At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR initiatives for a digital transformation in healthcare, shaping workforce strategies.
- Company: Join Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, a leading NHS trust with over 10,000 staff.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, discounted gym memberships, and access to NHS perks.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on patient care while developing your HR skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Master's level education or equivalent experience, MCIPD qualified, with strong HR expertise.
- Other info: Hybrid working options available, allowing you to balance work and life effectively.
The predicted salary is between 46000 - 60000 £ per year.
We have embarked on a programme to implement a single Electronic Patient Record (EPR) system as part of the NHS digital health ongoing initiative across the Norfolk and Waveney Acute Hospital Collaborative (NWAHC). The collaborative is made up of three acute hospitals in Norfolk and Waveney:
- James Paget University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (JPUH)
- Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (NNUH)
- The Queen Elizabeth Hospital King's Lynn NHS Foundation Trust (QEH)
This is a unique opportunity to contribute your skills and expertise to create a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of individuals throughout Norfolk and Waveney. The Norfolk and Waveney Acute Hospitals Collaborative are committed to advancing our digital capabilities in alignment with our long-term strategic goals, ensuring a high standard of patient care and safety for our diverse communities. The acute hospitals in Norfolk are a vital part of the health and social care system. Our digital mission is an essential part of our transformation into a post-modern healthcare system.
Main duties of the job:
We have an exciting opportunity for an HR Business Partner to join the EPR Programme team, playing a key role in shaping the future workforce across JPUH, NNUH & QEH aligned with the Norfolk & Waveney Acute Hospital Collaborative (N&WAHC) Electronic Patient Record (EPR) Programme. This pivotal role requires strong leadership, a people-focused approach and a clear understanding of how digital transformation impacts people, processes and culture.
You will provide expert HR guidance to support the successful delivery of all workforce elements of the programme. Collaborating with HR Leads, Business Partners, cross-functional teams, trade unions and stakeholders, you'll ensure People strategies align with the digital change initiative and are effectively implemented across the organisations.
You'll be educated to Master's level (or equivalent), MCIPD qualified and bring significant experience as an HR Specialist or Business Partner—ideally in the NHS or a complex, unionised setting. You'll have strong Employment Law knowledge, excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to handle sensitive HR matters confidentially. Organised and flexible, you'll thrive under pressure, manage shifting priorities and deliver to tight deadlines. If you're ready to make a meaningful impact, we'd love to hear from you!
About Us:
Join us at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital and be part of a workforce of over 10,000 staff! The NNUH is one of the largest NHS trusts in the UK, providing first-class acute care for around one million people, living in Norfolk and surrounding areas. We are a teaching and research hospital, at the forefront of innovation, home to state-of-the-art facilities, such as the Quadram Institute. We are pleased to work closely with the University of East Anglia, providing teaching opportunities for our staff and placement opportunities for their students. We attract some of the best and leading professionals from across the country and are proud that our workforce represents 94 countries from across the world. We are a friendly, collaborative hospital, working with local services and home to N&N Hospitals Charity.
We can offer you the full range of NHS benefits/discounts and in addition:
- Flexible working hours
- Fast Track Staff Physiotherapy Service
- Multi Faith prayer room at NNUH Colney Lane site
- Discounted gym memberships
- Excellent pension scheme and annual leave entitlement
- Wagestream - access up to 40% of your pay as you earn it
- Free Park & Ride service direct to NNUH Colney Lane site
- Free 24-hours confidential counselling support
- On-site Nursery at NNUH Colney Lane
- On-site cafes offering staff discounts at NNUH Colney Lane
- Support in career development
- Flexible staff bank
- Salary Sacrifice schemes including lease cars, Cycle to Work scheme and home electronics
Details:
- Date posted: 27 June 2025
- Pay scheme: Agenda for change
- Band: Band 8a
- Salary: £53,755 to £60,504 a year Per annum Pro rata
- Contract: Fixed term
- Duration: 8 months
- Working pattern: Full-time, Part-time, Flexible working, Home or remote working, Compressed hours
- Reference number: 234-25-EPR-00-HRBP
- Job locations: Norfolk County Hall, Martineau Lane, Norwich, NR1 2UA
Job responsibilities:
- Gain valuable experience. This is a fantastic opportunity to manage an HR team in a large-scale project environment, enhancing your career.
- Flexible hybrid working: A combination of working from Norfolk County Hall, other NWAHC locations and from home we offer flexibility to fit your lifestyle.
- Make a difference: Be part of a project that aims to improve patient experience and outcomes, having a positive impact on the healthcare system.
Person Specification:
Qualifications:
- Essential: Degree level qualification or equivalent relevant experience
- Chartered MCIPD or equivalent experience
- Evidence of further relevant study in employment law/HR strategy (e.g. Masters level qualification); or equivalent experience and CPD
Experience:
- Essential: Significant experience, working at a senior management level as an HR specialist; Specialist knowledge of current employment law
- Significant experience of change management from an HR perspective; Significant experience of partnership working including negotiating within a unionised environment
- Working within a HR function in a large, complex, unionised organisation; Previous experience or understanding of working in the health sector.
Skills:
- Essential: Able to fully understand the business and provide appropriate HR advice and interventions to support service delivery.
- Ability to draft well written cases/reports and business proposals/change documents
- Demonstrates planning and organisation skills; Demonstrates assertiveness, influencing & negotiation skills
Attitude and Aptitude:
- Essential: Effective role model, demonstrating the Collaborative's values of:
- QEHKL's Living our values
- NNUH's PRIDE values
- JPUH's Proud of the Paget
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such 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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.
EPR HR Business Partner employer: Northumbria Healthcare Nhs Foundation Trust
Contact Detail:
Northumbria Healthcare Nhs Foundation Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land EPR HR Business Partner
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the NHS's digital transformation initiatives, especially the Electronic Patient Record (EPR) system. Understanding the goals and challenges of this project will help you demonstrate your knowledge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former HR professionals within the NHS or similar organisations. They can provide insights into the role and share experiences that could be beneficial for your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in managing change within a unionised environment. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully navigated complex HR issues, as this is crucial for the EPR HR Business Partner role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your understanding of employment law and its application in a healthcare setting. Being able to articulate how you would handle sensitive HR matters in compliance with legal standards will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace EPR HR Business Partner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the EPR HR Business Partner role. Emphasise your HR expertise, particularly in digital transformation and change management within a healthcare setting.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that clearly articulates your passion for the role and how your background makes you a perfect fit. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to handle sensitive HR matters and work collaboratively in a unionised environment.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Ensure you mention your educational qualifications, such as your Master's degree or MCIPD status, prominently in your application. This is crucial as the role requires specific educational credentials.
Showcase Your Soft Skills: In your application, highlight your interpersonal skills, ability to influence, and negotiation capabilities. These are essential for the role, especially when collaborating with various stakeholders and trade unions.
How to prepare for a job interview at Northumbria Healthcare Nhs Foundation Trust
✨Understand the EPR Programme
Make sure you have a solid grasp of what the Electronic Patient Record (EPR) system entails. Familiarise yourself with its goals, benefits, and how it impacts patient care. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your commitment to the role and your understanding of the healthcare landscape.
✨Showcase Your HR Expertise
Prepare to discuss your experience in HR, particularly in complex, unionised environments like the NHS. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully navigated employment law issues or managed change within an organisation, as these are crucial for the EPR HR Business Partner role.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As this role requires strong leadership, think of instances where you've led teams or projects. Highlight your ability to influence and negotiate effectively, especially in partnership with trade unions and stakeholders, which is essential for aligning people strategies with digital initiatives.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle sensitive HR matters. Practice articulating your thought process and decision-making strategies in response to hypothetical situations related to workforce management and digital transformation.