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Human Resources

HR Business Partner

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Primary Secondary Post-16

An HR Business Partner is a senior member of the human resources team who works closely with an organisation's leadership to align HR strategies with business goals. This role involves advising managers on people management, supporting employee relations, assisting with organisational change, and ensuring legal compliance in HR policies. HR Business Partners act as a bridge between management and employees, helping to shape company culture and improve workplace performance. The job often requires strong communication skills, a solid understanding of employment law, and the ability to influence business decisions at a strategic level.

HR Business Partner

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

HR Business Partners in the UK typically earn between £40,000 and £65,000 per year, depending on experience and location.

Job Opportunities

There were over 4,000 advertised HR Business Partner positions in the UK in 2023, with demand growing in both private and public sectors.

Qualifications

Most HR Business Partners have a CIPD Level 5 or Level 7 qualification, and at least 5 years of experience in HR roles.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Talent Acquisition Specialist

Focuses on sourcing, interviewing and hiring talented individuals for specific teams or departments within an organisation.

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Employee Relations Advisor

Works closely with managers and employees to resolve workplace issues, improve communication and ensure compliance with employment laws.

Learning and Development Coordinator

Designs and delivers training programmes to help employees develop new skills and progress in their careers.

Build a Foundation in Human Resources

Obtain Relevant Qualifications

Begin by achieving essential academic qualifications such as A-levels or BTECs, followed by a university degree in Human Resources, Business Management, or a related field.

While a degree is not always mandatory, many HR Business Partners have a university qualification. Consider studying subjects like Human Resource Management, Psychology, or Business Studies. Alternatively, relevant apprenticeships or entry-level HR certificates can help you get started.

Gain Initial HR Experience

Secure an entry-level HR role, such as HR Assistant or HR Administrator, to develop practical skills in recruitment, employee relations, and HR administration.

Early HR roles will give you experience with day-to-day HR tasks, such as handling employee queries, assisting with recruitment, and supporting HR policies. This practical exposure is crucial for understanding how HR operates within organisations.

Complete HR Certifications

Pursue professional HR qualifications, such as those offered by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).

CIPD qualifications are highly valued in the UK HR sector. Consider starting with a Level 3 Foundation Certificate and progressing to Level 5 or higher as your experience grows. These qualifications demonstrate your commitment to the profession and develop your HR knowledge further.

Develop Strategic HR Skills

Progress to Advisory or Managerial Roles

Move into HR Advisor or HR Manager positions, where you take on more responsibility and begin to influence HR policies and practices.

These roles will allow you to manage projects, advise line managers, and handle complex HR issues. Building experience in these positions is essential for developing the strategic thinking needed for an HR Business Partner role.

Learn Business and Organisational Strategy

Expand your understanding of business strategy, organisational behaviour, and how HR supports wider business goals.

HR Business Partners need to understand how HR can drive business success. Take opportunities to work closely with other departments, attend business strategy meetings, and seek training in areas like change management and organisational development.

Become an HR Business Partner

Apply for HR Business Partner Positions

Look for vacancies within your organisation or externally, highlighting your experience in HR, your business knowledge, and your ability to work strategically.

Tailor your CV and cover letter to emphasise your experience in influencing business decisions, managing change, and building strong working relationships with senior leaders. Prepare to demonstrate your problem-solving and communication skills in interviews.

Continue Professional Development

Stay up to date with HR trends, employment law, and best practices by attending workshops, networking events, and pursuing further qualifications if needed.

HR is a fast-evolving field. Join professional bodies like CIPD, subscribe to HR journals, and participate in continuous learning to maintain your effectiveness as a strategic partner within the business.

🎯 View Apprenticeships

Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in HR Business Partner. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.

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Career Progressions

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Sample Qualifications

A Human Resources Business Partner and a Human Resources Officer both operate within the HR domain, focusing on employee relations, organisational development, and strategic HR initiatives. The Business Partner typically has a more strategic role, but both share core qualifications in HR practices, employee management, and organisational policy implementation.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • specialist courses run by professional bodies

University

You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in any subject. You could then apply for a graduate human resources (HR) training scheme.

You may have an advantage if you study for an HR related subject like:

  • human resources management
  • business management and human resources
  • psychology

If you already have a degree, you could do a postgraduate qualification in human resource management, though this is not essential.

Graduate jobs

You can find graduate HR opportunities with:

  • small and medium sized private sector companies in most industries
  • large multi-national companies
  • charities and education organisations
  • public sector employers like the NHS and Civil Service

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
  • a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

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College

You can study for human resources qualifications at college, such as the Foundation Certificate in People Practice, offered by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).

Courses like these are aimed at helping people to get some of the knowledge and skills needed to find their first job and get started in the profession.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

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Apprenticeship

You may be able to apply for an apprenticeship, for example:

  • HR Support Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
  • People Professional Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship

Entry requirements

Employers will set their own entry requirements.

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Work

You could start as a human resources assistant or a business administrator in a company's HR department and work your way up through training and promotion.

Other Routes

You can study a range of professional qualifications in human resources, either online or at a training centre approved by the CIPD.

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Career tips

Take a look at the CIPD Profession Map to find out more about the values, knowledge and behaviours needed by HR officers.

Further information

You can learn about a career in human resources from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and Personnel Today.

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