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People Function

As Head of People, you will lead the People function, ensuring strategic HR management at a corporate level. Your leadership will drive performance that aligns with our mission, vision, and values.

You will play a pivotal role in leading meaningful change, fostering a culture of inclusion, innovation, and excellence. Your work will empower every team member, ensuring they feel valued and supported in their growth and development.

You will have the opportunity to shape and deliver major organisational transformation, building a workplace where diversity is celebrated, and everyone can thrive.

As a key member of the Service’s Senior Leadership Team (SLT), you will act as the strategic HR advisor, providing expert guidance on complex HR and people management issues to the Executive Leadership Team, Senior Leadership Team, Fire Authority, and other stakeholders.

Your role will ensure the Service adheres to all relevant legislation, policies, and best practices, safeguarding both the organisation and its employees. Additionally, you will contribute to regional HR strategy and policy, promoting collaboration across the sector.

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About the role

The Head of People leads the People functional area, providing strategic direction and advice across various strands, including Recruitment, HR Operations, Employee Relations, Payroll, Pensions, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, and Occupational Health. Each of these elements is managed by a Section Manager who oversees day-to-day activities with delegated responsibilities within their teams. The Head of People is expected to offer direct advice and support to senior managers as needed. The function serves approximately 653 operational (Grey Book) and support staff (Green Book) employees. 

A regular part of the Head of People role involves attending and contributing to various corporate meetings, including SLT, local, regional, and national conferences, and meetings with elected Members and trade unions. External engagements include National Chief Fire Council (NFCC) people work streams forums and regional HR Groups.

Salary - £80,815 - £90,620 per annum

Hours: 37 hours per week

 

 

You will be responsible for

  • Employee Relations and HR Policy Development – Directly advise on complex issues, provide support, employment law advice, and expertise as required to appeals and Employment Tribunals liaising with solicitors and ACAS as necessary to ensure the best outcome for the Service.
  • Payroll requirements – Ensure application is in accordance with legislative requirements.
  • Recruitment and Selection – Of operational and support staff. Directly assist with Principal Management and Service Operational Commander appointments, devise appropriate selection techniques and liaise with the FRA Members in accordance with best practice and legislation.
  • Workforce and succession planning – Regularly provide SLT with information and projections on short and longer term workforce needs to enable effective decision making. Ensure the timely recruitment of employees, with relevant skills, in order to meet operational requirements.
  • Occupational Health and Fitness – Provide direct advice on complex issues, represent the Service in attending Medical Appeal Boards as required.
  • HR Operations – Ensure the dissemination of appropriate information, and other matters relating to the Conditions of Service for all staff, in particular all relevant legislation and National Joint Council (NJC) guidance and communications. Ensure a robust job evaluation process for support staff.
  • Pensions – In liaison with the Pension Administrators oversee all matters relating to all Fire, Local Government Pension and related Schemes; provide direct advice to the service as required. Ensure Scheme Manager responsibilities are carried out effectively.
  • Equality – Oversee workforce equality & diversity issues including those under the responsibility of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Manager ensuring compliance with legislation and achieving organisational objectives. 
HR Team Structure
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