At a Glance
- Tasks: Partner with leaders to drive talent strategies and foster an inclusive culture.
- Company: Join the British Council, a global leader in education and cultural connections.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive pay, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to equality and safeguarding.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on people's lives while shaping the future of the organisation.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR, business transformation, and strategic planning is essential.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 75000 £ per year.
We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. For 90 years we have shaped brighter futures through education, arts, culture, language, and creativity. Working with people in over 200 countries and territories, we are on the ground in more than 100 countries. We connect. We inspire.
The British Council is undergoing a major transformation to support its commercial and digital growth, with new operating models being implemented across the organisation. The Business-Aligned People Partnering team, within the Talent & Organisational Development Directorate, works closely with leaders to embed these changes, strengthen organisational capability, build future skills, foster an inclusive culture, and drive the people agenda. Acting as trusted advisors, the team collaborates across the People function to deliver strategic initiatives that support the organisation's long-term success.
Accountabilities:
- Leadership & management: Partner with senior leaders as an equal on decisions relating to talent progression and retention, and in the alignment of organisation design with business strategy. Convene and coordinate across multiple People function teams to design and deliver key initiatives, embedding new ways of working and a culture of learning.
- Strategy and/or planning: Co-create plans with leadership teams to enable delivery of the strategic workforce plan and oversee delivery, including coaching and enabling leaders to deliver their accountabilities as part of the plan. Work in partnership with business leaders to identify, shift and enable the skills profile of their workforce aligned to their business strategy, including commercial, digital and other priority skills. Carry out key talent exercises with business leaders, including talent reviews, critical roles assessments, succession planning, capacity, capability and skills reviews, and others. Provide data and insight and actively participate in business planning so that people considerations are at the heart of business plans and the right areas are prioritised.
- Relationship and Stakeholder management: Build and manage relationships with senior leaders and their teams, bringing challenge and thought leadership so that talent & organisational development are at the heart of their business delivery. Act as a coach to senior leaders within the business area and help improve relationships and ways of working to build One British Council and maximise the British Council’s impact. Work collaboratively with colleagues across the People team so that business insight and needs are at the heart of product and initiative design.
- Commercial and financial management: Have a deep understanding of the business model of their stakeholder group, and partner with leaders on enabling a workforce with the size, shape and skills profile that best supports that model. Provide input to the Talent & OD budget so that the biggest impact opportunities are prioritised in spending decisions.
- Sector/subject expertise: Act as the business partner to designated senior directors within the business area and provide coaching in all aspects of strategic HR to build organisational capability in strategic talent management and organisational development.
- Consultancy, analysis and problem solving: Consult with the senior leadership team and use data and insight to identify solutions to strategic people-related problems. Convene design and delivery teams, co-create delivery plans and oversee and/or lead on delivery.
Role specific skills:
- Minimum/Essential: University degree or equivalent professional experience. Experience of business transformation and aligning people plans to enable change, including talent and organisational design & development. Experience as a member of a business leadership team, in a line or professional services partnering role. Experience of strategic business and workforce planning.
- Desirable: CIPD or equivalent OD / Change qualification. Experience within a centre of excellence in learning & / or organisational development, talent management, employee engagement or change. Experience within a global organisation. Experience in strategic organisation re-design projects. Experience in an external or internal consulting role.
Additional Information:
Please note that candidates must have the pre-existing, legal right to work in UK. This is a hybrid role – primarily working from the office with home working flexibility. If you are on a pre-existing British Council homeworking contract, you will remain homeworking. Applications will close at 22:59 UK Time on 12 July 2026. Interviews are likely to take place week of 27 July.
A connected and trusted UK in a more connected and trusted world.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement: We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all sections of the community as we believe that a diverse workforce gives added depth to our work. The British Council is a Disability Confident Employer. The Disability Confident scheme helps challenge attitudes, increase understanding of disability and ensure staff are drawn from the widest possible pool of talent. We guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the minimum role requirements. We welcome discussions about specific requirements or adjustments to enable participation and engagement in our work and activities.
Safeguarding Statement: The British Council is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults who we work with. We believe that all children and adults everywhere in the world deserve to live in safe environments and have the right to be protected from all forms of abuse, maltreatment and exploitation. Appointment to positions where there is direct involvement with vulnerable groups will be dependent on thorough checks being completed in line with legal requirements and with the British Council’s Safeguarding policies for Adults and Children.
People Business Partner employer: British Council
The British Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that champions inclusion and diversity. With flexible hybrid working arrangements and a strong commitment to social impact, employees have ample opportunities for professional growth and development while contributing to meaningful initiatives that make a difference in communities across the UK.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land People Business Partner
✨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 British Council!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨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 British Council.
We think you need these skills to ace People Business Partner
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 British Council. 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 British Council 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 British Council. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to British Council'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 British Council
✨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 British Council.
✨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 British Council 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 British Council and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
