Job summary
- Main area
- Human Resources
- Grade
- Band 8b
- Contract
- Permanent
- Hours
- Full time - 37.5 hours per week
- Job ref
- 318-26-T0192-A
- Employer
- Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- Gloucestershire Royal Hospital
- Town
- Gloucester
- Salary
- £64,455 - £74,896 (pa pro rata if part-time)
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 07/04/2026 23:59
Employer heading
Head of Business Partnering, Band 8b
Band 8b
At Gloucestershire Hospitals, our people are at the heart of everything we do. As the county’s largest employer, we are proud to provide high-quality acute, elective, and specialist services to more than 650,000 people across our county. Our care is delivered across Gloucestershire Royal, Cheltenham General and Stroud Maternity Hospital.
With over 9,000 employees representing more than 95 nationalities, bringing together a mix of cultures and experiences to the care that we deliver. Whether you’re beginning your NHS journey or looking to take the next step in your career, this is an exciting time to join us. We’re investing heavily in innovation, research, and transformation, with more than 100 active clinical studies and major developments underway across our hospitals.
We take pride in working as one team, driven by a shared ambition to grow, develop, and continually improve. Every contribution is valued and by combining our collective strengths, we support not only our diverse communities but one another. You can expect a warm, supportive culture and colleagues who are passionate about teamwork, professional development and delivering exceptional care. We offer structured development programmes, mentoring and leadership opportunities to help you progress in your career.
We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong. By joining our Trust, you will benefit from a comprehensive package that includes flexible working opportunities, generous annual leave, the NHS pension scheme, competitive bank rates, local discounts, access to on-site nurseries, reduced public transport costs, reward and recognition schemes and a wide range of health and wellbeing initiatives.
Be part of Gloucestershire Hospitals, explore your future with us today.
Job overview
You will be a credible HR leader with a strong track record of senior business partnering, workforce planning, organisational change and complex ER management. You will bring emotional intelligence, resilience and excellent relationship‑building skills, alongside confidence in providing strategic advice and making difficult decisions.
This role requires someone who can analyse complex workforce data, influence senior stakeholders and lead an experienced HRBP team in a large, diverse and values-led NHS organisation.
Main duties of the job
We are seeking an experienced and progressive Head of HR Business Partnering to lead and develop our Corporate HR Business Partnering service. As a senior member of the extended People & OD leadership team, you will deliver a high‑quality, modern and impactful HR partnering function aligned to organisational priorities and the Trust’s People & OD Strategy.
You will work closely with Executive Directors, senior managers and multi‑disciplinary teams to embed compassionate leadership, drive engagement, shape culture and enable transformation. You will ensure our workforce plans are robust, inclusive and future‑focused, and you will lead the HRBP team to provide proactive, expert and solution‑focussed support across complex employee relations, organisational change and strategic workforce initiatives.
This is a pivotal role for someone who thrives in a dynamic, fast‑paced environment, brings credibility at senior levels, and is passionate about building high-performing teams and exceptional people experiences.
Working for our organisation
At Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, people are at the heart of everything we do. With over 9,000 colleagues, we are the largest employer in the county and one of the top 10 largest Trusts in the South West. We are proud of our inclusive and values‑driven culture, where every individual contribution helps us to grow, learn and continually improve.
We offer a comprehensive benefits package including generous annual leave, access to the NHS Pension Scheme, flexible working, wellbeing support, on-site nurseries, discounted public transport, local retail discounts, and excellent development opportunities across our two innovative hospital sites.
We are committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and able to thrive.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
- Lead the HR Business Partnering function, ensuring the delivery of a modern, strategic and influential service.
- Provide expert HR advice to Executive Directors, senior managers and key governance committees.
- Develop workforce plans aligned to Trust priorities, supporting succession planning, recruitment and retention, and safer staffing requirements.
- Lead and advise on complex employee relations matters, organisational change programmes and employment legislation.
- Drive continuous improvement, working collaboratively with OD, People Advisory and Workforce teams.
- Produce high‑quality workforce analytics, performance reports and Board-level papers.
- Embed Trust values, enhance staff engagement, support EDI objectives and champion health and wellbeing.
- Line manage, coach and develop HR Business Partners, ensuring a high‑performing and engaged team.
- Build strong partnerships with Trade Unions and external stakeholders.
- Manage the HR Business Partnering budget and contribute to financial efficiency programmes.
Additional Contact Details
Nick Watson, Executive Assistant extension: 2579
Person specification
Qualifications, Knowledge and Experience
Essential criteria
- MCIPD (Level 7) membership OR equivalent experience/qualification
- Significant experience of managing complex and sensitive employment relations issues and organisational change
- Strong ability to lead, influence and negotiate at senior levels
Desirable criteria
- Evidence of continuous professional development at an advanced level
- Experience of working in a continuous improvement/transformational change environment
- Experience of producing senior workforce reports and contributing to business cases
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Faye Bradley
- Job title
- Deputy Director for People & OD
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 03004222222
- Additional information
- Nick Watson, Executive Assistant extension: 2579
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