern, collaborative industrial relations
* Leading formal consultation on complex and strategic workforce change, including organisational redesign, AI impacts, equality and inclusion priorities and TUPE transfers
* Providing expert advice to senior leaders, boards and committees on HR policy, employment law and industrial relations risks and opportunities
* Overseeing communication, training and embedding of HR policies across the organisation, working closely with HR, Internal Communications and Learning & OD teams
* Representing the organisation externally across HR and policy networks and forums
They are seeking an experienced senior HR professional with:
* Significant experience operating at a senior level within a large, complex and unionised organisation, ideally in the public or wider regulated sector
* Extensive experience developing and implementing HR policies and procedures from design through to delivery
* Proven leadership of industrial relations, including trade union negotiations, pay awards, recognition agreements and formal consultation
* Strong working knowledge of UK employment law, case law and ACAS guidance
* Chartered membership of the CIPD (MCIPD) or equivalent professional expertise
* The ability to engage, influence and challenge senior stakeholders with confidence and credibility
* Excellent drafting, analytical and presentation skills, including experience presenting to senior committees
* The resilience and pragmatism to operate effectively at pace within a complex organisational environment
If you have significant HR policy and industrial relations experience and are looking for a senior opportunity where you can shape strategy and deliver meaningful change, apply now and we’ll be in touch.