Job Description

TU Partnership Engagement Manager (Band 7)

Band 7 | Based in Crawley:

regular attendance at SECAmb Regional Locations | Minimum 40% On-Site

Contract Type:

Permanent | Full Time



Are you passionate about improving industrial relations, strengthening staff voice, and creating a fair, values-led workplace?



We're seeking a dynamic and experienced TU Partnership Engagement Manager to lead trade union engagement at South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SECAmb) . This pivotal role will shape and champion collaborative partnership working, influencing key workforce decisions and policies that affect our 4,000+ staff.



Working at the heart of a values-driven People Directorate, you'll build strong, constructive relationships with trade union representatives, enabling early resolution of disputes and delivering meaningful engagement that enhances staff morale, wellbeing, and organisational culture.



SECAmb is more than an ambulance service - we're a vital part of the NHS, supporting communities across Kent, Sussex, Surrey, and beyond.



As part of our People Directorate, you'll help foster a culture of trust, fairness, and partnership, where every staff member feels heard and supported.



What you'll be doing...



Lead and implement a Trust-wide trade union engagement strategy.



Be the key point of contact for all trade union matters and partnership working.



Facilitate and manage collective consultation, negotiation, and dispute resolution processes.



Act as a strategic advisor to HR, managers, and union colleagues on employment law, policy interpretation, and organisational change.



Promote inclusive, collaborative culture change initiatives through expert relationship building.



Coordinate partnership forums and oversee use of facilities time.



Design and deliver joint training and engagement initiatives.



Option to join NHS pension scheme



A minimum 27 days' holiday each year, increasing after 5 years' service.



Personal and professional development and training opportunities.



Salary Sacrifice schemes for cars or push bikes.



Access to occupational health and counselling services.



Award winning wellbeing hub



Back up buddy App



Access to NHS discounts, offering NHS employees a range of money-saving deals.



Other than in exceptional circumstances, the starting salary for staff new to the NHS will be the bottom point of the band to which they have been appointed.



As the TU Partnership Engagement Manager , you will work autonomously to develop strong, transparent, and productive trade union relationships across the Trust. You'll drive our commitment to constructive partnership working by:



Developing joint problem-solving forums and engaging stakeholders at all levels.



Interpreting national NHS policies and legislation to advise on complex ER issues, restructures, and collective disputes.



Leading the delivery of timely, fair, and effective consultation and engagement processes during organisational change.



Working with external bodies such as ACAS or the TUC when required to support resolution or negotiation.



Leading cross-organisational improvement projects to enhance staff experience, guided by staff-side input.



Coordinating agendas, outputs, and reporting for the Joint Partnership Forum and related meetings.



You will be a highly collaborative individual, experienced in working with trade unions in complex environments and confident navigating sensitive matters with discretion and diplomacy.