Job summary
Are you passionate about making a difference? Do you thrive on solving complex HR challenges and driving organisational success? Then this role may be for you.
Deputy HR Business Partner (Band 7) - Full Time (37.5 hours p/w)
Please note that this is a hybrid role with a frequent requirement to travel to AWP sites.
At AWP NHS Trust, we are dedicated to delivering exceptional Mental Health, Learning Disability, Autism, and Neurodiversity services while fostering a positive, inclusive, and values-driven culture. Our services play a crucial role in supporting some of the most vulnerable individuals, and as part of our HR Business Partnering Team, you will be integral to shaping a fair, supportive, and engaged workforce for a named Division.
This role offers not only an opportunity to apply and develop your HR expertise but also a chance to contribute to a culture of learning, civility, respect, and restorative practice. Within AWP, we deal with complex casework, organisational change, and TUPE transfers, providing a rich environment for continuous professional growth and skill development.
Main duties of the job
As a Deputy HR Business Partner, you will support both the Division and the wider HRBP Team in delivering a proactive, high-quality HR service. You will be responsible for:
1. Leading on employee relations casework, ensuring a just, fair, and restorative approach to workforce issues.
2. Overseeing and line-managing Senior HR Advisors, providing coaching and professional development opportunities.
3. Driving improvements in key workforce performance indicators (e.g., vacancy rates, attendance, staff engagement, retention, and wellbeing) through data analysis and targeted action plans.
4. Supporting the development of a high-performing, inclusive culture by delivering learning initiatives that embed best practice people management, civility, and respect.
5. Contributing to and delivering workforce plans that align with the Trust's People Strategy, focusing on recruitment, retention, learning & development, and EDI initiatives.
6. Partnering with the People Directorate to implement effective solutions for both transactional and strategic workforce challenges.
7. Leading HR projects as directed by the HRBP, taking ownership of specific initiatives that enhance the employee experience.
Why Join Us?
This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a team that is driven by values, committed to continuous learning, and focused on making a real impact on both employees and service users. At AWP, we recognise that HR plays a key role in shaping the culture of our organisation, and we are looking for someone who shares our vision of a respectful, inclusive, and supportive workplace.
If you are looking for a role where you can develop your HR expertise, drive meaningful change, and be part of a team that values growth, fairness, and learning, we would love to hear from you!
About us
We are AWP (Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust): a diverse organisation with over 5,000 dedicated staff providing inpatient and community-based mental health care.
We provide services from a range of locations to approximately 1.8 million people living in Bath and North East Somerset (B&NES), Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Swindon, across the county of Wiltshire and in parts of Dorset.
Our outstanding people promote mental health and wellbeing. The expertise and resources within AWP are dedicated to a person-centred approach for those who use our services and for all employees. We recognise that happy and fulfilled employees give better care.
At AWP we actively encourage applicants from all backgrounds; we are particularly keen to encourage applications from people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, those with disabilities and from the LGBTQ+ community. We want people to bring their unique blend of experiences, backgrounds, perspectives and knowledge to AWP, as diversity makes us stronger.
Date posted: 11 February 2025
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 7
Salary: £46,148 to £52,809 a year
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 342-CS014-0225
Job locations
Bath NHS House, Newbridge Hill, Bath, BA1 3QE
What We Offer:
1. Competitive salary and benefits package.
2. Opportunities for development and growth.
3. A dynamic and inclusive work environment where every voice is valued.
4. Flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance.
5. A chance to make a real difference in the lives of our people, service users and young people.
Ready to join our team and make a meaningful impact? We encourage applications from all individuals, including those from underrepresented groups. Apply now and let's make a difference together!
Person Specification
Education and Qualification
Essential
* Degree plus CIPD qualification level 7, masters-level qualification, significant commensurate experience in a senior HR role, CIPD qualified, or significant experience in an employee relations role.
* Evidence of ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
* Current CIPD membership.
Desirable
* Further HR, Business or management qualifications.
* Coaching qualification.
Experience and Knowledge
Essential
* Experience in developing, writing and implementing policies.
* Specialist Knowledge and experience across a range of HR practices.
* Experience of managing multiple complex, highly sensitive, contentious employee issues such as grievance, disciplinary, change management up to and including preparing cases for appeal.
* Demonstrates experience of working with operational colleagues in a business partner model: influencing and negotiating skills; supporting delivery of HR strategy and local agenda; collaborative working including with union representatives; understanding of the business; drive for results and quality.
* Experience of progressing cases and delivering work against timescales.
* Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage a varied workload and conflicting deadlines through effectively prioritisation of self and the Senior HR Advisor.
* Experience of HR Information systems and producing reports. Competent in the use of Microsoft software, and wider digital skills.
* Good understanding of EDI issues and commitment to delivering the Trust's objectives in a diverse work environment.
* Ability to deliver information and maintain attention to detail and accuracy.
* Experience of delivering training to line managers on People practices and policy.
Desirable
* NHS or Public Sector experience.
* Knowledge or experience supporting medical workforce.
Skills and Abilities
Essential
* Written and verbal communication, presentation, interpersonal and liaison skills.
* An ability to analyse data and present this analysis in management reports and presentations.
* Influencing skills with line managers.
* Skills for keyboard use for producing reports, spreadsheets and correspondence.
* Ability to manage effectively.
* Professionally and appropriately challenge practice and behaviour.
* Ability to use own initiative and judgement in dealing with complex problems or queries and providing advice.
Other Requirements
Essential
* Empathy for individuals who have experienced mental health problems and ability to cope with behaviour that may be challenging at times.
* Committed to shaping and delivering organisational goals and demonstrate Trust Values.
* Ability to travel around the Trust geographical area.
* Willing to share information and knowledge with team members and other professionals to support continuous learning and development.
* Works effectively in complex and changing environments.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details
Employer name: Avon & Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust
Address: Bath NHS House, Newbridge Hill, Bath, BA1 3QE
Employer's website: http://www.awp.nhs.uk/about-us/working-for-us/ (Opens in a new tab)
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