AMS PSR

On behalf of Defra, we are looking for a Water Reform Employee Relations Lead - (Inside IR35) for a 12 month contract working on a hybrid basis and with an expectation of 3 days attendance one of DEFRAs HR Hubs - London, York, Bristol, Birmingham, Exeter, Reading, Leeds, Nottingham, Newcastle, Warrington

In the Defra group, we deal with a vast range of issues that profoundly impact on people’s lives. We are responsible for England’s environment, our countryside and rural economy, the food and farming sectors and have lead responsibility for protection from a wide range of natural threats and hazards. We have developed a set of three strategic objectives covering our policy outcomes and corporate objectives. These objectives help us to deliver our ambitious vision to build our green and healthy future and provide a framework for all the important work we carry out.

Our objectives are:

• To pass on to the next generation a natural environment protected and enhanced for the future. 
• To lead the world in food, farming, and fisheries with a sustainable model of food production. 
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• To be an outstanding organisation focused on making a difference, with world class delivery capability.

Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs www.gov.uk. 

25 Year Environment Plan - GOV.UK www.gov.uk.

As a Water Reform Employee Relations Lead - (Inside IR35), your main responsibilities will be:

• The Employee Relations (ER) Water Reform Lead plays a critical role in delivering consistent, effective and coordinated trade union consultation and negotiation across the Defra Group and affected third-party regulators.
• You will ensure alignment across multiple trade union bargaining units spanning both civil and public service organisations. Reporting to the Head of Employee Relations, you will work closely with the Water Reform People Programme Team and act as the ER “eyes and ears” in trade union forums.
• This role involves attending consultation and negotiation meetings (including pre-meets and lessons learned sessions), identifying emerging themes, and shaping the overall negotiation strategy accordingly. You will ensure all activity complies with relevant trade union framework agreements and statutory consultation obligations.
• This is a high-profile change programme, supporting the transition of colleagues from existing regulators into a new organisation due to be established by early 2028. Operating in a fast-paced and evolving environment, the role requires adaptability, strong prioritisation skills and a proactive, collaborative approach.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of the Employee Relations strategy, including consultation and negotiation plans.
• Provide expert ER and trade union advice across all programme bargaining units.
• Work collaboratively with stakeholders across Defra, Environment Agency, Ofwat, and Natural England.
• Ensure compliance with trade union framework agreements and legal obligations.
• Prepare and brief senior leaders and stakeholders ahead of trade union engagements.
• Share insights and intelligence across organisations to maintain a consistent and joined-up approach.
• Co-design high-quality materials to support consultation and negotiation meetings.
• Maintain accurate records and audit trails of discussions, decisions and actions.
• Provide regular updates on key risks, issues, and trade union feedback to senior stakeholders.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with programme teams, business leaders, and trade union representatives.
• Work with the Head of Employee Relations to obtain and apply appropriate legal advice, ensuring a compliant and low-risk approach.

Experience

• Proven experience managing complex relationships with trade unions and engaging stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong track record of leading trade union negotiations or consultations at organisational or departmental level.
• Experience delivering outcomes in complex, fast-paced, multi-organisation environments.
• Experience providing ER advice on large-scale, high-profile change programmes.
• Background in Employee Relations or HR Business Partnering with significant trade union engagement.
• Ideally, experience working within the public sector or civil service.

Skills and Knowledge

• MCIPD, Level 7 Advanced Diploma in HR Management, or equivalent professional experience.
• Strong facilitation, negotiation and influencing skills, with the ability to engage senior stakeholders.
• Excellent understanding of UK employment law, particularly trade union legislation.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-changing and ambiguous environment.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently.
• Strategic thinking capability, with sound judgement and political awareness.
• Collaborative mindset and ability to contribute effectively within a small team.

Essential 

• Experience of leading Trade Union negotiation and consultation
• Experience of highly unionised environments
• Experience of leading and advising on risk management
• Highly Organised and Structured
• Exceptional communication skills at all levels
• MCIPD, Level 7 Advanced Diploma in HR Management, or equivalent professional experience

Desirable

• Public Sector / Civil Service experience

Disability Confident 

As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, Defra guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of candidates who have a disability who meet all the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. This scheme encourages candidates with a disability and/or neurodivergence to apply. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

Armed Forces Covenant / Commitment

Defra guarantees to interview veterans or spouses / partners of military personnel who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of ex-military candidates / military spouses or partners, who meet all of the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

In applying for this role, you acknowledge the following "this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different".