At a Glance
- Tasks: Collaborate with leaders to shape people plans and provide expert HR advice.
- Company: Join Anna Freud, a leading mental health charity for children and families.
- Benefits: Enjoy perks like early finishes on Fridays and free counselling services.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a supportive, inclusive culture await you.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in mental health while developing your HR skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR strategy and employee relations is essential.
Ensure all your application information is up to date and in order before applying for this opportunity. Calling all HR experts! Anna Freud is seeking a HR Business Partner to join our world-leading mental health charity for children, young people and their families. Our mission is to close the gap in wellbeing and mental health by advancing, translating, delivering, and sharing the best science and practice with everyone who impacts the lives of children, young people and their families.
Our EDI commitment
We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and being an equal opportunities employer, whereby equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are core to our recruitment practices. All candidates who meet the job criteria will be considered for employment, regardless of ethnic origin, religion or belief, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, socioeconomic background, caring responsibilities and care experience. We ask candidates to share their diversity dimensions with us to help us identify, tackle and prevent bias across the employee lifecycle. We believe a diverse workforce enhances our ability to support mental health and wellbeing, allowing us to better meet the needs of the children, young people and families we serve. As a Disability Confident employer, disabled candidates meeting our criteria are guaranteed an interview. Applications are submitted anonymously and assessed using a fair evaluation process based on the criteria set out in our job profiles.
What we offer
We offer a range of staff benefits, including an all-in-one rewards and recognition platform called Perkbox and wellbeing offers such as finishing early on Fridays and free counselling through our Employee Assistance Programme. We are proud to have staff-led Diversity Networks offering unique opportunities for learning, connection and impact. Alongside our wider staff benefits, this is a great role for someone looking to build broad HR Business Partnering experience in a varied and purpose-driven organisation. You’ll be part of a collaborative and well-connected People & Culture team, with opportunities to work closely with senior leaders, contribute to organisation-wide projects and change activity, and build strong partnerships across Anna Freud. The role also offers opportunities for continued professional development through initiatives such as our Manager Development Programme, alongside opportunities to help shape the colleague experience and share ideas through forums such as the Employee Voice Forum.
What you’ll do
- This is a varied and collaborative HR Business Partner role where you’ll work closely with senior leaders and managers across Anna Freud, helping shape people plans, provide expert advice and support teams to deliver their priorities in a way that reflects our values and supports a positive colleague experience.
- You’ll build trusted relationships with Executive Directors and senior managers, getting to know their teams and priorities so you can offer practical and proactive people support that meets business needs.
- You’ll provide expert advice and guidance on a range of employee relations matters, including restructures, TUPE transfers, disciplinary and grievance matters, helping managers feel confident navigating complex situations.
- You’ll partner with colleagues across People & Culture, including HR Operations, Organisational Development and Recruitment, to deliver joined-up people initiatives and make sure support feels consistent and effective.
- You’ll help shape and implement people strategies that support service delivery, using your HR expertise to develop solutions that are practical, people-focused and aligned with organisational priorities.
- You’ll coach and support managers to build confidence in leading their teams, while helping to embed inclusive recruitment and people practices that reflect Anna Freud’s values and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
What you’ll bring
This role would suit an experienced HR professional who enjoys building strong relationships, partnering with senior leaders and providing practical, people-focused advice in a collaborative and purpose-driven organisation. You’ll bring a broad HR generalist background, sound judgement and the confidence to support managers through both day-to-day people matters and wider organisational change.
- Strong experience developing and delivering HR strategy, with the ability to translate organisational priorities into practical people-focused solutions.
- Excellent knowledge of UK employment legislation and HR best practice, alongside experience advising on employee relations matters such as restructures, TUPE transfers, disciplinary and grievance processes.
- Proven experience building effective working relationships with managers, colleagues and wider stakeholders, with the confidence to influence and build credibility at all levels.
- Experience supporting or leading change projects, with the ability to balance business needs with a positive colleague experience and organisational values.
- Excellent communication and coaching skills, with the ability to provide clear advice, support managers to build confidence and contribute to inclusive people practices across the organisation.
Key details
- Hours: Full-time 35 hours per week: usual working hours are Monday to Friday, 09:00-17:00. Flexible working is possible.
- Salary: £52,000 FTE per annum, plus 6% contributory pension scheme.
- Location: hybrid working (a mixture of onsite and home/remote working). Staff are working onsite for at least 20% of their working hours at our London office (4-8 Rodney Street, London N1 9JH).
- Contract type: Permanent.
Next steps
- Closing date for applications: midday (12pm), Monday 15 June 2026. Please note that due to high application volumes, we may close this advert early. We encourage you to apply promptly and to keep an eye on our future vacancies for more opportunities.
- Notification of interview: shortlisted applicants will be notified no later than Monday, 22 June 2026. During shortlisting, applicants are anonymously assessed using the criteria visible in the Job Profile. Please note: due to the high volume of applications received, we will not be able to provide feedback to unsuccessful applicants.
- Interviews: will be held in-person/remotely in week commencing 6 July 2026.
- How to apply: click on the 'apply now’ button to apply online. We are unable to accept CVs and kindly request no contact from agencies.
- Questions? Please email us with any job enquiries, or if you require assistance or experience difficulties when applying.
Please note that successful candidate(s) will be asked to evidence their Right to Work in the UK post-job offer – we do not hold a sponsor license therefore we are unable to provide Visa sponsorship.
HR Business Partner employer: ANNA FREUD
At Anna Freud, we pride ourselves on being a leading mental health charity that champions diversity and inclusion, making us an exceptional employer for HR professionals. Our collaborative work culture fosters personal and professional growth, offering unique opportunities to engage with senior leaders and contribute to impactful projects while enjoying benefits like flexible working, early finishes on Fridays, and access to our Employee Assistance Programme. Join us in making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families, all while developing your HR expertise in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Business Partner
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Before your interview, dive into Anna Freud's mission and values. This will help you connect your experience with their goals and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common HR scenarios and how you'd handle them. This will boost your confidence and prepare you for those tricky questions about employee relations and organisational change.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn to get insider tips about the culture and what they value in a candidate. Plus, it shows you're proactive and keen to fit in.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to showcase your soft skills! During the interview, highlight your ability to build relationships and coach managers. These are key for an HR Business Partner role, so make sure they shine through!
We think you need these skills to ace HR Business Partner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Keep It Up-to-Date:Before you hit that apply button, make sure all your application info is current and accurate. We want to see the real you, so double-check everything's in order!
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for HR and our mission shine through in your application. We love candidates who are genuinely excited about making a difference in mental health for children and families.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Make sure to highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the HR Business Partner role. We’re looking for how you can contribute to our team.
Apply Through Our Website:Remember, the best way to apply is through our website. It’s straightforward and ensures your application gets to us directly. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at ANNA FREUD
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you’re well-versed in HR best practices and UK employment legislation. Brush up on your knowledge of employee relations matters like restructures and TUPE transfers, as these are likely to come up during your chat.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
This role is all about building relationships, so be ready to share examples of how you've successfully partnered with senior leaders and managers in the past. Highlight your ability to influence and support them through complex situations.
✨Emphasise EDI Commitment
Since Anna Freud values equity, diversity, and inclusion, be prepared to discuss how you’ve contributed to inclusive recruitment and people practices in your previous roles. Show that you understand the importance of a diverse workforce in supporting mental health.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the organisation’s culture, team dynamics, and ongoing projects. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the company aligns with your values and career goals.
