Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Head of Business Partnering, Band 8b

The closing date is 07 April 2026

Job summary

You will be a credible HR leader with a strong track record of senior business partnering, workforce planning, organisational change and complex ER management. You will bring emotional intelligence, resilience and excellent relationship-building skills, alongside confidence in providing strategic advice and making difficult decisions.

This role requires someone who can analyse complex workforce data, influence senior stakeholders and lead an experienced HRBP team in a large, diverse and values-led NHS organisation.

Main duties of the job

We are seeking an experienced and progressive Head of HR Business Partnering to lead and develop our Corporate HR Business Partnering service. As a senior member of the extended People & OD leadership team, you will deliver a high-quality, modern and impactful HR partnering function aligned to organisational priorities and the Trust's People & OD Strategy.

You will work closely with Executive Directors, senior managers and multi-disciplinary teams to embed compassionate leadership, drive engagement, shape culture and enable transformation. You will ensure our workforce plans are robust, inclusive and future-focused, and you will lead the HRBP team to provide proactive, expert and solution-focussed support across complex employee relations, organisational change and strategic workforce initiatives.

This is a pivotal role for someone who thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, brings credibility at senior levels, and is passionate about building high-performing teams and exceptional people experiences.

About us

At Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, people are at the heart of everything we do. With over 9,000 colleagues, we are the largest employer in the county and one of the top 10 largest Trusts in the South West. We are proud of our inclusive and values-driven culture, where every individual contribution helps us to grow, learn and continually improve.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including generous annual leave, access to the NHS Pension Scheme, flexible working, wellbeing support, on-site nurseries, discounted public transport, local retail discounts, and excellent development opportunities across our two innovative hospital sites.

We are committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and able to thrive.

Details

Date posted

27 March 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8b

Salary

£64,455 to £74,896 a year (pa pro rata if part-time)

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

318-26-T0192-A

Job locations

Gloucestershire Royal Hospital

Gloucester

GL1 3NN


Job description

Job responsibilities

- Lead the HR Business Partnering function, ensuring the delivery of a modern, strategic and influential service.

- Provide expert HR advice to Executive Directors, senior managers and key governance committees.

- Develop workforce plans aligned to Trust priorities, supporting succession planning, recruitment and retention, and safer staffing requirements.

- Lead and advise on complex employee relations matters, organisational change programmes and employment legislation.

- Drive continuous improvement, working collaboratively with OD, People Advisory and Workforce teams.

- Produce highquality workforce analytics, performance reports and Board-level papers.

- Embed Trust values, enhance staff engagement, support EDI objectives and champion health and wellbeing.

- Line manage, coach and develop HR Business Partners, ensuring a highperforming and engaged team.

- Build strong partnerships with Trade Unions and external stakeholders.

- Manage the HR Business Partnering budget and contribute to financial efficiency programmes.

Additional Contact Details

Nick Watson, Executive Assistant extension: 2579

Job description

Job responsibilities

- Lead the HR Business Partnering function, ensuring the delivery of a modern, strategic and influential service.

- Provide expert HR advice to Executive Directors, senior managers and key governance committees.

- Develop workforce plans aligned to Trust priorities, supporting succession planning, recruitment and retention, and safer staffing requirements.

- Lead and advise on complex employee relations matters, organisational change programmes and employment legislation.

- Drive continuous improvement, working collaboratively with OD, People Advisory and Workforce teams.

- Produce highquality workforce analytics, performance reports and Board-level papers.

- Embed Trust values, enhance staff engagement, support EDI objectives and champion health and wellbeing.

- Line manage, coach and develop HR Business Partners, ensuring a highperforming and engaged team.

- Build strong partnerships with Trade Unions and external stakeholders.

- Manage the HR Business Partnering budget and contribute to financial efficiency programmes.

Additional Contact Details

Nick Watson, Executive Assistant extension: 2579

Person Specification

Qualifications, Knowledge and Experience

Essential

  • MCIPD (Level 7) membership OR equivalent experience/qualification
  • Significant experience of managing complex and sensitive employment relations issues and organisational change
  • Strong ability to lead, influence and negotiate at senior levels

Desirable

  • Evidence of continuous professional development at an advanced level
  • Experience of working in a continuous improvement/transformational change environment
  • Experience of producing senior workforce reports and contributing to business cases
Person Specification

Qualifications, Knowledge and Experience

Essential

  • MCIPD (Level 7) membership OR equivalent experience/qualification
  • Significant experience of managing complex and sensitive employment relations issues and organisational change
  • Strong ability to lead, influence and negotiate at senior levels

Desirable

  • Evidence of continuous professional development at an advanced level
  • Experience of working in a continuous improvement/transformational change environment
  • Experience of producing senior workforce reports and contributing to business cases

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.

Employer details

Employer name

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Gloucestershire Royal Hospital

Gloucester

GL1 3NN


Employer's website

https://www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Gloucestershire Royal Hospital

Gloucester

GL1 3NN


Employer's website

https://www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Deputy Director for People & OD

Faye Bradley

faye.bradley@nhs.net

03004222222

Details

Date posted

27 March 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8b

Salary

£64,455 to £74,896 a year (pa pro rata if part-time)

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

318-26-T0192-A

Job locations

Gloucestershire Royal Hospital

Gloucester

GL1 3NN


Supporting documents

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