Associate Business Partner

Make a difference for our patients and colleagues

At the Royal Devon, our purpose is clear: to make a difference for our patients and the communities we serve.

Our People (HR) team supports the colleagues and teams who care for patients and keep our services running. By helping leaders develop capable, supported and engaged teams, we contribute to stronger services and better patient care.

As an Associate People Business Partner
, you will work alongside experienced People Business Partners across Clinical Specialist Services, Corporate Services and Estates and Facilities.

This is an opportunity to broaden your experience, develop your strategic business-partnering skills and see a clear connection between your work, colleague experience and patient care.

You do not need previous NHS experience. We welcome relevant experience from other complex organisations.

Working closely with People Business Partners and service leaders, you will provide professional HR advice and support across a wide range of people matters. You will use workforce data and insight to help identify priorities, inform decision‑making and support the delivery of workforce plans.

You will contribute to organisational change, consultation and workforce redesign initiatives, working collaboratively with managers and Staffside representatives to support positive employee relations and successful change outcomes.

You will also support recruitment and retention initiatives, including helping services address difficult to fill vacancies and supporting attraction activities where required.

A key part of the role is building effective relationships with managers and senior leaders, providing advice, support and constructive challenge to help deliver workforce and organisational objectives.

About You

We welcome applications from People (HR) professionals from all sectors who can demonstrate relevant and transferable experience.

You will have:

• Experience advising senior managers or directors on a wide range of people issues
• Experience of workforce planning, recruitment, retention and employee engagement
• Sound knowledge of employment and equality legislation and good People practice
• Strong communication, relationship‑building and influencing skills
• Experience of partnership working with trade unions or employee representatives
• Excellent organisation, professional judgement, and problem‑solving skills
• The ability to deliver competing priorities and work effectively in a fast‑paced environment.
• A curious and solution‑focused approach, asking thoughtful questions to understand what is driving workforce challenges
• A graduate CIPD membership at postgraduate/Level 7, or equivalent specialist People knowledge gained through demonstrable experience.

Please read the job description and person specification carefully for the complete essential and desirable selection criteria.

Working Pattern

The opportunity is available as:

• one full‑time post of 37.5 hours a week
• job share: one part‑time post working three days a week and one part‑time post working two days a week.

Please state your preferred working pattern in your application.

Hybrid working is available, with an expectation that you will usually work on site for one or two days each week.

The role may be based in Exeter or Barnstaple. You must be able to travel between Royal Devon sites when required.

We are happy to discuss working arrangements and reasonable adjustments before you apply.

Interview Date:To Be Confirmed

For further information please contact:Claire Turner, People Business Partner Lead

As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in…