As an HR Business Partner at East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust (ESHT), you will play a pivotal senior role supporting divisions to deliver high‑quality patient care through an effective, engaged and well‑planned workforce. Working as a trusted adviser to divisional leaders, you will shape and deliver strategic and operational HR solutions that align workforce capability, capacity and culture with the Trust’s priorities.
Responsibilities
* Act as the HR lead for a Clinical Division, aligning people strategy with divisional and Trust objectives.
* Build trusted, influential relationships with divisional leaders, senior managers and clinicians.
* Lead and support strategic and operational workforce planning, including skill mix, succession planning, and establishment control.
* Support large‑scale change programmes such as service transformation, restructuring, TUPE and right‑sizing initiatives.
* Act as the senior lead for employee relations within the Division, managing and advising on highly complex and sensitive cases (disciplinary, grievance, sickness absence, capability and MHPS).
* Ensure the Division complies with employment law, national NHS terms and conditions, Trust policies and regulatory requirements.
* Contribute to the development, review and implementation of HR policies and procedures, ensuring they reflect current legislation, national guidance and best practice.
* Collaborate across HR specialisms (Workforce, Recruitment, Organisational Development, Education, Wellbeing and Employee Relations) to deliver a coordinated, efficient and responsive HR service.
* Build and maintain effective partnership working with trade unions and staff‑side representatives, supporting consultation, negotiation, communication and employee engagement.
* Provide professional leadership within the HR function, contributing to Trust‑wide HR projects and priorities, supporting the development of HR colleagues and deputising for the Head of HR Business Partnering when required.
* Promote staff wellbeing, engagement, equality and fairness across all activities.
Qualifications
* Masters degree level education or equivalent experience.
* Post‑graduate Diploma or MSc in HR or equivalent experience.
* Evidence of continuing professional development and professional HR registration (e.g., CIPD).
* Member of CIPD or equivalent professional body.
* Formal leadership and management development, evidenced by a qualification or participation in a recognised programme.
* Associate CIPD membership.
Skills and Competencies
* Extensive senior‑level HR experience within a large, complex, unionised environment.
* Highly developed knowledge of employment law, national NHS terms and conditions and best‑practice HR and employee relations approaches.
* Proven ability to operate strategically, translating organisational objectives into practical, deliverable workforce and operational plans.
* Significant experience of leading and advising on complex employee relations and medical staffing cases, managing risk and maintaining fairness, integrity and professionalism.
* Strong leadership, influencing and negotiation skills, with the confidence to challenge constructively and influence senior leaders, clinicians and stakeholders at all levels.
* Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex data, assess risk and develop pragmatic, evidence‑based solutions.
* Outstanding communication and relationship‑management skills, enabling the post holder to build trust, manage conflict, convey highly sensitive information and foster effective partnerships.
* A strong commitment to staff wellbeing, equality, diversity and inclusion, demonstrating emotional intelligence, resilience and a values‑based approach to people management.
* Evidence of continuous professional development and professional HR registration (e.g. CIPD), reflecting a commitment to maintaining expertise and developing best practice.
Benefits
* Staff development opportunities.
* Enrolment in the NHS pension scheme.
* Auto‑enrolment to the Temporary Workforce Service.
* Access to onsite nurseries.
* Access to staff restaurants and accommodation.
* Free psychological support through the confidential Employee Assistance Programme.
* Onsite parking available for £50 a year.
Salary
£57,528 to £64,750 a year pro rata
Contract
Permanent
Working Pattern
Full‑time, flexible working, home or remote working
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service will be required to check for any previous criminal convictions.
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