At Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, we are committed to creating a compassionate, inclusive and high‑performing workplace where our people can thrive and deliver outstanding care.
We are now seeking a Head of HR Advisory to lead one of our core People services and play a critical role in shaping how employee relations, policy and employment practice operate across the Trust.
Main duties of the job
The Head of HR Advisory provides senior, professional leadership to the Trust’s HR Advisory function, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, consistent and values‑led operational HR services.
The Head of HR Advisory leads a specialist centre of expertise that enables the business partnering model. Business Partners retain accountability for strategic workforce leadership and Care Group interface; HR Advisory provides expert handling of formal processes, policy and assurance.
You will:
- Lead, develop and support a multi‑disciplinary HR Advisory team, building confidence, consistency and professional capability
- Set clear standards, thresholds and expectations for employee relations practice, ensuring proportionality, fairness and legal robustness
- Hold operational ownership of ER case management systems, using data and insight to drive learning and improvement
- Act as senior professional lead on complex, sensitive and high‑risk employment matters
- Support organisational resilience by contributing to preparedness for industrial action and workforce risk
- Work in partnership with trade unions to foster a positive, constructive employee relations climate
- Prepare and present clear, evidence‑based reports to senior governance forums and committees
About us
Greater Manchester Mental Health (GMMH) Foundation Trust employs over 7000 members of staff, who deliver services from more than 122 locations.
We provide inpatient and community‑based mental health care for people living in Bolton, the city of Manchester, Salford, Trafford and the borough of Wigan, and a wide range of specialist mental health and substance misuse services across Greater Manchester, the north west of England and beyond.
Greater Manchester is one of the world’s most innovative, original and exciting places to live and work. From the beauty of the surrounding countryside to the heart of the vibrant inner city with great shopping, entertainment and dining options.
Wherever you go you will experience a great northern welcome with people famed for their warmth, humour and generosity.
Our people enjoy their work, have opportunities to learn and develop their skills and are encouraged to generate new ideas that improve care for our service users.
Job responsibilities
You will be an experienced senior HR professional with:
- Substantial experience leading employee relations activity in a large, complex organisation (NHS experience desirable)
- A strong track record of leading and developing professional HR teams
- Confidence operating in complex, high‑risk and sensitive situations
- Experience using HR systems and data to provide assurance and drive improvement
- A collaborative, values‑led approach to working with trade unions and senior leaders
You will be comfortable providing constructive challenge, setting clear expectations and improving how services operate while remaining grounded in fairness, learning and compassion.
Staff benefits
- 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays rising to 29 after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years
- Excellent pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Salary sacrifice car scheme
- Wellbeing programme
- Blue Light Card Discounts
- FuelGenie Fuel Cards (for applicable roles)
Person Specification
Qualifications
- Degree level qualification in Human Resources, Employment Law, Business Management or a related subject, or equivalent level of relevant professional experience
- Evidence of ongoing Continuing Professional Development relevant to senior HR practice
Experience
- Significant senior level experience within an HR function in the NHS or a large, complex organisation
- Substantial experience leading employee relations activity, including oversight of complex, high‑risk and sensitive cases
- Proven experience of leading and managing professional HR teams, including HR Managers and Advisors
- Experience of working in partnership with trade unions and staff‑side representatives in a complex employment environment
- Experience of improving consistency, timeliness or quality of ER practice through process redesign or system improvement
Knowledge
- In depth knowledge of UK employment law and employee relations best practice
- Strong understanding of the NHS workforce context, including Agenda for Change, organisational change processes and employee relations frameworks
- Working knowledge of HR case management systems and their use in driving consistency, accountability and learning
- Clear understanding of modern HR target operating models, including the distinct roles of Business Partners, Advisory services and transactional/employee services
- Knowledge of restorative and just culture principles and their application within employment practice
Skills
- Ability to provide clear, compassionate and accountable leadership in complex and pressurised environments
- Excellent judgement and decision‑making skills, particularly in high risk and sensitive employment matters
- Advanced facilitation or coaching skills
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
£66,582 to £77,368 a year pro rata
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