Lead Employee Representative 2026

Overview

This is a fantastic opportunity for enthusiastic and motivated colleagues to play a key role in strengthening Employee Voice at Buckinghamshire Council.  

As a Lead Employee Rep, you will help ensure colleagues’ views, ideas and feedback are heard and used to shape positive change across the organisation. 

The role offers a brilliant development opportunity, giving you the chance to build your leadership and communication skills, broaden your network across services and senior leadership, and gain a deeper understanding of how the council works. 

Most importantly, you’ll be making a positive difference for fellow colleagues by helping to create an inclusive, engaging and supportive workplace.

About the role

The Lead Employee Rep role is a voluntary role that is to be delivered alongside your substantive Buckinghamshire Council role. It requires good organisation skills to ensure both roles are delivered to their full potential.  

The Lead Employee Reps will co-chair the Employee Rep Network, a forum for employees to share their views, feedback and ideas on how to improve the council and its services.  

The Lead Employee Reps will also support the development and delivery of the council's employee engagement strategy and action plan.  

Responsibilities will include;  

• Co-chairing Employee Rep Network meetings, ensuring they are well-organised, productive and inclusive.  
• Representing the views and interests of the Employee Rep Network (circa 80 colleagues) and the wider workforce to CMT, Service Directors and other stakeholders.  
• Supporting the development and delivery of the council's employee engagement strategy and action plan.  
• Providing guidance, support and feedback to the Employee Reps and encourage their participation and development.  
• Identifying and escalating any issues or concerns that affect the Employee Rep Network or the wider workforce.  
• Bringing new ideas, fresh perspectives and creativity to the role to continue to support the council through a period of change.  

About you

The successful candidates will have:  

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with a diverse range of people and build positive relationships  
• Strong leadership and teamwork skills, with the ability to co-chair the Employee Rep Network and collaborate with other chairs and stakeholders.  
• Good organisational and time management skills, with the ability to balance the demands of the Lead Employee Rep role and their substantive Buckinghamshire Council role.  
• Commitment to the employee voice and engagement, with the ability to inspire and motivate others.  
• Creativity and innovation, with the ability to generate and implement new ideas and solutions.  
• Flexibility and resilience, with the ability to respond to changing needs and priorities.  

Other information

To apply please submit an expression of interest to [email protected] by COP 24th August 2026. Your EOI should include the following: 

• Your name, service and role. 
• Why you are interested in the Lead Employee Representative role. 
• What skills and experience you can bring to the role. 
• How you will balance the Lead Employee Representative role and your substantive Buckinghamshire Council role. 
• Any ideas or suggestions you have for the Employee Rep Network or the employee engagement strategy. 

For further information please contact [email protected] or [email protected]

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview in early September 2026, which will involve an informal discussion with the current reps and a short panel interview with senior leadership. 

The new Lead ERs will officially take over the role at the Employee Rep conference on 9th October, but will be supported by Belinda and Stuart with a phased handover between September - December 2026.

You do not need to be an existing employee rep to apply for this voluntary position.

Read more about the employee rep operating framework: Employee Representative Operating Framework - BucksNet

We recognise and reward you

Some of the benefits to being a Lead Employee Representative include:

• Having the opportunity to influence and shape the council's culture and direction. 
• Developing your communication, leadership and teamwork skills. 
• Great networking and collaboration with colleagues from different services and levels. 
• Enhancing your CV and career prospects. 
• The opportunity to make a positive difference to the council and its employees.