Job vacancy: Deputy Head of Employee Relations, East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust, Colchester/Ipswich

Job summary

Main area: Employee Relations
Grade: NHS AfC: Band 7
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Part time - 30 hours per week
Job ref: 432-HR19-26

Employer: East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type: NHS
Site: Colchester/Ipswich Hospital
Town: Colchester/Ipswich
Salary: £49,387 - £56,515 per annum pro rata
Salary period: Yearly
Closing: 12/04/2026 23:59
Interview date: 23/04/2026

Deputy Head of Employee Relations

NHS AfC: Band 7

We are one of the largest NHS organisation in England. Our scale provides exciting opportunities for development, innovation, research, education and training.

Talk to us about our range of flexible working opportunities, apprenticeships and staff benefits

Equality Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) is at the heart of all we do; and it forms part of ESNEFT’s core activities. The Trust operates and relies on everyone treating each other with dignity and respect, to receive equitable and fair treatment in the implementation of Policies, Procedures and in its Practices, to foster positive work relationships, and finally to act with integrity as a professional within ESNEFT as well as a representative of the NHS as a whole. The EDI Agenda reflects the Trust values such as Optimistic, Appreciative and Kind. In line with the NHS Long Term Plan, People Plan, People Promise and a Model Employer intrinsic in the Equality Diversity and Inclusion Agenda, we consistently strive to improve, to take the learning into Action for a better ESNEFT.

If you are passionate about patient care and want to develop your skills and knowledge then we are keen to hear from you.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

For full details of the responsibilities and duties of this role please see the attached job description.

Person specification

Experience

Essential criteria

Proven experience of working in a management/leadership role (within HR)
Experience of managing /leading a team
Experience of facilitating change in practice to improve services
Project management/co-ordination
Responsibility for a budget

Qualifications

Essential criteria

Relevant degree or equivalent qualification or significant experience of working at degree level (CIPD)
Management /leadership qualification or equivalent knowledge at post graduate level (CIPD)
Evidence of continued professional development

Desirable criteria

Project Management Qualification

Knowledge

Essential criteria

Financial procedures including budgetary management
Business planning /annual planning
Good understanding of change management
Use of IT systems (e.g. Word , Excel, Outlook) – standard keyboard skills
Understanding of the NHS and current agenda
Demonstrable knowledge of service improvements and project management
Risk management and governance

Desirable criteria

NHS IT systems

Please note that where response levels are exceptional we may close the post before the specified date, therefore early application is recommended.

Please make sure that you read the Job Description and Person Specification attached and that your statement in support reflects this as your application will be judged against these criteria.

Secondment - if you are interested in undertaking a role on a secondment basis, please ensure that you have discussed this with your current line manager prior to submitting your application. Please note if you are already an employee of ESNEFT fixed term roles will only be offered on a secondment basis.

When providing reference details please provide email addresses so references can be sought promptly to cover the last 3 years of employment.

Successful candidates may be charged for their DBS check. Please ensure you read the information found in the attached DBS Information document

The Trust is committed to its staff and their development and to equal opportunities and diversity. Applications are welcomed from all sections of the community.

Whilst we welcome applications from all and your application will be considered on individual merit, if you are offered a position and require a Skilled Worker Certificate of Sponsorship we may not be able to process your application to the final stage due to Home Office eligibility. Please note Band 2 roles are not eligible for sponsorship.

In submitting an application form, you authorise East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust to confirm any previous NHS service details via the Inter Authority Transfer (IAT) process should you be appointed to the post.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your interest in East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust; we look forward to receiving your application for employment.