Employee Relations Lead

We are seeking an experienced HR professional with demonstrable trade union experience to advise on, plan and deliver trade union consultation and negotiation relating to Workforce Transformation activity across the Defra group.

The role supports a consistent, collaborative and structured approach across three trade union bargaining units, covering both civil and public service organisations.

You will work closely with senior stakeholders, project teams and trade union representatives to support effective engagement and delivery of workforce change.

Reporting to the Head of Employee Relations, you will play a key role in shaping negotiation strategies, identifying emerging issues and ensuring compliance with trade union framework agreements and statutory obligations. This will include considering the impact of developments in trade union legislation, including changes arising from the Employment Rights Act 2025.

Key responsibilities

These will include:

• Contributing to the development and delivery of a Defra group‑wide Workforce Transformation Employee Relations strategy and associated consultation plans.
• Ensuring trade union framework agreements are applied consistently throughout consultation and negotiation activity.
• Assessing and preparing for changes to trade union legislation and framework agreements, supporting the Defra group to meet requirements under the Employment Rights Act 2025.
• Briefing and preparing senior leaders and project teams ahead of key trade union meetings to ensure a coordinated and consistent approach.
• Facilitating and chairing trade union meetings, where required.
• Co‑designing clear, concise and fit‑for‑purpose meeting agendas, papers and materials to support effective consultation and negotiation.
• Maintaining a clear audit trail of discussions and actions, ensuring accurate records and appropriate follow‑up.
• Building and maintaining effective working relationships with Workforce Transformation project teams, business leaders and trade union representatives.
• Providing specialist advice on trade union recognition, consultation and negotiation.

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