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.

Tower Hamlets is a truly unique borough at the heart of London – a place where history and innovation sit side by side. From the docks and markets that shaped the East End to the global business hub of Canary Wharf, we are proud to be one of the most dynamic, diverse, and ambitious communities in the UK. We are also one of the fastest growing and youngest boroughs in the country, offering unrivalled opportunities to make a real difference to people’s lives. Our residents are energetic, creative, and resilient, and our council is committed to delivering the best possible services and opportunities for them.

Our award-winning new Town Hall in Whitechapel provides a modern, flexible workplace for our staff, right at the heart of the borough and directly opposite Whitechapel Tube and Elizabeth line station. It is more than just a workplace – it’s a hub for collaboration, innovation and community, designed to bring out the best in our people.

As an employer, we put equality, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of everything we do. Our active Employee Network Groups celebrate and champion our workforce, helping to ensure that everyone feels a sense of belonging. Guided by our TOWER values – Together, Open, Willing, Excellent and Respect – we are building a positive, inclusive culture where colleagues can thrive.

At Tower Hamlets Council, you’ll find exciting challenges, supportive colleagues, and the chance to shape one of London’s most important and vibrant places. If you’re looking for a role where you can see the impact of your work every day, then Tower Hamlets is the place for you.