Head of Human Resources

Cornwall Partnership; Bodmin; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is seeking an exceptional Head of Human Resources to shape a modern, high-performing HR service across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. You will lead a team delivering expert support in employee relations, change, and workforce transformation.

Success relies on influencing senior leaders, building credibility, and developing strong partnerships to address workforce challenges and deliver high-quality care.

Qualifications

• MBA/masters level education or equivalent experience in HR leadership.
• Chartered CIPD member status with ongoing professional development.
• Postgraduate level HR knowledge with substantial relevant experience.
• Commitment to strategic HR partnerships across organisational units.

Responsibilities

• lead a team of HR professionals delivering expert support across employee relations and workforce transformation.
• provide strategic workforce leadership to Directors and senior managers across the Trust.
• ensure the HR service is responsive, customer-focused and solutions-driven.

Skills

Strategic partnership

People leadership

Stakeholder management

Education

Master's degree

Chartered CIPD member

CPD / professional development

Postgraduate HR specialization

Job description

As the NHS is changing, people services must evolve with it. We have already begun our transformation journey, reshaping how HR supports our people and services. We are now seeking an exceptional HR leader to build on this momentum and lead the next phase of change, shaping a modern, innovative and high-performing HR service that anticipates future workforce challenges and thrives within an evolving health and care landscape.

This role requires someone who combines deep expertise in employment law and workforce practice with the creativity and forward-thinking mindset needed to develop new approaches, embrace technology and continuously improve how HR services are delivered.

Success in this role will be built on your ability to influence, build credibility and develop strong partnerships. You will work closely with senior leaders, staff-side representatives and partners across the Cornwall system, bringing outstanding relationship-building, negotiation and communication skills to support organisational priorities, navigate complex workforce challenges and deliver positive outcomes for colleagues and services alike.

You will also play a key role in promoting organisational health, inclusion, wellbeing and a restorative just culture, recognising the connection between workforce experience, community wellbeing and quality of care.

Main duties of the job

As Head of Human Resources, you will lead a team of HR professionals providing expert support across employee relations, organisational change, workforce transformation, performance management, sickness absence and complex casework.

You will ensure the service remains responsive, customer-focused and solutions-driven, while providing trusted advice and strategic workforce leadership to Directors, senior leaders and managers across the Trust.

Interview: 19 November 2026, location to be confirmed.

Working for our organisation

We’re an NHS community and mental health provider Trust based in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. We deliver community and hospital-based care to improve people’s physical and mental health. We also provide specialist support to people with dementia or a learning disability.

We are a people organisation and people matter to us. As part of the team, you’ll help support the health and wellbeing of the people who live and visit this beautiful part of the UK.

Over 5,000 people make up the Trust. This includes doctors, nurses, therapists, plus admin and support staff.

We work in people’s homes, in community clinics and bases. Some staff work from one of our 10 community hospitals. Our aspiration is to have great people, provide great care, be a great place to work and a great partner.

Approximately 568,000 people live here. A third of people who live in Cornwall are supported by acute hospital services in Devon. As a result, we also work closely with our partners in Devon. In the summer, and during other holidays lots of people choose to visit the area. This increase the numbers of people who use out services.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

To view a detailed job description and person specification including the main responsibilities of this role please see ‘supporting documents’.

Person specification

Education and Qualifications

• Educated to master’s level or equivalent knowledge gained through experience
• Evidence of recent and ongoing continued professional development
• Minimum status of Chartered member of the Chartered Institute of Personal Development
• Postgraduate-level specialist HR knowledge acquired through postgraduate study or equivalent advanced training and substantial relevant experience

Experience

• Experience of working as a strategic business partner
• Experience of developing and implementing organisational wide policies
• Significant experience of working in change management
• Experience of leading workforce transformation

Employer certification / accreditation badges

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

The Health Jobs UK website has jobs from numerous employers, within health and care across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust provides acute medical, surgical and specialist services to a population of around 500,000 which can increase significantly during the busy holiday periods.