At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape people plans and provide expert HR advice to support teams and leaders.
- Company: Join a leading mental health charity dedicated to improving wellbeing for children and families.
- Benefits: Enjoy perks like early finishes on Fridays, free counselling, and a rewards platform.
- Other info: Flexible working options and opportunities for professional development await you.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a purpose-driven organisation while developing your HR skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR with strong relationship-building and advisory skills.
The predicted salary is between 52000 - 52000 £ per year.
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 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.
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 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.
Human Resources Business Partner in London employer: ANNA FREUD
At Anna Freud, we pride ourselves on being a leading mental health charity that champions equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace. Our collaborative culture fosters professional growth through initiatives like our Manager Development Programme and staff-led Diversity Networks, while our commitment to employee wellbeing is reflected in benefits such as flexible working arrangements and access to free counselling services. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of children, young people, and families, all while developing your HR expertise in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Human Resources Business Partner in London
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at ANNA FREUD!
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✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at ANNA FREUD.
We think you need these skills to ace Human Resources Business Partner in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at ANNA FREUD. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to ANNA FREUD and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at ANNA FREUD. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to ANNA FREUD's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at ANNA FREUD
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with ANNA FREUD.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at ANNA FREUD will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact ANNA FREUD and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
