HR Business Partner

About Portsmouth City Council

Portsmouth City Council is a unique organisation, committed to making a difference, and is guided by core values that set who we are as people, what we stand for, and how we act.

We are committed to our values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity and being people-focussed. These values set out how we can contribute to the success of the council and our own success as individuals. Learn more about our values and behaviours.

Job introduction

We are looking for a HR Business Partner to join our HR Management team to assist directors and senior managers across all departments of the Council. This is a part time role based at the Civic Offices with some hybrid working depending on business needs. The hours can be worked over 4 or 5 days and working days must include a Monday and/or Friday.

Your new role

Our Business Partners work directly with a range of departments across the City Council, developing HR solutions in respect of the business needs of the departments, aligned to the strategic objectives of the City Council. Working for and coached by the Assistant Director of HR, you will have the opportunity to work with directors and other senior managers in service departments honing your skills to support the wider transformational agenda.

Who is the person summary:

The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of the HR Business Partner role, with proven ability to build and manage relationships effectively. It is key they have experiencing in navigating change at an operational level and hold a relevant HR qualification with CIPD membership. The individual will have extensive experience in HR operations, employment law, and working with trade unions. It is key they have strong negotiation and influencing skills, sound business and financial understanding, and the ability to contribute meaningfully to strategic decisions. This role will also line manage members of the Employee Relations team. The individual will have a wide skillset including strategic thinking, leadership in change, networking, and political awareness, all supporting a solution-focused approach.

For full details, please review 'who is the person' on the job profile below attached.

Our recruitment process

Full information about our recruitment process can be found on our support for applicants' page: Support for applicants - Careers portal

Please ensure that you read the job profile for full details on the post. We offer hybrid working with the expectation to attend the office 2 days a week (pro rata for part time) depending on the role and business needs.

You must demonstrate why you are suitable against each of the points described in the 'Who is the Person' points on the Job Profile using examples from your experience or transferable skills. This might be through qualifications or descriptive examples from your work / personal experience, which clearly illustrates what you did and the effect it had. If you apply without a detailed personal statement, it is unlikely that you will be successful.

We are a disability confident employer and Armed Forces Covenant gold standard. More information can be found at Equality, diversity and inclusion - Careers portal

Should you require any support in completing the application form please contact or call the recruitment team on

If you would like to discuss this role in more detail with the hiring manager, please contact Rochelle Williams, Assistant Director of HR:

You will need to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. No post will be offered without it.

Read more about working at Portsmouth City Council and our benefits on our career's portal homepage: Careers Portal - Find jobs with Portsmouth City Council