Assistant HR Business Partner

We want talented and enthusiastic people from all backgrounds to join #Team MWL, with us you can learn, grow and develop yourself and your career, realising your true ambitions and aspirations.

Whatever you’re looking for in your career, you’ll find it here at MWL.

After applying via NHS Jobs, your submitted application will be imported into our preferred Third‑party recruitment system.

All subsequent information regarding your application will be generated from apps. trac. jobs.

You will not be able to track the progress of your application or receive messages through the NHS Jobs website, and furthermore, as an employer, we will not be able to respond to any e‑mails sent to us via the NHS Jobs website.

By applying for this post you are agreeing to \"name of trust\" transferring the information contained in this application to its preferred applicant management system.

If you are appointed to a post information will also be transferred into the national NHS Electronic Staff Records system.

Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a dynamic and results driven HR professional to join our Lead Employer Service on a permanent basis.

As the largest Lead Employer in the NHS employing over 13,000 doctors, dentists and public health specialty trainees we have more than a decade of experience in delivering a high quality, highly regarded service.

The Lead Employer team is ambitious, proactive and passionate about improving the working lives of our colleagues in training.

We work in collaboration with eight NHS England regions and Host organisations to ensure our colleagues in training are fully supported at every step of their career.

Working within our HR Business Partnering and Advisory team, this is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys both working autonomously in a fast‑paced environment and working with a wide range of stakeholders.

With a proven record of providing advice on a variety of employment matters you will work closely with the Senior HR Management Team to ensure the delivery of an effective and efficient service delivering in line with best practice and employment legislation.

Please be aware, that we may close a vacancy earlier than stated, should a sufficient number of applications be received, you are therefore advised to apply at your earliest convenience.

Main duties of the job

We currently have a fantastic opportunity for an Assistant HR Business Partner to join our experienced and friendly HR Business Partner and Advisory Team in our Lead Employer Service.

As an Assistant HR Business Partner for the Lead Employer Service you will have proven experience of working collaboratively and building positive stakeholder relationships.

Key responsibilities include:-

• Provide expert HR advice on complex employment matters in line with Lead Employer policies and procedures keeping in line with best practice and employment legislation.
• Working in partnership with the senior management team to provide professional customer focused HR advice, coaching and solutions that support the business in the identification and management of workforce issues and major change programmes.
• Support the development and implementation of robust systems and processes to enable effective monitoring and management employee relations issues.
• Analyse workforce information and Key Performance Indicators and work with the HR Business Partners to develop plans and strategies to support improvement and efficiency within the Service.
• Build effective working relationships with Trade Union Representatives.
• We actively promote applications for flexible working. And you will be part of a team where we encourage and support each other’s health and well‑being.

Please note interviews will include assessment tasks.

Working for our organisation

Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust serves a population of over 600,000 with a workforce of over 10,500 dedicated and skilled staff across 21 sites.

Our services

Acute Care

Providing emergency and maternity services at Whiston, Southport and Ormskirk hospitals, and medical and surgical specialties across all our sites.

Primary Care

Providing primary care services at Marshalls Cross Medical Centre situated in St Helens Hospital.

Community Services

Providing adult community services for St Helens and a wheelchair service in Chorley, South Ribble, and West Lancashire.

Our inpatient unit at Newton Community Hospital is where patients needing acute hospital beds can continue rehabilitation.

We also provide urgent care at our Urgent Treatment Centre located in St Helens town centre.

Specialist Regional Services

We provide the Mersey Regional Burns & Plastic Surgery Unit at Whiston Hospital and the Spinal Injuries Unit at Southport Hospital to more than 4 million people across the whole of Merseyside, West Lancashire, Cheshire, Isle of Man and North Wales.

Achievements

• Rated Outstanding by CQC Inspection August 2018
• Top 100 places to work in the NHS (NHS Employers & Health Service Journal)
• National Preceptorship Accreditation (2023) for Nursing & AHP Preceptorship Programme.
• Detailed job description and main responsibilities
• KEY DUTIES
• Supporting the Business
• To contribute to the development of the HR plan aligned to the service delivery objectives and standards required by the Lead Employer Service.
• Anticipate the impact of external changes on the workforce and develop effective solutions and strategies to support the changing environment.
• Provide management/workforce information as requested to enable the development of workforce plans.
• Represent the service at various meetings and stakeholder events as required within our 8 NHS E regions.
• Support the senior management team to maintain and develop professional HR services, systems, records and quality/control procedures.
• Policies and Procedure
• Support Host organisations and MHS E in the interpretation of policies and procedures e. g. Sickness Absence, Maternity, Paternity and Adoption.
• Deal with complex or highly sensitive matters as cascaded from the Employment Services team, senior management team, Host Trusts and NHS E.
• Produce high quality written correspondence including letters, e‑mails and memos, in line with corporate communications guidance and Trust policies and procedures.
• Contribute to the development and review of HR policies and procedures specific to the Lead Employer Service.
• Maintain effective employee relations with staff side to ensure the efficient and effective management of cases.
• Workforce Development and Transformation
• Lead by example, working in partnership with the Learning & Development team; develop a coaching culture across the service to support personal development and succession planning as identified.
• Identify specific employment issues from workforce trends and staff feedback mechanisms to support the development of HR interventions to meet business needs.
• Design and deliver HR skills training as required.
• Lead workforce thinking, encouraging innovation and championing workforce transformation to support service development.
• Active participation in leadership of development projects.
• Lead and project manage key HR initiatives in accordance with agreed requirements realising effective coordination of people, resource and talent ensuring the benefits are realised.
• Workforce Planning and Information
• Establish workforce metrics and performance targets and work closely with the Workforce information team and HR Business Partners to produce regular monitoring reports for effective cascade of management information to key stakeholders.
• Analyse workforce information and productivity measures and work with the HR Business Partners to develop plans and strategies to support improvement and efficiency within the Service.
• HR Service Delivery
• Influence business decisions to ensure account is taken of best practice human resource management.
• Advise key stakeholders on complex, sensitive or contentious employee relations issues, providing support to key stakeholders investigating complex cases when required and supporting hearings.
• Review and develop HR Policies and Procedures in line with governance and legal requirements.
• Negotiate terms and conditions of employment with staff side in respect of specific projects and Activities.
• Implement effective HR systems to record and monitor all case activity and monitor compliance in relation to data protection, EDI and other HR related legislation.
• Ensure effective recording and monitoring systems are implemented and maintained for attendance management activity.
• Service Improvement and Change Management
• Contribute to the continuous improvement in the efficiency and effectiveness of the Lead Employer Service.
• Seek customer service feedback from designated areas of responsibility and make recommendations to the Lead Employer Senior Management team as part of the delivery of the SLA.
• Support in the transformation of, new ways of working and continuous improvement of the service.
• Undertake and participate in projects as required.
• To continually promote equality diversity and inclusion and undertake equality impact assessments as required.
• Relationship Management and Networking
• Develop effective relationships within Host Trusts and ensure the service is viewed positively by adding value to the Lead Employer Service.
• Develop and maintain relationships within the wider HR community to enable networking and sharing of best practice.
• Work closely with other HR colleagues to ensure a ‘seamless’ and World Class HR service is delivered.
• Team Leadership and Development
• Support colleagues in their continuous professional development and provide training/coaching solutions as identified for the Employment Services team and key stakeholders.
• Effectively manage the delegation of case work to members of the Employment Services Team/HR Advisory team as appropriate providing professional coaching to optimise their capability and career development potential.
• Manage the monitoring of regular reports on contractual matters escalating any areas of concern to the HRBP.
• Escalate any highly complex cases to the HRBP and support with the development of plans to mitigate risks to the organisation.
• Be responsible for own development, including attendance at mandatory training and continually keep up to date with changes to employment legislation and best practice.
• Performance Management
• Contribute to the achievement of the Lead Employer HR Service to deliver against the corporate objectives and the Lead Employer Service Level Agreement.
• Co‑ordinate the provision of accurate and timely information as requested.
• Support key stakeholders in the analysis of HR metrics/statistics highlighting any trends.
• Support key stakeholders in the development of action plans to address any areas which require improvement.
• Coach and guide key stakeholders on specific employment relations issues emphasising the importance of good record‑keeping and data protection.
• Employee/Stakeholder Engagement
• Develop and maintain effective internal and external communication networks to support the delivery of the Lead Employer Service.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with Staff Side representatives.
• Contribute to the process of involvement, consultations, negotiations with staff and their representatives.
• Actively promote positive behaviours, the Trusts values and culture across the division.
• Champion the Equality Diversity and Inclusion agenda and proactively support key stakeholders to ensure the principles are embedded in their areas of responsibility.
• Continually promote equality diversity and inclusion in policy development and undertake equality impact assessments when required.
• CLINICAL & PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
• Maintain Professional Registration (in line with person specification)
• ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES
• Work in partnership with key stakeholders to ensure the timely completion of HR documentation.
• Assist stakeholders in the resolution of contractual queries.
• Provide administrative support at formal panel meetings and ensure completion of formal paperwork in line with identified timeframes.
• Produce workforce information reports as required to assist management decision making.
• Responsible for monitoring management information as presented within standard workforce reports on contractual matters i. e.

EWTD compliance, Employment Checks, Fixed term contracts, attendance management highlighting any areas of concerns.

Person specification

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level and/or equivalent qualification and/or relevant experience
• Level 7 CIPD qualified or working towards
• Evidence of continuing professional development
• Chartered member of CIPD (MCIPD)
• Employment Law Qualification
• Project Management Qualification
• Knowledge and Experience
• Experience of working and negotiating with Trade Unions
• Experience of workforce change programmes
• Experience of analysing workforce information
• Experience of workforce planning and modernisation
• Experience of building people management, competence and capability
• Knowledge of TUPE legislation
• Experience in developing innovative workforce solutions to support the achievement of business goals
• Worked in a senior HR role in the NHS or public sector organisation
• Experience of working in a business partner role

Thank you for considering an application to work for Mersey West Lancashire NHS Trust.

MWL is an exciting and forward‑thinking NHS Trust who are one of the best places to work for in England.

Given sometimes we receive a high volume of applications to work for us, please be aware, that we may close a vacancy earlier than stated should a sufficient number of applications be received from which a shortlist can be confirmed.

Therefore, you are advised to apply at your earliest convenience.

The Trust may contact you during the recruitment process for your feedback on your experience. We always aim for continuous improvement in our practice.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

We actively cultivate a professional environment of fairness, equality, dignity, and respect for all individuals.

We welcome individuals from all backgrounds and value the unique skills, perspective and experience you bring.

We are grounded in the belief that diversity enhances our collective strength, fostering innovation and excellence within our workforce.

We welcome all applications irrespective of people’s race, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion/belief, age, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity and in particular those from under‑represented groups.

As a Disability Confident Leader, we commit to offering an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the job (the essential criteria) listed in the personal specification.

If you wish to apply under this Guaranteed Interview Scheme, please indicate this on the online application form.

If you are having difficulty completing an online application, or require any disability reasonable adjustments, to the application process, please contact

We also commit to offering an interview to all armed forces veterans who meet the minimum criteria for the job (the essential criteria) listed in the personal specification.

If you wish to apply under this Guaranteed Interview Scheme, please indicate this on the online application form.

The Trust operates anonymous shortlisting where no personal information about you, including your name or personal details are shared with the recruiting manager.

No equality information is shared at any time during the recruitment process with the recruiting manager or other people involved in the decision‑making process.

The equality monitoring information you provide is used in the following situations: to review our recruitment practices; where a job is limited to a specific person to verify their eligibility to apply; and to offer disability reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Following the recent update on UK immigration policy for those on a Health and Care Visa or Skilled Worker Visa, please click here to check your eligibility before applying for this post as we may be unable to provide sponsorship.

e Visa Update

For successful candidates on selected work and study visa routes, who have completed and paid for their applications will no longer receive a visa vignette in passport as evidence of their permission to enter the UK.

Instead, you will be issued with an e Visa only, which is accessed by creating a UKVI account.

Before travelling to the UK, we advise applicants to

• Understand how to generate an e Visa share code
• Disclosure and Barring Service Check

If this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Please note if applicable, applicants will be required to pay for their DBS check. Costs are deducted from salary following appointment.

If you have not already done so, you are therefore encouraged to enrol for the DBS Update Service to which a small annual fee of £13 per year applies.

Flexible Working

We actively support flexible working patterns throughout MWL. Changes made to the NHS Terms and Conditions of Service Handbook mean that:

• All employees have the right to request flexible working from day one of employment.
• There is no limit on the number of requests they can make.
• Employees have the right to make requests, have them considered, regardless of the reason.

At Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, we will consider requests for flexible working.

We would also encourage you to also discuss flexible working options at interview stage.

Working for Team MWL

Staff recognition is especially important to us; as well as performance reviews and appraisals, we recognise staff through Employee of the month.

Along with supporting you to achieve your career goals we offer a generous pension scheme, unsocial hours payments (where applicable), 27 days annual leave on commencement (pro rata) and access to a range of NHS discounts.

Our Staff Health and Wellbeing programme offer a variety of services.

The Trust is a non‑smoking across all our sites. Failure to follow this rule could lead to disciplinary action. For more information, see the Smoke Free NHS website.

You will be expected to undertake the Trusts' commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.

You must ensure that your application, including personal statements and behaviour examples, are truthful and factually accurate.

Please note plagiarism can include presenting the ideas and experience of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own.

The Trust will not accept applications which are found to be AI generated and will check all applications against AI detection software.

Additional Information

Before applying, we encourage you to review the Trusts Values and Behaviours which are We are KIND, We are OPEN, We are INCLUSIVE, which can be found here.

An applicant guide to help and support you with your application and what to expect during your recruitment journey can be accessed in the supporting documents.

Good luck with your application. We hope to welcome you to Team MWL very soon.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

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