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Human Resources

HR Business Partner

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Primary Secondary Post-16

An HR Business Partner (HRBP) is a senior human resources professional who works closely with an organisation’s leadership team to align HR strategies with business goals. Rather than handling just day-to-day HR tasks, HR Business Partners focus on strategic planning, organisational development, and workforce management. Their responsibilities often include advising managers on people-related issues, developing talent management plans, leading change initiatives, and ensuring that HR practices contribute to the company’s success. This role requires a strong understanding of both human resources and business operations, excellent communication skills, and the ability to influence senior stakeholders.

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 industry.

Job Openings

There were over 3,500 HR Business Partner vacancies advertised across the UK in 2023.

Typical Work Hours

Most HR Business Partners work standard office hours, usually around 37 to 40 hours per week.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Employee Relations Specialist

Focuses on resolving workplace issues, managing disputes, and improving communication between staff and management within an organisation.

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Talent Acquisition Manager

Leads recruitment strategies, develops talent pipelines, and manages the process of attracting and hiring skilled employees.

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Learning and Development Advisor

Designs and delivers training programmes to help employees build skills and progress in their careers within an organisation.

Build a Foundation in Human Resources

Study Relevant Subjects

Begin by studying subjects such as Business Studies, Psychology, or Sociology at GCSE and A-level.

These subjects provide a good understanding of how organisations and people function, which is essential for HR roles. Consider participating in school clubs or activities that help develop communication and organisational skills.

Gain a Degree or Equivalent

Pursue a university degree in Human Resource Management, Business, or a related field.

Many employers look for candidates with a degree, but you could also consider a Higher National Diploma (HND) or an apprenticeship in HR. Look for courses approved by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), as these are highly regarded in the industry.

Get CIPD Qualified

Obtain CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development) accreditation.

CIPD qualifications are the standard for HR professionals in the UK and are often required for HR Business Partner roles. You can study for a CIPD Level 3 Certificate to start and progress to Level 5 or Level 7 as you gain experience.

Gain Practical HR Experience

Start in Entry-Level HR Roles

Apply for roles such as HR Assistant or HR Administrator to gain hands-on experience.

These roles provide a good introduction to HR processes such as recruitment, payroll, and employee relations. Use this time to learn about employment law, policies, and procedures.

Take on More Responsibility

Progress to more senior HR roles, such as HR Officer or HR Advisor.

Look for opportunities to lead projects, resolve employee issues, or manage recruitment campaigns. Building a broad range of HR skills will make you a strong candidate for HR Business Partner roles.

Develop Strategic HR Skills

Build Business Acumen

Understand how businesses operate and how HR can contribute strategically.

Attend business meetings, ask to shadow managers, and take part in projects that link HR with business objectives. Consider studying for a CIPD Level 7 qualification or a master's degree in HR Management for deeper knowledge.

Apply for HR Business Partner Roles

Look for HR Business Partner vacancies and apply, demonstrating your experience and strategic mindset.

Tailor your CV to highlight both your HR expertise and your understanding of business strategy. Prepare for interviews by thinking of examples where you have influenced organisational decisions through HR initiatives.

🎯 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 HR Business Partner and a Human Resources Officer both operate within the HR field, focusing on employee relations, organisational development, and strategic HR initiatives. While the HR Business Partner often has a broader strategic role, both roles require similar qualifications and understanding of HR policies and practices.

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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