At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR team, manage complex employee relations, and ensure safeguarding compliance.
- Company: Esland transforms lives through care and education for vulnerable young people.
- Benefits: Up to £55,000 salary, hybrid working, 28 days leave, and professional development.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with access to senior leadership and diverse casework opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your HR leadership skills.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 7 or substantial senior HR experience with strong employment law knowledge.
At Esland, your work changes children’s lives. We provide the care, education and therapeutic support that helps vulnerable young people turn the curve on their futures. This role keeps that work safe. Our managers deal with difficult people situations, often at short notice and often with a safeguarding edge. They need someone who will get those decisions right, quickly and fairly, so their attention can stay where it belongs.
Your role
You will lead our four HR Business Partners, and you will personally hold the casework that cannot be handed on: disciplinary, grievance, capability, dignity at work. The ones with real consequences attached. You are also the senior link between HR and safeguarding. That means you own the people side of LADO referrals and allegations against staff, working alongside our safeguarding leads and the HR Director. Expect to spend your time with managers, not only with policy. Some days you will be at our Belper office. Others you will be in one of our homes or schools, helping a manager hold a fair line when it would be easier not to. The best measure of your first year is fewer issues escalating at all, because managers handled them earlier and better. You will report to our HR Director and support tribunal and settlement matters with her.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- CIPD Level 7, or CIPD Level 5 with substantial senior HR experience
- Experience leading or supervising HR Business Partners or advisers
- A track record of owning complex employee relations casework end to end
- Deep, current knowledge of UK employment law and the ACAS Code
- Confidence with safeguarding-linked HR, including LADO and allegations against staff
- Credibility and resilience with senior stakeholders, and the nerve to challenge a decision
- A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle, as the role involves site travel
What we offer
- Salary up to £55,000 per annum, plus £3,000 car allowance
- 28 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and your birthday off
- Hybrid working from our Head Office in Belper, 2-3 days per week
- A team of four HR Business Partners to lead, coach and develop
- Serious, varied casework across 64 residential homes, 5 assessment homes and 5 schools
- Direct access to the HR Director and our senior leadership team
- Funded professional development, including CIPD
- A wide range of benefits, including our employee assistance programme, 24/7 GP access, the Green Car Scheme, a Health Cash Plan, and retail and gym discounts
- Real scale, 850 plus colleagues, with a people function close enough to the business to change things
Lead HR Business Partner in Belper employer: Esland
Esland is an exceptional employer that values integrity and quality in education, offering a supportive work culture where independent auditors can thrive. With opportunities for professional growth and development, you will play a crucial role in ensuring educational standards are upheld across our schools, all while enjoying the flexibility of regular travel. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of students and educators alike.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead HR Business Partner in Belper
✨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 Esland!
✨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 Esland.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead HR Business Partner in Belper
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 Esland. 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 Esland 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 Esland. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Esland'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 Esland
✨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 Esland.
✨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 Esland 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 Esland and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
