People Business Partner - Schools x 2

People Business Partner - Schools x 2

Full-Time No working from home possible
London Borough of Hounslow

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support schools with innovative HR solutions and strategies to enhance organisational effectiveness.
  • Company: Join the London Borough of Hounslow, a diverse and inclusive council committed to community service.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
  • Other info: Dynamic team culture with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in education by partnering with schools and shaping their HR practices.
  • Qualifications: Experience in education HR, knowledge of employment law, and strong communication skills.

About Us

At Hounslow, we would love you to join us at the London Borough of Hounslow! Our people are deeply committed to providing excellent services to our residents, doing all we can to make lives as good as they can be. We are an outstanding council, serving an outstanding borough. With brilliant, visionary leadership, a dynamic Cabinet and a can-do culture, we’ve built strong partnerships which have transformed how we serve one of London’s most diverse boroughs. Hounslow is the world in one place and full of potential. We are stepping up for our residents like never before.

Our Commitment To Diversity And Inclusion

We live by five core values: Lead with Heart, Do New, Pass on the Power, Harness the Mix and Be a Rock. All our work has equality, diversity and inclusion at its very heart, best articulated in “Harness the Mix”. It is about breaking down barriers between our parts and people and unlocking the problem-solving power of our amazing mix of minds. We serve a diverse community; we have a diverse workforce and we are committed to being an inclusive employer. We work hard to create representation across our workforce and leadership community, we have thriving employee network groups and our learning and development programmes help us lead, model, and breathe ways of working that eliminate inequality, inequity, injustice and bias. As part of this and under our commitments as a Disability Confident Employer, we make reasonable adjustments to accommodate our candidates. There’s space for you to tell us what you need within our application form.

About The Role

The Schools Workforce HR and Development Team offer a first class, modern and inventive HR advisory service to the borough’s schools as well as to the commercial and voluntary sector. The HR Advisory Service is one of three services within the Schools Workforce HR and Development Team and, as one of three People Business Partners, working in conjunction with the Senior People Business Partner and the Head of Schools HR Traded Services & Strategic People Lead for Children’s and Adult Services, you will play a pivotal role in delivering and continuing to develop a first class HR service to schools in Hounslow and beyond. We are seeking to recruit an experienced and knowledgeable HR professional to assist with the delivery of the excellent guidance and support we provide to Hounslow schools.

You will be an integral part of an HR team driving interventions and supporting business-focused solutions as well as embedding best practice and people effectiveness to Headteachers and Governors within Hounslow Schools. You will also actively contribute to the development of innovative and leading-edge people and organisational effectiveness strategies, policies and practices as a member of the Schools Workforce HR and Development Team. The team is part of the People Business Partnering team and collaborates across the wider organisation to deliver strategic and operational projects that explicitly benefit Hounslow residents.

About The Team You’ll Be Working In

You will work collaboratively with the Head of Schools HR Traded Services & Strategic People Lead for Children’s and Adult Services to implement the HR & OD offer for Hounslow’s schools, commercial organisations, and the voluntary sector. You will contribute to the delivery of a first class, modern and inventive people business partnering service within the borough’s schools and the commercial sector, by developing a deep understanding of these business areas. You will build strong relationships with Headteachers, Senior Leaders and other stakeholders to understand their needs and influence suitable people strategies and solutions. You will contribute to the work of the three strands of the HR Traded Service to Schools, i.e. HR Advisory team, Schools transactional Team and the Recruitment and Workforce Development Team. You will work collaboratively with the Assistant Director – People Services, the Head of Schools HR Traded Services & Strategic People Lead for Children’s and Adult Services and your colleagues to ensure that the employee journey and experience within Hounslow’s schools and amongst our commercial and voluntary sector partners is the best that it can be.

About You

You Will Have:

  • Experience of working within the education sector, specifically schools, and providing a consultancy-approached HR service with sound knowledge and understanding of the terms and conditions applicable to teachers and school-based staff.
  • A comprehensive knowledge of UK employment law and its effective application in the workplace and experience of working in a unionised environment.
  • A sound and detailed knowledge and understanding of HR best practice, employment law and organisational change as well as the ability to coach and support managers to increase management capability within the schools.
  • The ability to communicate effectively and tailor responses to ensure appropriate advice is given to the varying organisations within your portfolio, and the ability to develop excellent relationships with Headteachers, Schools Leaders, Managers and stakeholders in a variety of contexts.
  • The ability to support colleagues in the wider HR Team to achieve business goals and objectives.
  • The ability to conduct detailed research and analysis to support Management Information requirements.
  • Experience of reviewing and writing policy documents.
  • The ability to work independently with minimal supervision whilst being aware of when it is appropriate to consult with colleagues.
  • CIPD qualification or substantial demonstrable work experience that evidences an equivalent level of attainment and competence.

Essential For This Role

An Enhanced DBS Check and a clean full driving licence will be required for the role.

Don’t Meet Every Single Requirement?

We know that sometimes people can be put off applying for a job if they think they can’t tick every box. At Hounslow, we realise the ‘perfect candidate’ doesn’t exist. So, if you can do most of what we’re looking for, go ahead and apply. You may be just the right candidate for the job or be perfect for one of our other roles!

When Interviews Will Be Held And Who To Contact

The key information you need about the role should be in the Role Profile, but if you have any further questions about the role, please contact:

Email: Yvette.Mayers@hounslow.gov.uk

Telephone: 07525 991462

People Business Partner - Schools x 2 employer: London Borough of Hounslow

The Heathland School in Hounslow is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that values diversity and fosters professional growth. With a commitment to the development of its staff, the school provides numerous opportunities for training and advancement, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in education while working in a vibrant community.

London Borough of Hounslow

Contact Details:

London Borough of Hounslow Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land People Business Partner - Schools x 2

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 London Borough of Hounslow!

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 London Borough of Hounslow.

We think you need these skills to ace People Business Partner - Schools x 2

HR Consultancy
Knowledge of UK Employment Law
Understanding of Teacher Terms and Conditions
Coaching and Support Skills
Relationship Building
Communication Skills
Research and Analysis

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 London Borough of Hounslow. 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 London Borough of Hounslow 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 London Borough of Hounslow. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.

Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to London Borough of Hounslow'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 London Borough of Hounslow

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 London Borough of Hounslow.

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 London Borough of Hounslow 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 London Borough of Hounslow and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.