Helen Strong

Employee Relations Service Manager @Wiltshire Council

GB

In my role at Wiltshire Council, I lead a strategically vital function delivering high-quality employee relations support across both school and non-school settings. I’ve transformed our operating model, embedding a high-performance culture and streamlining case progression to ensure timely, consistent, and legally sound outcomes.I manage a hybrid team of 15 HR Advisors, overseeing a broad portfolio of complex and high-risk cases. I personally lead on matters with significant reputational impact, offering risk-assessed guidance to senior managers and representing the council in hearings, settlement discussions, and strategic forums. My approach blends technical expertise in employment law with a pragmatic understanding of organisational dynamics.Performance management is central to my leadership. I’ve developed KPIs and caseload analytics that drive continuous improvement, highlight trends, and inform strategic decision-making—resulting in measurable improvements in resolution times and stakeholder satisfaction.I’ve built trusted relationships with managers, directors, and political leaders, ensuring advice is understood and acted upon. I work closely with HR and legal teams to develop outcome-focused, compliant policies, and benchmark best practice through national networks.Beyond internal delivery, I lead the expansion of our traded HR services, providing consultancy to parish councils and SMEs—strengthening our external reputation and diversifying our offer I also act as HR expert on major project transformation in the wider organisation.I also act as the council’s lead for trade union liaison, promoting early resolution and constructive industrial relations. This demands resilience, negotiation skills, and a sense of humour—because in employee relations, bouncing back is good, but bouncing forward (with a smile) is better.

Wiltshire College

Level 7 Certificate

CIPD Qualifications

Master's degree

Chartered Management Institute

Level 5 Award in Management and Leadership

Bath Spa University

Bachelor's Degree

CROSBY MANAGEMENT TRAINING LTD

Master's degree