Job overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a dynamic and forward‑thinking Head of People Relations to lead and further develop our People Relations service covering a 12 month Fixed term.
We are seeking an experienced leader with a strong background in employment law and complex employee relations who is passionate about making a meaningful difference within the NHS. The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership to our People Relations team, delivering a modern, high‑quality advisory service aligned with the principles of a Just Culture.
As a key member of the People Directorate, the postholder will play a pivotal role in shaping, influencing, and delivering the ESHT People Strategy, ensuring our people practices support a positive, fair, and compassionate working environment.
We offer a blended approach to agile working. The role is primarily based at Eastbourne District General Hospital, with the flexibility to work from home and occasional travel to Conquest Hospital, Hastings, as required.
Main duties of the job
You will be an inclusive and compassionate leader who treats colleagues fairly, with civility and respect. You will promote open communication, encourage collaboration across teams, and champion continuous learning and improvement.
You will be a CIPD member and hold a Master’s‑level qualification, or demonstrate equivalent knowledge gained through formal study and extensive experience. Experience in business partnering or people management is essential.
You will have substantial experience working closely with trade unions and will bring expert knowledge of employment legislation relevant to the People Relations agenda. You will also have a strong track record of managing highly complex employee relations cases. A thorough understanding of both local and national NHS equality, diversity and inclusion policy is required.
You will be confident in the digital delivery of a modern, progressive, 24/7 people relations service and will support its implementation at ESHT.
Exceptional interpersonal and written communication skills are essential, along with experience in designing and delivering training to a range of audiences.
If you have the expertise, commitment and vision to help us develop a modern People Relations service that enhances the experience of our colleagues, we would welcome your application. We recognise that supporting our people effectively has a direct and positive impact on the experience of the communities who use our health and care services.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please refer to the job description attached for further details. Please contact us for further information.
Person specification
Experience
Essential
- Experience of leadership within a people function at a senior level.
- Significant experience of employee relations issues including organisation MHPS, capability, disciplinary, grievance and employment tribunals in a complex multi-disciplinary setting
- Successful experience of digital solutions to provide people relations services
- Significant experience in successfully managing highly complex people relation cases. Including dealing with complex medical people issues (MHPS), redundancy, appeals against job planning.
- Experience at a senior level of preparation of cases for ET’s (to include medical) and completion of A proven track record of delivery in the areas of planning and delivering on people relations initiatives.
- A sound generalist People background with proven management skills, experience of managing a large team of people and having a broad understanding of people issues.
Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to master’s degree Level education or equivalent experience
- Member of the CIPD
- Evidence of Continuing Professional Development
Desirable
- Leadership / management qualification
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Head of People Relations with East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust in St Leonards On Sea, South East, England. It is listed as a Band 8 role. The advertised salary is £66,582 - £77,368 Per annum, pro rata. The contract type is Fixed term: 12 months (predicted end date 30 June 2027). The application deadline is 31 Jul 2026.
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