At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR strategy and workforce initiatives across multiple NHS Trusts for a major digital transformation.
- Company: Join University Hospitals Dorset, a leading healthcare provider with a commitment to innovation.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional development in a supportive environment.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with active staff networks and excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on healthcare delivery while enjoying the stunning Dorset coastline.
- Qualifications: Experienced HR professional with strong leadership and change management skills.
The predicted salary is between 37035 - 45265 £ per year.
As University Hospitals Dorset we are a three site acute trust with ‘university hospital’ status through our partnership with Bournemouth University, working with an annual budget of £730m. We offer highly regarded health services, employing some 10,000 staff. Our ambitious £500m transformation programme is well on the way to delivering state-of-the-art facilities over the next two years to meet the current and future healthcare needs of the populations we serve.
In an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with over seven miles of sandy beaches you’ll find inspirational opportunities to achieve your perfect work/life balance. With the New Forest and the Purbecks on our doorstep, we’re also less than three hours from London by road or train. The thriving towns of Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch give way to idyllic villages and unspoilt landscapes just minutes from our hospitals.
We believe that having a diverse workforce, and allowing people to be themselves, is essential in ensuring we offer an inclusive, welcoming and productive place to work. We especially welcome applications from minority groups in the community who may be underrepresented in our workforce.
At UHD our active staff network groups are the Women's Network, Black Asian Minority Ethnic Group (BAME), Pride Network, European (EU), Pro Ability Staff Network, and the Armed Forces Support Group. As a Trust we are proudly signed up to the Disability Confident and Armed Forces Covenant guaranteed interview schemes.
We are aware that some candidates may choose to use AI tools to support the preparation of their application. While this is not discouraged, we kindly remind applicants that submissions should remain an honest and accurate representation of your own experience and suitability. Personal integrity is an important part of the recruitment process.
Join HealthSet and help shape the workforce behind a major digital transformation. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced senior HR professional to join the HealthSet programme, working across:
- Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
- Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust
- Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
- University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust
HealthSet brings together colleagues across four NHS organisations and this role will provide strategic HR and workforce leadership to the programme. Working with HealthSet programme leadership, HR Business Partners and senior leaders across the partner Trusts, you will lead and influence the people and workforce agenda required to support successful programme delivery.
Main duties of the job include providing strategic HR leadership across workforce planning, recruitment and retention, organisational development, employee engagement, leadership development, workforce transformation, organisational design and workforce analytics. You will work closely with senior leaders to provide expert advice, challenge and support to develop workforce solutions that enable the successful delivery of programme objectives.
A key element of the role is working across organisational boundaries. You will build strong relationships across the four partner Trusts and collaborate with HR and People teams to ensure a consistent and effective workforce approach. You will also provide line management and support to the HealthSet Workforce Lead and HealthSet Workforce Coordinator, helping to coordinate workforce activity and priorities across the programme.
About you: You will be an experienced HR professional with a strong background in workforce strategy, organisational development and change management. You will have experience influencing senior stakeholders, delivering workforce initiatives and supporting service transformation. You will be skilled at building trusted relationships, working across organisations and using workforce information to support decision-making. Knowledge of the NHS workforce agenda is essential.
This is a highly visible partnership role requiring travel across the HealthSet partner Trusts and an on-site presence.
Healthset is a joint programme across four trusts in Dorset and Somerset to deliver a shared electronic health record (EHR) for acute, community and mental health services, working with our system provider, Epic. This once-in-a-generation programme will transform how information is recorded, shared and accessed, enabling colleagues to spend less time working around systems and more time caring.
Our teams deliver safe, compassionate care every day, but we still rely on multiple systems, separate records and paper processes. This can mean patients repeating their story and colleagues spending valuable time duplicating work or managing gaps in information. For our digital teams, this means managing multiple legacy systems and data sources to support users to deliver services.
Healthset is our shared response. By introducing one EHR across our organisations, we will support more joined-up working, safer decision-making and better use of information, freeing up more time for care. This ambitious programme will fundamentally change how health and care is delivered across Dorset and Somerset in a way that is clinically and financially sustainable. We will be guided by doing the right thing for our patients, carers, people and communities, while creating a working environment that better supports our colleagues.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities: To understand the role in more detail please read the full job description and person specification documents which are attached to this advert.
Person specification qualifications: Educated to Masters level or equivalent experience, Member of Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, Evidence of Continuing Professional Development, Fellow of Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, Coaching qualification.
Experience: Substantial generalist and senior HR experience in advising senior managers on best practice HR approaches, particularly relating to change management. Experience in successfully leading and delivering OD and/or workforce projects. Experience in developing and implementing OD and Workforce strategy. Experience in managing complex and sensitive employment relations issues.
Skills: Demonstrable knowledge of current thinking on good HR practice on all aspects of HR management. Knowledge of current workforce and HR agenda in the NHS. Ability to relate to managers, understanding different education, approaches, styles and expertise and utilise this knowledge to develop effective relationships and cooperative ways of working to achieve the Trust’s aim. Ability to work effectively and be comfortable with achieving through influence and leadership.
Please note: Staff recruited are expected to be available to work flexibly across all our Trust locations to meet service demands. This advert may be closed early if sufficient applications are received. COVID-19 vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself and our patients from the virus when working in our healthcare settings. Whilst this vaccination is not a condition of employment we do encourage our staff to get vaccinated.
Internal Candidates: staff employed prior to merger who voluntarily change jobs will be appointed to UHD terms and conditions.
HR Business Partner employer: University Hospitals Dorset
University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment within a state-of-the-art microbiology laboratory at The Royal Bournemouth Hospital. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will receive comprehensive training and support while working alongside a dedicated team that values collaboration and innovation. The Trust's investment in services and its vision for a Dorset-wide microbiology service provide unique opportunities for professional growth in a supportive and well-equipped setting.
Contact Details:
University Hospitals Dorset Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Business Partner
✨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!
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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 University Hospitals Dorset!
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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.
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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 University Hospitals Dorset.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Business Partner
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 University Hospitals Dorset. 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 University Hospitals Dorset 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 University Hospitals Dorset. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to University Hospitals Dorset'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 University Hospitals Dorset
✨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 University Hospitals Dorset.
✨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 University Hospitals Dorset 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 University Hospitals Dorset and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
