An exciting opportunity to join a community focused, public-sector organisation who are currently seeking a HR Business Partner (maternity cover), to join their busy department. Welcoming team in a pleasant, stimulating work environment. Your New Role As HR Business Partner, you’ll play a pivotal role in delivering a value‑adding, customer‑focused people service across the organisation. You’ll partner with managers at all levels, providing expert guidance across the full HR remit while line‑managing the HR Advisor and supporting apprentices. This is a role where you’ll influence, coach, challenge and shape people practices, ensuring the business attracts, develops and retains high‑quality talent. To be a success, it is essential you have highly developed advisory and influencing skills and proven experience operating as a trusted business partner. Main responsibilities include: HR partnering — coach, mentor and advise managers on complex HR matters, ensuring compliance and minimising risk. Employee relations — lead on attendance, grievance, disciplinary and performance management cases, ensuring consistency and best practice. Policy development — review, update and embed HR policies in line with legislation and organisational needs. Stakeholder engagement — build strong relationships with managers, colleagues, trade unions and external partners. Change management — advise on restructures, organisational change and continuous improvement initiatives. Workforce planning — support managers to plan future capability needs and recruit colleagues aligned to organisational values. HR metrics & reporting — analyse data, identify trends and provide monthly statistics including absence and turnover. Line Management HR systems oversight — ensure accurate, secure and compliant record‑keeping in line with data protection requirements. What You’ll Need to Succeed CIPD Level 5 (or equivalent experience) with strong operational HR delivery experience. Substantial experience in all aspects of employee relations – including discipline, grievance, absence and performance management. Experience reporting to/working with Senior Management, Boards or Committees and Unions. Excellent communication (verbal and written) and strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to present / challenge information and to operate in a business partnering capacity. Ability to develop effective working relationships with colleagues and internal and external customers. Benefits Opportunity to shape and influence people strategy across a values‑driven organisation. Autonomy to lead on key HR initiatives and projects. 24 days holiday plus BH Pension Contribution (4 ½ - 6% employer contribution) Flexible/Hybrid Working Free Parking Medicash A role that offers genuine impact, visibility and progression potential. Plus, others. What you need to do now If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career. Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk