At a Glance
- Tasks: Influence leaders and implement people initiatives to support staff and enhance workplace culture.
- Company: UCL, a leading global university committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: 41 days' holiday, pension scheme, cycle to work, and enhanced family leave.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for career growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on employee wellbeing and organisational change in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experienced HR professional with strong stakeholder management and problem-solving skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
As an HR People Partner, you will influence our leaders to implement and action‑plan people initiatives that support our people, working as a trusted advisor and collaborator across your stakeholder group. You will help leaders navigate complex employee relations cases and make sense of their people data to inform their decision‑making. You will be instrumental in translating UCL's HR strategies into practical solutions that support staff in different ways according to your stakeholder's priorities. This could be focusing on leadership development, staff promotion and reward, improving engagement, or supporting EDI initiatives.
Your work will span a full range of activities, from organisational change and employee wellbeing plans to succession planning and performance management. You will act as the critical bridge between your stakeholders and our Centres of Expertise, providing insight, support, and collegiate challenge in equal measure. You will also support the development of inclusive leadership and diverse talent pipelines and play a key role in fostering a culture that prioritises wellbeing, high performance, and continuous development.
The People Partner role works on a hybrid basis, working from our Bidborough House, King's Cross office for a minimum of two days per week (including Monday as our HR anchor day, plus one additional day). You will have an excellent opportunity to build strong, trusted partnerships with senior academic and professional services leaders, becoming their dedicated “go‑to” People Partner. You will play a key role in supporting strategic people priorities while developing deep insight into your faculty's culture, challenges and ambitions.
You are an experienced HR professional already operating at HR Business Partner or People Partner level, perhaps looking at becoming a Senior HRPP in the next 3‑5 years. You will be able to work with senior stakeholders who have high expectations. You'll be comfortable in large, complex matrix environments, and can demonstrate impact through tenacious problem solving. You'll have some good examples of implementing people plans – where you have spotted a challenge, understood the reasons behind it, then come up with a series of interventions with a measurement for improvement.
Your background includes navigating complex employee relations cases, quickly gaining credibility with senior stakeholders, and offering reassuring guidance and support. You are skilled at influencing senior leaders and building relationships, and can bring evidence‑based insights to support decision‑making. You are a confident communicator, articulate, comfortable with ambiguity, and you understand how to balance risk with organisational needs. A strong advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion, you understand the importance of embedding these principles into every aspect of your work.
You will love working autonomously, with guidance from others, and will have worked within a large public sector environment in either ER, HRPP or generalist roles (for example in the NHS, government, local council or of course the HE sector).
As well as exciting opportunities, UCL offers a range of great benefits:
- 41 days' holiday (27 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays, 6 closure days)
- Option to purchase 5 additional days' annual leave
- Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
- Cycle to work scheme, season ticket loan, and immigration loan
- Relocation support for eligible posts
- On‑site nursery and gym
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption pay
- Staff Support Service (employee assistance programme)
As London's Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We particularly encourage applications from candidates underrepresented in UCL's workforce, including those from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled people, and – for Grade 9 and 10 roles – women.
HR People Partner in London employer: UK Dementia Research Institute
UCL is an exceptional employer that prioritises the wellbeing and development of its staff, offering a generous 41 days of holiday, a defined benefit pension scheme, and various support services. With a strong commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, UCL fosters a collaborative work culture where HR People Partners can thrive by building trusted relationships with senior leaders and influencing strategic people initiatives. The hybrid working model at our Bidborough House, King's Cross office allows for flexibility while engaging in meaningful work that directly impacts the academic community.
Contact Details:
UK Dementia Research Institute Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR People Partner in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at UCL or in similar roles on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the HR People Partner position.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of UCL's HR strategies and initiatives. Be ready to discuss how you can translate these into practical solutions that align with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving skills! Think of specific examples where you've tackled complex employee relations cases or implemented successful people plans. This will demonstrate your ability to navigate challenges effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to highlight your commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Share how you've embedded these principles in your previous roles, as this is a key focus for UCL.
We think you need these skills to ace HR People Partner in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the HR People Partner role. Highlight your experience with employee relations and how you've influenced leaders in previous roles. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our team!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, give us examples of how you've tackled complex challenges in HR. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate tenacious problem-solving and have a track record of implementing effective people plans.
Emphasise Your Communication Skills:As a People Partner, you'll need to communicate effectively with senior stakeholders. Make sure to highlight your communication style and any experiences where you've successfully influenced decision-making or built strong relationships.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows us you're keen on joining our team at UCL!
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Dementia Research Institute
✨Know Your Stakeholders
Before the interview, take some time to research the key stakeholders you’ll be working with. Understand their priorities and challenges, and think about how your experience can help them. This will show that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also genuinely interested in making an impact.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare specific examples of how you've tackled complex employee relations cases or implemented successful people plans in the past. Be ready to discuss the challenges you faced, the actions you took, and the measurable outcomes. This will demonstrate your ability to navigate tricky situations and deliver results.
✨Emphasise EDI Initiatives
Given the importance of equity, diversity, and inclusion in this role, come prepared to discuss how you’ve championed these principles in your previous positions. Share any initiatives you’ve led or contributed to, and how they positively impacted the workplace culture.
✨Communicate Confidently
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You’ll need to influence senior leaders, so being able to communicate effectively is crucial. Consider doing mock interviews with a friend or using video to refine your delivery and ensure you come across as both articulate and assured.
