Deputy Head of Employee Relations | East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust
| Posting date: | 14 May 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | Not specified |
| Additional salary information: | £49,387 - £56,515 per annum pro rata |
| Hours: | Part time |
| Closing date: | 13 June 2026 |
| Location: | Colchester/Ipswich, CO4 5PD |
| Company: | Colchester Hospital University NHS Foundation Trust |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 8011227/432-HR240-26 |
Summary
We are looking for an experienced and highly motivated Employee Relations professional to join us as a Deputy Head of Employee Relations.
As a senior member of the Employee Relations team, you will support the Head of Employee Relations in delivering a high-quality, responsive and consistent ER service across the Trust. You will lead on complex and sensitive ER casework and will work closely with the Head of Employee Relations and your peer to ensure a consistent, high-quality service.
This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a busy operational environment, has significant experience handling complex casework, and can balance competing priorities while maintaining professionalism and attention to detail.
Previous applicants need not reapply
Employee Relations & Advisor
• Lead and manage complex employee relations cases, including disciplinary, grievance, dignity at work and sickness cases
• Provide expert, risk-based advice to managers on sensitive and high-risk workforce matters
• Support and guide investigations, hearings and Employment Tribunals as required
• Ensure consistent application of HR policies, employment law and NHS terms and conditions
Leadership & Service Delivery
• Support the leadership and development of a high-performing ER team, ensuring quality and consistency of casework
• Deputise for the Head of Employee Relations as required
• Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders, managers and trade union representatives
• Contribute to the development of a proactive, efficient and customer-focused ER service
Governance & Policy
• Lead on the review and development of HR policies in line with best practice, legislation and organisational priorities
• Ensure compliance with regulatory standards, including CQC requirements and Trust governance frameworks
• Monitor ER activity, identifying risks, trends and areas for improvement
Performance, Insight & Improvement
• Analyse ER data and trends to inform decision-making and continuous improvement
• Contribute to Board-level reporting, providing insight and recommendations
• Promote early resolution and support initiatives to improve management capability and reduce formal casework
We are ESNEFT and we provide hospital and community health services to almost one million people across east Suffolk and north Essex. Our dedicated staff deliver care from acute hospitals in Colchester and Ipswich, community hospitals, surgeries, community clinics and in patients’ own homes.
We are one of the largest NHS organisations in England, employing more than 12,000 staff.
We pride ourselves on supporting our staff. We offer a wide range of training and development opportunities, as well as flexible working options.
Along with supporting you to achieve your career goals we offer a generous pension scheme, unsocial hours payments (where applicable), 27 days annual leave on commencement (pro rata) and access to a range of NHS discounts. Our Staff Health and Wellbeing programme offer a variety of services.
Our philosophy is thatTime Mattersto everyone. Across the Trust, we concentrate on improving the things we do and removing those which cause time delays for our staff and patients.
We are investing in our commitment to Time Matters with a partnership with leading electronic patient record (EPR) supplier Epic. This digital transformation will bring what’s widely regarded as the world’s best EPR system to ESNEFT, transforming life in hospital for staff and patients.
If you are passionate about patient care and want to develop your skills and knowledge, then we want to hear from you.
Find out about living and working here -www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkPu7HphU8A
For full details of the responsibilities and duties of this role please see the attached job description.
This advert closes on Monday 25 May 2026