Human Resources Business Partner

Spirehouse Recruitment; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

Spirehouse Recruitment is seeking an Interim HR Business Partner in Cosham, Portsmouth, to provide HR support across the Trust until Christmas 2026. You will advise leaders on employee relations and people matters, manage casework and guide managers in probation, performance and absence processes.

You will shape best practices, ensure policy compliance, and build management capability. Strong education sector exposure is highly desirable for this interim assignment.

Qualifications

• Significant HR generalist experience and CIPD Level 5–7.
• Experience managing employee relations casework including investigations and disciplinary processes.
• Experience supporting probation, performance and absence management.
• Strong knowledge of employment law and HR policies.

Responsibilities

• Provide proactive HR advice to leaders and managers across the Trust.
• Manage and advise on employee relations caseloads and investigations.
• Support probation management, performance and absence processes.
• Coach managers to build capability and ensure compliant, consistent practice.
• Work with HR colleagues to apply policies fairly and professionally.

Skills

HR generalist

Employee relations

Employment law

Probation management

Performance management

Disciplinary processes

Coaching managers

Stakeholder management

Interim HR role

Education sector experience

Education

CIPD Level 5–7

Equivalent professional experience

Tools

None

Job description

Contract: Interim, until approximately Christmas 2026

Day rate

Full-time hours, site-based

Location: Cosham, Portsmouth

Essential: CIPD Level 5–7 and significant HR generalist experience

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced HR professional to join our team as an Interim HR Business Partner, providing HR support across the Trust until approximately Christmas 2026.

This role provides an excellent opportunity for an experienced HR generalist to work closely with leaders across the Trust, providing practical, professional HR advice and support across a broad range of employee relations and people matters.

The Opportunity

You will provide proactive and practical HR advice and support to leaders and managers across the Trust, acting as a trusted HR partner and providing guidance across a range of people-related matters.

The role will involve managing and advising on employee relations casework, including investigations and disciplinary processes, as well as supporting managers with probation management, performance and absence management. You will work closely with leaders to ensure HR policies and procedures are applied fairly, consistently and in line with employment legislation and best practice.

You will also coach and support managers in dealing with people matters, helping to build management capability and confidence, while identifying potential risks and providing pragmatic solutions. The role will require you to manage a varied caseload, work collaboratively with colleagues across HR and build strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced HR professional looking to make an immediate impact within an interim role, whilst developing or further strengthening their experience within a complex organisation.

Experience within the education sector, a Multi Academy Trust or a similar environment would be highly desirable.

Requirements

• Significant HR generalist experience
• CIPD Level 5–7 qualification or equivalent professional experience
• Proven experience managing employee relations casework, including investigations and disciplinary processes
• Experience supporting probation management and performance-related processes
• Experience supporting short- and long-term absence management
• Strong knowledge of employment law, HR policies and best practice
• Experience providing practical and professional HR advice and support to managers and leaders
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise and manage multiple deadlines
• Ability to work independently and manage a varied HR caseload
• Strong problem-solving skills and a pragmatic, solutions-focused approach
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion, integrity and professionalism
• Confidence to challenge and influence managers where appropriate
• Resilience and the ability to work effectively under pressure
• Ability to build strong working relationships quickly and make an immediate contribution
• Experience working within the education sector
• Experience within a Multi Academy Trust or similarly complex organisation
• Experience supporting senior leaders with employee relations and people matters
• Experience coaching and advising managers on HR policies and procedures
• Experience working in an interim HR role
• CIPD membership
• Knowledge of the specific HR challenges and requirements within an education environment