East Midlands (England), East of England, North East England, North West England, Scotland, South East England, South West England, Wales, West Midlands (England), Yorkshire and the Humber
Job Summary
DWP is looking to recruit several HR Business Partner roles in Strategic People Partnering Services (SPPS).
SPPS are a team of around 300 dedicated HR professionals, working across a wide range of directorates which include Policy and Professional Services, Jobs & Careers Service, Services & Fraud, People & Capability, Corporate Transformation, Digital and Transformation and Strategic Finance. As you can imagine, this is a very broad and dynamic portfolio with over 85,000 employees and the People and Capability Group is placed at the heart of shaping and driving the people agenda across the department.
HR Business Partners have a unique role to play as a strategic partner to our most senior leaders and decision makers in the Department. HR Business Partners are visible, confident, and empowering leaders within both the People and Capability Group and the SPPS community.
The roles on offers will be working with our senior leaders and their leadership teams, underpinning the business strategy with people plans aligned with our DWP People Strategy. You will act as an expert in all people matters as well as a coach to the senior leadership team on the design and delivery of the people plan. You will also be working with fellow HR Business Partners as well as our Centres of Excellence to ensure your client group leverages the full value of the People and Capability provision.
Job Description
HR Business Partners play a critical role within People and Capability (PandC) Group. They drive organisational transformation as experienced HR professionals and strategic partners to the most senior decision makers and their leadership teams across DWP.
They enable and utilise evidence-based decision making in the business they partner using data, insight and analytics to identify key people issues and support the implementation of solutions. They provide constructive challenge to enable the best possible people-focused outcomes whilst delivering a highly professional service.
They enable successful alignment between PandC and DWP organisational objectives, providing positive current and future business outcomes in line with best practice, policy, and legal frameworks.
These Roles Place Particular Emphasis On:
* An ability to build trust-based relationships with a wide range of demanding and diverse senior stakeholders;
* An ability to bring flexibility, curiosity and diverse perspectives into your work to achieve successful business outcomes.
* An understanding of the business you partner, and how to communicate critical people issues with stakeholders;
* An ability to drive organisation change and transformation initiatives with evidence of the impact on the business through the analysis of appropriate metrics and insights.
If you are eager to broaden your current HR Business Partnering experience in a large and complex organisation, this is the perfect opportunity for you
HR Business Partners play a critical role within People and Capability (PandC) Group. They drive organisational transformation as experienced HR professionals and strategic partners to the most senior decision makers and their leadership teams across DWP.
They enable and utilise evidence-based decision making in the business they partner using data, insight and analytics to identify key people issues and support the implementation of solutions. They provide constructive challenge to enable the best possible people-focused outcomes whilst delivering a highly professional service.
They enable successful alignment between PandC and DWP organisational objectives, providing positive current and future business outcomes in line with best practice, policy, and legal frameworks.
These Roles Place Particular Emphasis On:
* An ability to build trust-based relationships with a wide range of demanding and diverse senior stakeholders;
* An ability to bring flexibility, curiosity and diverse perspectives into your work to achieve successful business outcomes.
* An understanding of the business you partner, and how to communicate critical people issues with stakeholders;
* An ability to drive organisation change and transformation initiatives with evidence of the impact on the business through the analysis of appropriate metrics and insights.
If you are eager to broaden your current HR Business Partnering experience in a large and complex organisation, this is the perfect opportunity for you
Person specification
*Essential Criteria:*
* Leadership: Proven track record of being a recognised HR leader, driving high performance and maintaining flexibility and resilience in complex business environments to maximise the impact and value of people-related workstreams.
* Stakeholder Management: Significant HR Business Partnering experience of building strong, trust-based relationships with a range of diverse and demanding senior stakeholders in relation to people management issues in an environment of substantial organisational change.
* Driving Change and Transformation: An ability to develop and implement strategic people-related change initiatives, understanding the people impacts of change and evidencing its positive impact on the business through the analysis of appropriate business and people metrics and insights.
* Effective Communication: Strong communication skills to engage and influence senior officials, acting as a coach and trusted confidante, successfully implementing people interventions and changes in complex business areas.
* Fast-Paced Environment: An ability to quickly gain an understanding of the client business, identify people issues in a proactive way and communicate confidently and persuasively about solutions in the language of the business, constructively challenging and providing appropriate feedback with tenacity and ethical integrity.
* Professional: Displays personal credibility in your commitment to developing as a HR Business Partner, inspiring other to invest in their own personal and professional development.
*Qualifications:*
* You must have achieved CIPD Chartered membership or be willing to work towards this upon commencement of your role.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
* Leadership
* Communicating and Influencing
* Changing and Improving
* Seeing the Big Picture
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
* Leadership Skills (LEAD)
* Expertise in Change and Transformation
* Stakeholder Management Skills
* Effective Decision Making Skills
Alongside your salary of £57,946, Department for Work and Pensions contributes £16,786 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
DWP have a broad benefits package built around your work-life balance which includes:
* Working patterns to support work/life balance such as job sharing, term-time working, flexi-time and compressed hours.
* Generous annual leave – at least 23 days on entry, increasing up to 30 days over time (pro–rata for part time employees), plus 9 days public and privilege leave.
* Support for financial wellbeing, including interest-free season ticket loans for travel, a cycle to work scheme and an employee discount scheme.
* Health and wellbeing support including our Employee Assistance Programme for specialist advice and counselling and the opportunity to join HASSRA a first-class programme of competitions, activities and benefits for its members (subscription payable monthly).
* Family friendly policies including enhanced maternity and shared parental leave pay after 1 year's continuous service.
* Funded learning and development to support progress in your role and career. This includes industry recognised qualifications and accreditations, coaching, mentoring and talent development programmes.
* An inclusive and diverse environment with opportunities to join professional and interpersonal networks including Women's Network, National Race Network, National Disability Network (THRIVE) and many more.
Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths, Experience and Technical skills.
To apply for this post, you will need to complete the following actions:
*Written Sift:*
The written sift will be conducted using evidence from your responses to the following Technical Skill based key questions:
Q1. Leadership Skills
: How have you demonstrated resilience and adaptability in leading an organisation through a challenging period of change?
(Lead Question)
Q2. Expertise in Change and Transformation
: How have you led a strategic people change initiative that had a demonstrable impact on the business area?
Q3. Stakeholder Management Skills
: How have you successfully influenced a senior stakeholder and their leadership team, utilising HR Business Partnering skills, in implementing a complex people intervention in their business area?
Q4. Effective Decision Making Skills
: How have you proactively identified and managed risks to complex people management issues, leading effectively and confidently through others to develop business-focused solutions?
Using 250 words each, please answer each of these four questions.
It may help to use the WHO or STAR model to explain: What the task/work was, How you approached the task/work/situation and what the Outcomes were, what did you achieve? Or What was the Situation? What were the Tasks? What Action did you take? What were the Results of your actions?
In The Event Of a Large Number Of Applications, An Initial Sift Will Be Carried Out On Responses To The Lead Question:
"Q1. Leadership Skills: How have you demonstrated resilience and adaptability in leading an organisation through a challenging period of change? (Lead Question) "
Candidates who pass the initial Sift may be progressed to a full Sift or direct to interview.
CV
A CV setting out your career history, with key responsibilities and achievements. The CV is an on-line tool accessed through the Civil Service Jobsite and there is no requirement to upload your personal CV. Our CV element is short and allows an initial check of eligibility but is not scored so please put the main content of your evidence and skills in your responses to the four Technical Skills based Questions.
*Interview :*
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an interview lasting up to 60 minutes. This will take place via MS Teams. The interview panel will be a minimum of two people and will assess Behaviours and Strengths.
During the first 5 minutes of your interview, you will be asked to deliver a presentation. Please note that visual aids will not be permitted. Further information about the presentation element will be shared with shortlisted candidates prior to interview.
Please note at interview, candidates will be asked to provide their location preference.
Successful candidates will be posted in merit order based on your location preferences, where appropriate, and the geographical requirements of the business.
Sift and interview dates to be confirmed.
*Offer:*
This job role may be suitable for hybrid working, which is where an employee works part of the week in their DWP office and part of the week from home. This is a voluntary, non-contractual arrangement and your office will be your contractual place of work. The number of days that anyone will be able to work at home will be determined primarily by business need but personal circumstances and other relevant circumstances will also be taken into account. If you are successful, any opportunities for hybrid working, including whether a hybrid working arrangement is suitable for you, will be discussed with you prior to you taking up your post.
Locations
The roles available will be based in various sites geographically, aligned with the Strategic People Partnering Services (SPPS) locations. Some travel to other locations may be necessary for the roles.
You May Be Placed On a Reserve List If Your Application Is Successful But We Cannot Immediately Offer You a Post, Please Note:
* If you are offered the role you applied for, in a location you have expressed a preference for, and you decline the offer or are unable to take up post within a reasonable time frame you will be withdrawn from the campaign and removed from the reserve list, other than in exceptional circumstances*.
* If DWP makes an offer of an alternative role or location to that which you originally applied for, and you decline that offer, you will be able to remain on the reserve list.
* Note - Exceptional circumstances could be when a candidate has requested a contractual Part Time Working Pattern, and this pattern cannot be accommodated in the initial role offered or in cases of serious ill health.
Please note that for candidates requesting to work in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, this role will be based at Benton Park View from September 2025, and then at 1 Pilgrim Place in Newcastle city centre by the end of 2027.
Important Information – Visa Sponsorship
For these vacancies, we strongly recommend that applicants consult with an immigration specialist or qualified advisor to assess their eligibility for Visa Sponsorship before deciding to apply. Please note that while we consider sponsorship requests in accordance with current DWP guidance and Home Office policy, sponsorship cannot be guaranteed.
Further Information
At the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) we value diversity and inclusion and actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, including those that are underrepresented in our workforce.
Find out more about working for DWP on the DWP Careers Hub.
Reserve List
A reserve list may be held for a period of 6 months from which further appointments can be made.
If you are placed on a reserve list but we cannot immediately offer you a post, please note:
* If you are later offered the role you applied for, in a location you have expressed a preference for, and you decline the offer or are unable to take up the post within a reasonable timeframe you will be withdrawn from the campaign and removed from the reserve list, other than in exceptional circumstances (e.g. a contractual Part Time Working Pattern cannot be accommodated in the initial role offered or in cases of serious ill health).
* If DWP makes an offer of an alternative role or location to that which you originally applied for, and you decline that offer, you will be able to remain on the reserve list.
Disability Confident Scheme
If high application volumes are received, the benchmark for candidates to proceed to the next stage may be raised. In line with our commitment to the Disability Confident Scheme (DCS), we aim to advance all candidates applying under the DCS who meet the minimum standard. However, we may only progress those candidates who best meet the required standards.
Reasonable Adjustments
We consider visible and non-visible disabilities, neurodiversity or learning differences, chronic medical conditions, or mental ill health. Examples include dyslexia, epilepsy, autism, chronic fatigue, or schizophrenia.
If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should contact the Government Recruitment Service via as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.
Complete the "Reasonable Adjustments" section in the "Additional requirements" page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you're deaf, a Language Service Professional.
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.
Integrity, plagiarism, Civil Service Principles and the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
The Civil Service values honesty and integrity and expects all candidates to abide by these principles.
Please ensure that all examples provided in your application are taken directly from your own experience and that you describe the examples in your own words.
Examples Of Plagiarism Can Include:
* Presenting the work, ideas and experience of others as your own
* Copying content or answers from an online or published source that is not your own
Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
Disclosure and Barring Service and Internal Fraud Database Checks
In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service/Disclosure Scotland on your behalf.
However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre- stating the job reference number in the subject heading.
For further information on the Disclosure Scotland confidential checking service telephone: the Disclosure Scotland Helpline on and ask to speak to the operations manager in confidence, or email
Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant's details held on the IFD will be refused employment. A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.
If successful and transferring from another Government Department, a criminal record check will be carried out.
Important
New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.
Before applying for this vacancy, current employees of DWP should check whether a successful application would result in changes to their terms & conditions of employment, e.g. mobility, pay, allowances. If you are a current employee and are successful you must be able to be released from your current post within four weeks.
Those on protected TUPE/ COSoP terms and conditions applying on promotion or voluntary permanent level move will adopt DWP's Terms and Conditions and this may have a different impact on pay and allowances. Please review this prior to acceptance of a role.
Civil Servants that would transfer into DWP from other government organisations, following successful application, will assume DWP's terms & conditions of employment current on the day they are posted, unless DWP has stated otherwise in writing. Accepting a post will be taken to mean acceptance of revised terms & conditions.
Civil Servants applying on promotion will usually be appointed to the salary minimum or within 10% of existing salary.
Any move to DWP from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may, however, be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at the Childcare Choices Website.
Feedback
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths, Experience and Technical skills.
Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Nationality requirements
This Job Is Broadly Open To The Following Groups:
* UK nationals
* nationals of the Republic of Ireland
* nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
* nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
* nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
* individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
* Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).
This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.
The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Contact point for applicants
Job Contact :
* Name : Strategic People Partnering Services
* Email : HRDIRECTOR..GOV.UK
Recruitment team
* Email :
Further information
Appointment to the Civil Service is governed by the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with these principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should in the first instance contact DWP by email: HR..GOV.UK.
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission. Click here to visit the Civil Service Commission.