Band 7 Deputy People Business Partner – Bath: Sponsorship Available

Job summary

Are you passionate about making a difference? Do you thrive on solving complex HR challenges and driving organisational success? Then this role may be for you.

At AWP Mental NHS Trust, we are dedicated to delivering exceptional Mental Health, Learning Disability, Autism, and Neurodiversity services while fostering a positive, inclusive, and values-driven culture. Our services plays a crucial role in supporting some of the most vulnerable individuals, and as part of our HR Business Partnering Team, you will be integral to shaping a fair, supportive, and engaged workforce for a named Division.

This role offers not only an opportunity to apply and develop your HR expertise but also a chance to contribute to a culture of learning, civility, respect, and restorative practice. Within AWP, we deal with complex casework, organisational change, and TUPE transfers, providing a rich environment for continuous professional growth and skill development.

Please note that this is a hybrid role with a frequent requirement to travel to AWP sites.

Although advertised as a 24-month fixed-term contract, it is hoped that the role will transition into a substantive permanent position at the end of the fixed-term period, subject to organisational requirements and approval.

Main duties of the job

As a Deputy People Business Partner, you will support both the Division and the wider People Business Partnering Team in delivering a proactive, high-quality HR service. You will be responsible for:

Leading on employee relations casework, ensuring a just, fair, and restorative approach to workforce issues.

Overseeing and line-managing Senior People Advisors, providing coaching and professional development opportunities.

Driving improvements in key workforce performance indicators (e.g., vacancy rates, attendance, staff engagement, retention, and wellbeing) through data analysis and targeted action plans.

Supporting the development of a high-performing, inclusive culture by delivering learning initiatives that embed best practicepeople management, civility, and respect.

Contributing to and delivering workforce plans that align with the Trust’s People Strategy, focusing on recruitment, retention,learning & development, and EDI initiatives.

Partnering with the People Directorate to implement effective solutions for both transactional and strategic workforcechallenges.

Leading HR projects as directed by the People Business Partner, taking ownership of specific initiatives that enhance the employeeexperience.

Person Specification

Experience and Knowledge, Skills and Abilities,

Essential

• Degree plus CIPD qualification level 7, masters-level qualification, significant commensurate experience in a senior HR role, CIPD qualified, or significant experience in an employee relations role
• Evidence of ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
• Current CIPD membership
• Experience of managing multiple complex, highly sensitive, contentious employee issues such as grievance, disciplinary, change management up to and including preparing cases for appeal.
• Demonstrates experience of working with operational colleagues in a business partner model: Influencing and negotiating skills, Supporting delivery of HR strategy and local agenda, Collaborative working including with union representatives Understanding of the business Drive for results and quality
• Experience of progressing cases and delivering work against timescales
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage a varied workload and conflicting deadlines through effectively prioritisation of self and the Senior People Advisor.
• Good understanding of EDI issues and commitment to delivering the Trust’s objectives in a diverse work environment

Closing Date: 1 November 2026