People Development Partner (PDP) – maternity cover 12 months
Faculty/Directorate: People Team
Grade: H
Location: High Wycombe with travel to other campuses
Hours: 37
Responsible to: Chief People Officer
Responsible for: People Development Coordinator
Job Purpose
Provide learning and development solutions across the University to ensure delivery against BNU’s Talent Strategy, with a strong focus on implementing digital learning and performance tools. Drive strategic, cultural and measurable change to improve leadership and performance. Working closely with key stakeholders including the University Executive Team, College Deans, Directors, staff networks, and committees to develop sector‑leading learning and development tools and practice.
Main Duties & Responsibilities
* Drive the implementation of our incoming Learning and Performance platform for all staff; running sessions on system usage and the associated culture change to drive performance, engagement, and development at BNU.
* Lead our internal apprenticeship schemes, partnering with providers to advertise apprenticeship programmes to internal staff, supporting and advising current learners, and being an advocate for apprenticeships as a development route.
* Partner with specialist areas to provide advice, training and development sessions on subjects identified as priorities.
* Deliver our quarterly employee induction, being an advocate of BNU and welcoming new starters.
* Support the planning and delivery of our annual Staff Summit – a 2‑day event in September which promotes lifelong learning for both Academic and Professional Services staff.
* Advocate for our Care Leaver Programme – encouraging hiring managers to consider recruiting through this route, supporting the journey of the new starter and the manager to ensure a smooth onboarding and a supportive relationship.
* Partner with external training providers to support ongoing development programmes and identify opportunities for new sessions.
* LEP
* Drive mandatory training requirements, monitor figures and advise on completion.
* Other duties as reasonably required.
Person Specification
Education, Qualifications & Training
Evidence of continued professional development. Chartered MCIPD or equivalent experience.
Knowledge & Experience
* Experience of developing and delivering learning solutions at all levels within a large, complex and unionised organisation.
* Skilled in the use of digital technology and embedding digital learning solutions to facilitate confidence in their use.
* Working within an HR or L&D team.
* Experience of developing solutions that facilitate culture change, particularly customer service.
* Expert knowledge of interventions to improve the employee experience.
Skills
* Digitally able and proficient in Microsoft tools.
* Adept at speaking up, sensitively responding to challenge and providing safe spaces to develop conversations, consciousness and solidarity.
* Designing and delivering digital learning solutions.
* Verbal and non‑verbal communication and influencing skills internally and externally to small and large groups, at all levels.
Special Requirements
May be required to travel across campuses with occasional evening events/conferences.
BNU Behavioural Framework
* Developing Self and Others – Showing commitment to own ongoing professional development. Supporting and encouraging others to develop their professional knowledge, skills and behaviours to enable them to reach their full potential.
* Finding solutions – Taking a holistic view and working enthusiastically to analyse problems and to develop workable solutions. Identifying opportunities for innovation.
* Achieving results – Consistently meeting agreed objectives and success criteria. Taking personal responsibility for getting things done.
Benefits
* A generous holiday entitlement (30 days per annum, plus bank holidays & closure days).
* Hybrid working (dependent on business needs).
* Training & development support opportunities.
* Contributory pension scheme.
* Discounted gym membership for our on‑site gym.
* A range of staff discounts with major retailers.
Closing Date
08/06/2026
Interview Date
15/06/2026
Contact
For further information about this role please contact Rachel Hemingway (Rachel.Hemingway@bnu.ac.uk).
EEO Statement
BNU is proud to have a diverse community and a strong track record of diversity, equity and inclusion. We are committed to promoting an inclusive and diverse workplace and aim to continue building an environment where everyone thrives and can be themselves. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in BNU’s workforce. These include people from global majority backgrounds, people with disabilities, and LGBTQI+ people, particularly in more senior roles. Please let us know if you require any adjustments or support during the recruitment process. We are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments that would enable you to perform to the best of your abilities in your role. Please reach out to People people@bnu.ac.uk if you have any specific needs or if you would like more information on how we can support you.
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