Head of Employment Policy & Practice

Lead employment governance, standards and assurance

Tower Hamlets is recruiting a Head of Employment Policy & Practice to lead the council’s employment framework, including employee relations, policy and trade union engagement.

This is a critical leadership role, ensuring our approach is legally sound, fair, consistent and enabling.

What you’ll do

• Own and lead the council’s employment policy framework
• Set and maintain high standards for employee relations practice
• Lead effective and constructive trade union engagement and negotiation
• Ensure risk is managed through strong governance and clear decision-making frameworks
• Use insight and data to shift from reactive casework to proactive risk management
• Work closely with other Heads of Service to create a joined‑up people system

What we’re looking for

• Deep expertise in employment law and employee relations
• Experience leading in a complex, unionised environment
• Strong judgement and credibility with senior leaders and Members
• Ability to balance partnership and challenge

Our Benefits

• Competitive salary £84,459 to £92,332

• Local Government Pension Scheme membership.

• Generous annual leave: 29 days, rising to 33 with 5+ years’ service, plus bank holidays and 3 additional days at Christmas.

• Flexible and agile working to support work–life balance.

• Staff money-saving schemes (e.g., rent deposit loans, season ticket loans).

• Learning and development opportunities through our Learning Academy, with clear career development and leadership pathways.