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.