The HR Business Partner plays a key part of the HR operating model, providing partnering support across the Council. Through strong trusted relationships, Business Partners will work in partnership with managers, key stakeholders and HR colleagues to deliver excellent people management practices, as well as providing professional support and expert advice to help managers achieve organisational and directorate goals inclusive of transformational work.

The role forms part of a Business Partnering model and will require resilience and self-sufficiency, with strong team relationships within the HRBP team, to enable the sharing of best practice, mutual support and collaboration on HR and corporate initiatives as required.

HR Business Partners will take responsibility for policy management and development and the adoption of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) practices. They will act as a positive advocate for the wider HR Operations Team within their dedicated area, and ensure two way communication is promoted which allows continuous improvement in HR service and practice, and wider manager capabilities.

This post reports to the Lead HR Business Partner and will receive general direction and supervision, although the post holder will be expected to work autonomously when providing advice and support to colleagues outside of HR.

This post will provide management and supervision to one Assistant HR Business Partner

Key Duties

• Work collaboratively with managers across the council at both strategic and operational level, to contribute to the formulation of people-related plans, initiatives and actions needed to deliver successful outcomes for projects, goals and operational effectiveness.
• To oversee and gain input and/or support in all areas of HR, including policy development, pay and reward, resourcing, when assessing resourcing plans / succession planning challenges , Organisational Development when assessing development needs, Health and Safety and HR operations.
• To continuously embed and enhance the Business Partnering model, working with the HRBP team to share ideas and roll out new working practices. Consulting with internal customers seeking feedback and acting on that feedback where necessary whilst collaborating with wider council services to ensure best use of resources and expertise for project initiatives.
• Working with managers to identify and implement workforce and succession planning and development needs, including providing business focused and creative solutions, driving efficiency while reviewing, implementing and monitoring these for maximum added value. To analyse, report and provide Management information ensuring that all internal and external reporting requirements are satisfied.
• To keep up to date with employment legislation, ACAS codes of practice, terms and conditions of employment and council policy to interpret and advise employees, managers at all levels and elected members across a range of professions and operational disciplines.
• To support, coach and empower managers in championing change and improvement initiatives which support the Corporate objectives leading to improved efficiency in service delivery for the residents of the borough.
• To manage, lead and develop Assistant HR Business Partners through objective setting, performance management and coaching / mentoring as required.
• To provide timely and robust end to end employee relations advice to managers, ensuring legal and policy compliance and fair and consistent management decisions. This may include employees to support the prompt resolution of workforce issues and investigations.
• To provide expert HR Advice finding proactive resolutions on a range of complex casework including disciplinary, grievance, bullying and harassment, capability whilst implementing escalation processes where appropriate. To advise and support management with organisational change including negotiations and consultations with recognised trade unions with attendance at formal consultation meetings.
• To act as part of local management teams to influence and advise on workforce and people matters to provide directorates to deliver pragmatic solutions across employees lifecycle and make recommendations to stakeholders where there is an impact on employee experiences.
• Maintaining an overview of the employee relations environment with the relevant business areas, and working with Lead HRBP to develop strategies, policies and initiatives in line with current legislation, HR Procedures and best practice to improve employee relations.
• Maintaining excellent working relationships with Trade Union colleagues, contributing to and engaging in network groups and other working groups, with a view to maintaining positive employee relations and employee engagement. Attend corporate, directorate, regional and national meetings and training to represent the HR Business Partnering Team for continuous professional development.

Please note this role is for an initial 6 month contact but could be extended.

Connect2Halton is a trading style of Halton & Kent Commercial Services LLP- A joint venture between Halton Borough Council & Commercial Services Kent Ltd. Connect2Halton is an equal opportunities Employment Agency & Business. It positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates.