Summary
We are looking for a proactive and forward-thinking HR Business Partner to join our People Services Team. This is a key strategic role, partnering across the Service to deliver our People Strategy and provide expert HR support that drives performance, engagement, and organisational change. The available post is offered on a permanent basis based at Service Headquarters, working full time (37 hours per week) and offers a Grade 7 salary starting at £42,839 (gross) per annum.
Find out more
You’ll act as a trusted advisor and ‘critical friend’ to senior leaders, delivering high quality, strategic HR support across a wide range of people matters. Alongside your business partnering responsibilities, you’ll lead on key HR project areas such as policy development, casework, organisational change, management development or job evaluation.
Find out more:
Key responsibilities:
Strategic partnering and change:
1. Build strong relationships with senior leaders to deliver consistent, fair, and effective people service
2. Support organisational change, including re-structures, reviews and contractual changes.
3. Lead and contribute to HR Projects and service-wide initiatives.
4. Develop and review HR policies in line with best practice and legislation.
Employee relations and case management:
5. Manage complex disciplinary, grievance and capability cases.
6. Provide expert advice at formal hearings and ensure consistent application of policies.
7. Analyse ER data to identify trends and drive improvements.
8. Maintain effective working relationships with Trade Unions and staff networks.
Workforce planning and talent:
9. Support workforce and succession planning across operational and support teams
10. Advise of job design, job evaluation and organisational structures.
11. Help managers build capability through coaching and guidance.
Wellbeing and development:
12. Promote a positive, inclusive workplace culture and support employee wellbeing.
13. Work with Occupational Health and internal teams to support attendance and return to work.
14. Contribute to management and development through coaching, mentoring and training delivery.
What we are looking for:
An experienced HR professional with strong business partnering skills, confident handling complex casework and organisational change. You’ll be a credible advisor, able to influence at senior level while maintaining a people-focused, pragmatic approach.
How to apply
Closing date: 2359hrs 26 April 2026
To apply, complete the application form and submit an Expression of Interest covering the following:
15. Describe how you have acted as a strategic business partner to a management team, including how you influenced thinking, and the impact your involvement had.
16. Provide an example of how you have supported a change initiative (e.g. restructure, policy update, organisational review). How did you collaborate with others and manage potential risks or concerns?
17. Provide an example of when you have used data or analysis to identify a trend and influence decision-making in a HR context?
To help you complete your Expression of Interest please find attached below the word document “Expression of Interest for my Business Partner Application”. You can download this document and complete your evidence in relation to the above criteria and then upload the completed document to your application form where requested.
Evidence submitted in relation to the Expression of Interest criteria above will be used to shortlist any applications received.
Our values
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and all employees must share this commitment and adhere to the Services’ Safeguarding Policy.
Fire and Rescue Authority roles are listed in Schedule 1 of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order and as such it is our policy to require all applicants to disclose any criminal convictions (both spent and unspent) including driving offences, cautions and reprimands.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Authority are committed to the rehabilitation of offenders, as such any positive disclosures will incorporate a reasonable and proportionate response.
As a Service and as individuals:
18. We are proud to help
19. We are honest
20. We are respectful
21. We are working together
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service recognise and celebrate the vast diversity of the local communities that we serve, and we aspire for this to be reflected in our workforce. We encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds, experience and beliefs, who share our values to consider working for us.