Business Partner

We're looking for a passionate People Business Partner to join our forward-thinking team, with a dedicated focus on Children's Services. This is a busy, varied role where no two days are the same. This is much more than an advisory HR role. You'll work closely with managers, providing pragmatic, high-quality people advice across a broad range of issues including employee relations, organisational change and a wide range of people initiatives.

• Build strong relationships with managers and teams, acting as a key advisor on all people matters
• Lead and support on employee relations cases, including complex and sensitive issues
• Drive and deliver change projects, restructures, and service improvements
• Collaborate with colleagues across the Council to deliver solutions
• Use data and insight to inform decision‑making and drive continuous improvement
• Champion our values and help create an inclusive, positive workplace culture

We are a friendly, high‑performing HR team who genuinely care about each other and the work we do. We believe in supporting one another, sharing knowledge, and celebrating our successes together. You'll be joining a group of professionals who are passionate about people and always willing to help. We work extremely hard, but we also make time to laugh and connect.

Our team is at the heart of driving positive change and supporting organisational success. We partner with managers to deliver practical solutions that help services run smoothly and achieve their goals.

We're looking for someone who brings:

• Solid HR experience:
  You have a strong background in HR, ideally in a business partnering or advisory role, with up-to-date knowledge of employment law and HR best practice.
• Employee relations expertise:
  You are confident managing a range of ER cases, including disciplinaries, grievances, and change management.
• Pragmatic:
  You can translate HR policy and legislation into practical solutions that work for the service.
• Excellent communication skills:
  You can build trust, influence, and communicate clearly with people at all levels.
• Analytical and problem‑solving skills:
  You use data and evidence to inform your advice and can think creatively to find solutions.
• Organisation and resilience:
  You thrive in a busy environment, can manage competing priorities, and stay calm under pressure. You have the resilience and emotional intelligence to deal with sensitive and sometimes challenging people issues.
• Care:
  You care about the difference that effective people management can make to children, young people and families.
• Understands the bigger picture:
  Understands the importance of safeguarding, professional standards and accountability when working within a Children's Services environment
• Collaboration and teamwork:
  You enjoy working with others, sharing knowledge, and supporting colleagues.
• Commitment to inclusion:
  You value diversity and are dedicated to creating a welcoming, supportive workplace for everyone.
• A passion for learning:
  You're always looking for opportunities to develop your skills and knowledge.

Previous experience in a business partnering or HR advisory role is essential. CIPD qualification (or working towards) is desirable.

We value our colleagues and have developed a number of benefits in addition to our generous annual leave starting at 25 days + bank holidays and local government pension scheme…

• Access to a range of benefits via our Employee Benefits Platform, including in-store and online discounts as well as our Cycle to Work and Home & Electronics schemes
• Buy up to 10 days additional annual leave (pro‑rate)
• Access to car lease scheme
• Take your bank holidays flexibly to better suit your personal circumstances
• Make…