HR Policy Lead/Head Of HR Policy

We are working with a large London Local authority looking to appoint an experienced interim HR Policy Lead to take professional ownership of its employment-policy framework.

This is a specialist policy role rather than a generalist HR position. You will review the existing policy suite, identify outdated, inconsistent or higher-risk provisions and lead a structured programme of modernisation.

You will manage the full policy lifecycle, including research, drafting, stakeholder engagement, trade-union consultation, governance approval, implementation and ongoing review. You will also provide authoritative advice on how policies should be interpreted and applied in complex employee-relations situations.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Auditing the existing HR policy suite and identifying priority areas for review
• Drafting, rewriting and implementing employment policies and supporting guidance
• Ensuring policies reflect current employment law, ACAS guidance and public-sector practice
• Leading consultation with recognised trade unions and Staff Side representatives
• Advising on complex or sensitive ER matters where policy interpretation is critical
• Establishing clear policy ownership, governance, version control and review arrangements
• Producing practical guidance, templates, process maps and briefing materials for managers

We are looking for someone with substantial specialist experience in employment-policy development, ideally gained within local government or another large, complex and unionised public-sector organisation.

You must be able to demonstrate that you have personally owned and managed a broad portfolio of HR policies, with strong experience across drafting, consultation, negotiation, implementation and governance. Detailed employment-law knowledge, complex ER experience and credibility with senior leaders and trade unions are essential.