East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust
Head of People Relations
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An Exciting Opportunity for a Head of People Relations
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.
Key Responsibilities
- Be an inclusive and compassionate leader who treats colleagues fairly, with civility and respect.
- Promote open communication, encourage collaboration across teams, and champion continuous learning and improvement.
- Provide strategic leadership to the People Relations team.
- Deliver a modern, high-quality advisory service aligned with the principles of a Just Culture.
- Shape, influence, and deliver the ESHT People Strategy.
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Key Requirements
- 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.
- Substantial experience working closely with trade unions.
- Expert knowledge of employment legislation relevant to the People Relations agenda.
- Strong track record of managing highly complex employee relations cases.
- Thorough understanding of both local and national NHS equality, diversity, and inclusion policy.
- Confident in the digital delivery of a modern, progressive, 24/7 people relations service.
- Exceptional interpersonal and written communication skills.
- Experience in designing and delivering training to a range of audiences.
Benefits
- Staff development
- Enrollment in the NHS pension scheme
- Auto-enrolment to our Temporary Workforce Service
- Access to onsite nurseries
- Staff restaurants and accommodation
- Free psychological support through our confidential Employee Assistance Programme
- Onsite parking available from only £50 a year
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Contact Information
For further details or informal visits, contact:
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Name: Jo Gahan
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Job Title: Assistant Director People - Operational Services
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Email Address: joanne.gahan@nhs.net
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Telephone Number: 07890 316339
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Name: Akwasi Frimpong
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Job Title: Deputy Director People - Operational Services
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Email: a.frimpong4@nhs.net
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Telephone: 07483 532455
There has never been a better time to join East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust. Submit your application today.
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