HR Services Lead/ HR Business Partner

ContractLondon Borough of Harrow HCHPosted 3 weeks agoJob DetailsJob DescriptionHR Business Partner (Children's) – G11Agency: London Borough of HarrowContract: 27 July 2026 – 26 February 2027Hours: 36 hours per week, Monday to FridayWorking pattern: 9:00am – 5:00pm, with a 48-minute lunch breakJob PurposeThe HR Business Partner will provide strategic, proactive and outcome-focused Human Resources support across the London Borough of Harrow, with a particular focus on supporting the Children's Division. The postholder will work closely with senior managers and key stakeholders to deliver a high-quality HR service, providing expert advice and guidance across complex employee relations matters, organisational change, workforce planning, policy development and wider people-management initiatives. The role will contribute to the continued transformation and development of the HR service, ensuring that HR provision is aligned with Council priorities and delivers effective, practical and commercially focused solutions. Key ResponsibilitiesAct as a strategic HR Business Partner to the Children's Division, providing expert advice, challenge and support to managers and senior leaders. Lead and advise on complex employee relations and HR casework, including disciplinary, grievance, capability, sickness absence, performance and other employment matters. Provide professional HR advice and guidance in line with current employment legislation, Council policies, procedures and best practice. Support the delivery of organisational change, restructures, workforce transformation and other change-management programmes. Develop, review and implement HR policies, procedures and guidance to support effective people management. Work proactively with managers to identify workforce issues, risks and opportunities and develop appropriate HR solutions. Provide high-quality advice on employment matters while balancing employee needs with organisational priorities. Build strong and effective relationships with senior managers, service leaders and other key stakeholders. Ensure HR interventions are evidence-based, outcome-focused and aligned with the Council's strategic objectives. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of employment legislation, case law, HR policy developments and emerging best practice. Contribute to the continuous improvement and transformation of the HR service. Support workforce planning and wider people-management initiatives within the Children's Division. Produce clear, accurate and timely HR advice, reports and recommendations. Lead on specific HR projects and policy initiatives as required. Line manage members of the HR team, providing effective leadership, direction, support and performance management. Promote consistent, fair and effective HR practices across the organisation. Work independently and proactively, using professional judgement to resolve complex HR issues and identify appropriate solutions. Significant experience working as an HR Business Partner or in a senior HR advisory role. Strong experience of providing strategic HR support to senior managers and operational leaders. Extensive experience of managing complex employee relations casework. Experience supporting organisational change, restructures and change-management programmes. Strong knowledge of UK employment legislation and HR best practice. Experience of developing and implementing HR policies and procedures. Experience of working within a Children's Services environment or supporting a large, complex frontline service would be desirable. Experience of line management and developing HR professionals. Ability to interpret HR policy and legislation and translate it into practical advice for managers. Excellent organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities. Ability to work autonomously while contributing effectively to a wider HR team. Strong written skills, including the ability to produce clear reports, correspondence and professional HR documentation. Commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and fair employment practices. Professional leadership – providing confident, credible and evidence-based HR advice. Accountability – taking ownership for delivering high-quality HR outcomes. Continuous improvement – identifying opportunities to improve HR processes, policies and service delivery. Working ArrangementsThe role is contracted for 36 hours per week, Monday to Friday: Monday: 09:00 – 17:00Tuesday: 09:00 – 17:00Wednesday: 09:00 – 17:00Thursday: 09:00 – 17:00Friday: 09:00 – 17:00Each working day includes a 48-minute unpaid lunch break. Pay InformationPre-Parity Hourly Pay Rate: 24.81Post-Parity Hourly Pay Rate: 25.35Contract PeriodStart Date: 27 July 2026Finish Date: 26 February 2027Reporting and ManagementThe postholder will operate as a senior HR professional within the Council's HR function and will have responsibility for line managing relevant HR team members, providing leadership, guidance and support to ensure effective service delivery.