Full job descriptionHR Business Partner
Salary: £51,210.68 – £53,667.62 per annum
Location: Much Hadham, Hertfordshire (SG10 6EW)
Contract: Full-time | Permanent
Working arrangements: On-site, Monday–Friday
Less HR from a distance. More influence where it matters.
Are you an experienced HR Business Partner or Senior HR Advisor ready for a more visible, influential role? You understand that great HR is about relationships, sound judgement, constructive challenge and helping leaders make better decisions.
At St Elizabeth’s, we’re looking for an HR Business Partner who is equally comfortable advising on a complex employee relations matter, challenging a senior leader, supporting organisational change or using workforce data to spot where we could do things differently.
This isn’t a hybrid role – and here’s why
You’ll be on-site in Much Hadham, Monday to Friday, working directly alongside the leaders and managers you support. You’ll see our services in action, understand their challenges and build relationships that go beyond a scheduled Teams meeting. Being present, visible and accessible makes a real difference.
About St Elizabeth’s
Set within 60 acres of Hertfordshire countryside, St Elizabeth’s is a specialist charity supporting children, young people and adults with epilepsy and other complex needs. Our services span education, residential care, supported living and day opportunities, so our People Team supports an equally diverse workforce.
Our values: Aspirational | Collaborative | Joyful | Compassionate
Why this role is different
We want someone who works with managers to address challenges before they become problems. You’ll work closely with Directors, Heads of Service and managers to turn operational priorities into effective people plans, alongside an experienced People function (People Relations, People Services, Recruitment, L&D and HR Systems).
What you’ll be doing
Business partnering and workforce planning
*Build trusted, credible relationships with senior leaders and managers.

*Provide proactive, practical people solutions, using workforce data (absence, turnover, retention, ER trends) to identify risks and opportunities.

*Constructively challenge decision-making, balancing organisational needs, employee experience and legislation.

Organisational change and development
*Work with the Head of People Services and Director of People on restructures, service redesign and consultation.

*Support workforce planning, OD and projects improving culture, engagement and leadership capability.

Employee relations and manager capability
*Advise on complex disciplinary, grievance, capability and absence matters.

*Support legal matters, including ACAS early conciliation and Employment Tribunals.

*Coach managers to handle people matters confidently and fairly, encouraging early resolution.

*Coach and mentor our HR Advisor.

People strategy and continuous improvement
*Contribute to delivery of our People Strategy.

*Review and improve HR policies, processes and guidance, and deliver practical management training.

*Champion inclusive, values-led people management.

About you
You’ll combine strong technical HR knowledge with commercial awareness, emotional intelligence and the confidence to influence others. You’ll bring:
*CIPD Level 5–7 qualification or equivalent.

*Experience at HR Business Partner level in a complex, fast-moving environment.

*Strong employee relations expertise, including complex and sensitive cases.

*Experience supporting organisational change and restructuring.

*Up-to-date knowledge of employment and equality legislation.

*Confidence coaching and constructively challenging senior leaders and managers.

*Experience mentoring colleagues and developing management capability.

*The ability to balance strategic priorities with hands-on HR support.

*A proactive, solution-focused approach and resilience with competing priorities.

Experience of TUPE, iTrent, or education, health, social care or other regulated environments would be advantageous.
Why join St Elizabeth’s?
HR here won’t always be straightforward, but that’s what makes it rewarding. You’ll work closely with senior leaders, influence important decisions and join a People function that is continuing to evolve, in an organisation where our colleagues’ work genuinely changes lives.
You’ll also enjoy:
*From 25 days’ annual leave plus Bank Holidays, increasing with service.

*Contributory pension with up to 6% employer contribution.

*Life Assurance, Blue Light Card eligibility and Employee Assistance Programme.

*Discounted gym membership and free on-site parking.

*Fully funded Enhanced DBS.

*£1,000 Recommend a Friend Scheme for eligible roles.

*Ongoing learning and professional development.

Getting here
We’re in a rural setting in Much Hadham, so reliable transport is important. We offer subsidised staff transport routes and affordable on-site accommodation.
Ready to make an impact?
Apply today by completing our online application form and uploading your CV. Applications will be reviewed as received, so we encourage early applications.
Safeguarding & Inclusion
St Elizabeth’s is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check. We are an Investors in People and Disability Confident employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. If you require reasonable adjustments during recruitment, please let us know.