HR Change Manager (TUPE)

Location: Reading / Hybrid (flex but anticipated 1-2 days pw in the office)

Start Date: March

Contract Length: 7-8 months

Anticipated pay rate: £450-£500pd inside IR35

Overview

We are seeking an experienced HR Change Manager to support the transition of c550 employees affected by a TUPE (Transfer of Undertakings Protection of Employment) process. The process will see the employees transfer from Brighter Futures for Children to Reading Borough Council. More details can be found here . The role will be instrumental in ensuring a legally compliant, employee-focused, and seamless transfer of staff between organisations.

Key Responsibilities

TUPE Transfer Management & Compliance

• Lead the end-to-end HR process for TUPE transfers in a local government setting, ensuring full compliance with UK employment law and local authority policies.
• Work closely with legal teams, trade unions, senior leaders, and external providers to manage all aspects of the transfer.
• Conduct due diligence, including the review of employee terms and conditions, pay structures, and pension rights (including Local Government Pension Scheme - LGPS).
• Provide expert advice on legal risks, redundancies, and any potential impact on workforce structures.

Employee & Trade Union Engagement

• Lead formal consultation processes, ensuring statutory consultation requirements are met.
• Engage with trade unions and employee representatives to negotiate and resolve concerns.
• Design and implement a structured communication plan to keep staff informed throughout the transition.

Change & Workforce Integration Management

• Develop and deliver change management strategies to ensure a smooth transition for affected employees.
• Support the harmonization of policies, procedures, and cultural alignment post-transfer.
• Provide HR advisory support on workforce planning, restructuring, and any post-transfer adjustments required.

Stakeholder & Leadership Support

• Act as a trusted advisor to council leaders, department heads, and operational managers on all TUPE-related matters.
• Ensure that the HR team is fully equipped to support the transition.
• Prepare reports and briefings for senior management, ensuring key risks and progress updates are clearly communicated.

Key Requirements

• Extensive experience managing TUPE transfers within a local government or public sector environment.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law, including TUPE regulations, Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), and public sector employment terms.
• Experience working with trade unions, collective bargaining agreements, and employee consultation processes.
• Proven ability to manage change projects, workforce transitions, and service transfers.
• Strong stakeholder management and negotiation skills.

Desirable Experience

• CIPD Level 7 qualification or equivalent HR experience.
• Experience in outsourcing/insourcing of local government services.
• Knowledge of public sector HR policies, workforce reform, and restructuring processes.

Deliverables & Success Criteria

• Legally compliant and well-managed TUPE transition, ensuring minimal disruption to services.
• Effective communication & engagement with employees, trade unions, and key stakeholders.
• Smooth workforce integration post-transfer, including alignment of policies and procedures.
• Minimal employee relations issues, with proactive risk mitigation strategies in place.