HR Business Partnering

The Methodist Church in Britain; England; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Local Government Pension Scheme

Annual leave 24–29 days + bank hols

Flexible working

Job summary

Unity Schools Partnership is seeking a Senior HR Business Partner to lead the HRBP team and deliver a proactive HR service across schools and central services. You will work with senior leaders to shape the People Strategy, coach HRBPs, and manage complex employee relations and TUPE activities.

The role requires CIPD Level 7 or equivalent, a strong employment-law background, and willingness to travel across East Anglia and north-east London. Hybrid working with two onsite days is offered.

Qualifications

• Sound employment law and employee relations knowledge.
• Confidence to influence leaders at all levels.
• Professional credibility and sound judgment.
• Commercial awareness and strategic mindset.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the HR Business Partnering team.
• Provide trusted advice to senior leaders.
• Lead a responsive HR service across schools and central teams.
• Coach and develop HR Business Partners.
• Oversee complex employee relations matters.
• Lead organisational change, restructures, consultation and TUPE.
• Drive workforce planning and staff attendance strategy.
• Use workforce data to identify priorities and outcomes.
• Develop HR policy and manager capability.
• Lead trust-wide people projects and service improvements.
• Travel to Unity Schools Partnership locations as required.

Skills

Employment law

Employee relations

Influencing leaders

People management

Commercial awareness

Collaboration

Education

CIPD Level 7

Job description

This permanent post heads the HR Business Partnering team at Unity Schools Partnership, serving its schools and central teams. The role leads a responsive HR service, advising senior leaders, coaching HR Business Partners and simplifying HR processes to cut workload for schools. Hybrid working with two onsite days and travel to schools in East Anglia and north-east London covers complex employee relations, change and workforce planning. Candidates need CIPD Level 7 or equivalent, and visa sponsorship is not offered.

What the job involves

• Lead and develop the HR Business Partnering team
• Provide trusted advice to senior leaders
• Lead a responsive, solutions-focused HR service across schools and central teams
• Work closely with the Chief People Officer to deliver the People Strategy
• Coach and develop HR Business Partners
• Oversee complex employee relations matters
• Lead organisational change, restructures, consultation and TUPE
• Drive the strategic approach to staff attendance and workforce planning
• Use workforce data to identify priorities and improve outcomes
• Develop HR policy and manager capability
• Lead Trust-wide people projects and service improvements
• Travel to schools across East Anglia and north-east London as required

What’s required

Qualifications

• CIPD Level 7 or equivalent relevant professional qualification, or equivalent experience

Experience

• Strong HR experience gained within a large or complex organisation

Skills & knowledge

• Sound employment law and employee relations knowledge
• Confidence to influence leaders at all levels
• Professional credibility and sound judgement
• Commercial awareness
• Ability to lead and develop others
• Collaborative approach

Checks & eligibility

• Enhanced DBS check
• Right to work in the UK

Other

• Commitment to safeguarding and safer recruitment
• Willingness to travel to all Unity Schools Partnership locations

Nice to have

• Experience within education or another unionised environment

What’s offered

• Local Government Pension Scheme
• 24 days annual leave rising to 29 days after 5 years' service, plus bank holidays
• Comprehensive staff benefits and wellbeing offer
• Reimbursement of business travel expenses between Trust sites
• Access to professional development and career progression across the Trust
• Flexible working where compatible with the role
• Opportunity to influence Trust-wide strategy and improvement