The House of Commons a unique and exciting place to work right at the heart of the UK’s thriving democratic system.

Behind the scenes, the House of Commons Service is made up of more than 3,000 employees who support and facilitate the smooth day to day running of the House. They provide professional services to Members of Parliament, their staff, and the wider parliamentary community.

 

Staff Benefits

In addition to your salary, we offer an attractive range of benefits including:

• 30 days’ annual leave (increasing to 35 days after first full leave year).
• Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%.
• Access to training and development.
• Flexible working.
• Interest free season ticket loan and bicycle loan.

 

Introduction

The HR Team based within the People and Culture Department is responsible for the Corporate Human Resources Strategy and people planning. The Team develops HR policies and standards and provides efficient and customer-focused support to internal customers across the House of Commons.

The HR Team at the House of Commons also supports the delivery of the House Strategy through a Business Partner model including a range of operational and specialist teams covering Learning and Development, HR Shared Services (HR Systems, Workforce Information, Payroll and Pensions), Resourcing, HR Advice and Policy (including individual casework and Health & Wellbeing), Reward and Employee Engagement enabling the House’s commitment to a skilled, diverse and united workforce.

 

The Role

The Head of EPPS provides specialist technical advice and strategic guidance on payroll related matters for the House. This includes leading on the provision of a full in- house payroll service and providing advice and guidance directly to Senior Managers. There are also a small number of external payrolls that fall under Payroll Services.

They will lead on the development and maintenance of the payroll function and will oversee the provision of pension data to ensure it is accurate and up to date. They will act as deputy support for the Head of HR Shared Services where appropriate. They will lead on preparing Payroll and Pensions Services for the implementation of a new HR and Payroll system (iTrent), improving the efficiency and quality of the payroll and pension services and related HR data.

 

Some of the responsibilities for this role include:

• To provide leadership and direction in maintaining and developing a full in-house payroll service including the implementation and development of the payroll function for the new HR and Payroll System (iTrent)
• To have oversight of the work of the Deputy EPPS Manager who will be managing the operational aspects of the service.
• To actively lead on the provision of payroll services for historical external clients where appropriate.
• To actively ensure the payroll service meets all legislative and audit requirements including GDPR and safeguarding the House against any fines or penalties.
• Working with the Head of HR Systems, to lead on the digital and data strategy for Payroll and Pensions Services to ensure the functions continue to evolve and develop to meet the changing needs of the organisation and remain fit for purpose. To identify and drive service improvements to ensure employee records and payments remain accurate, up to date and paid in a timely manner.
• To provide leadership and guidance for the Teams including the provision of direct line management. To actively lead on the training and development of Team members ensuring skills and knowledge are kept up to date and relevant for the Service.

 

Skills and Experience

To be successful in this role you will demonstrate:

• Specialist technical knowledge of payroll legislation. Able to utilise own research and identify service efficiencies
• Detailed experience of managing and developing a full payroll service including experience of using a complex HR and Payroll System.
• Experience of providing technical payroll advice and guidance at a high level including legal implications affecting the payroll function and the development of HR policies.
• Detailed experience of providing leadership skills including direct line management and development of staff. Act as a positive role model and promote the culture of House, maintaining principles of equality, diversity and inclusion at all times.
• To demonstrate understanding of the complexities of service delivery in relation to organizational culture and constraints including the ability to influence and support change management programmes.
• To demonstrate active organisational skills including directing the work of a complex payroll function

 

Next Steps and Additional Information

If you would like to apply for this role, please submit your CV and covering letter with a 700 word limit.

More information on the role and the full criteria can be found in the Job Description.

Please note that most job offers will be made at the minimum of the salary range, other than in exceptional circumstances.