People (HR) Business Partner

• People_Business_Partner_JD_2026

Please apply online via the link provided.

Please note, we do not accept CVs submitted without a fully completed online application form.

Wokingham Borough Council have a fantastic opportunity for a highly motivated and experienced People (HR) Business Partner to join our HR and OD team, on full-time, permanent basis.

As a People Business Partner, you will form part of our HR and Organisational Development service, playing a key role in our journey of continuous improvement, following a recent service redesign and renewed focus on excellent service delivery.

The Service comprises our redesigned Business Partnering team, Resourcing, HR Operations and Organisational Development. Having the ability to work collaboratively across all these disciplines will be essential for this role. This role sits within a team of Business Partners and will have specific responsibility for service delivery across the full employment and change lifecycle within dedicated areas of the Council.

Our refreshed working practices mean we can consider candidates from a wide geography, but there will be a need for attendance at our main office or locations across the Borough, determined by business need.

⭐Staff Benefits⭐

Not only is this an exciting opportunity, but it's a fantastic time to join our team. You will receive a host of incredible staff benefits including:

⭐Generous Annual Leave - 31 days annual leave (rising by 5 days after 5 years of continued local government service), plus bank holidays

⭐Local Government Pension Scheme

⭐GP Helpline - Available 7 days a week

⭐Employee Assistance Programme - Including a 24/7 Your Care Helpline

⭐Free Eye Tests and Flu Vaccines

⭐Free Onsite Gym - Located at Shute End Offices, Wokingham

⭐Salary Sacrifice Schemes - Including Car and Cycle to Work schemes

⭐Local & Lifestyle Discounts - Save on shopping, entertainment, dining out & more

⭐Move through Menopause Course

⭐Sports & Social Group Activities – Including running, football, cricket & more

⭐Learning & Development Opportunities

⭐Employee Networks

⭐And more!

Key responsibilities:

• Partner with key stakeholders across the Council to contribute to the formulation of people and culture related plans, initiatives and actions needed to lead, influence and deliver successful outcomes for projects, goals and organisational effectiveness.
• Embedding and enhancing the People Business Partnering model, by building and maintaining strong working relationships with colleagues across the HR & OD function, and in turn work collaboratively with them to develop and deliver People, Culture and OD services, strategies, initiatives and projects, and to develop and maintain the reputation of the HR & OD service.
• To provide specialist People advice and coaching to line managers and HR colleagues, ensuring legal compliance, adherence to policy and timeframes, and fair and consistent management decisions; supporting the prompt resolution of employment relations issues and investigations.

• To provide input and support for People and OD colleagues in all areas including policy development, pay and reward, recruitment and resourcing, learning and development, and Operations. This includes self-sufficiency to reduce unnecessary internal demand within the team and service.

Candidate Requirements:

• Degree-level, equivalent relevant professional qualifications or expertise, ideally with membership of a relevant professional body such as the CIPD
• An expert understanding of generalist HR practice, sufficient to resolve complex casework with an in-depth knowledge and understanding of UK employment law

• Experience of working with multiple disciplines across an organisation, including project management, with the ability to deliver successful outcomes
• Experience of working within a local government environment would be advantageous.

Our Area:

Wokingham Borough Council has recently been ranked 2nd most productive council in England by the Impower Productivity Index, recognising our strong performance and efficient use of public money.

We’re located in the heart of Berkshire with excellent transport links to Reading and central London. Our area comprises of a vibrant and historical market town, attractive villages, and miles of beautiful countryside.

We’re home to a range of high performing schools, a host of international businesses and an incredible community. The borough has a strong local economy with accelerated growth, a range of excellent public facilities and low levels of crime, offering an exceptional quality of life.

Click the link below and Apply Today!

Alternatively, to arrange an informal discussion about the role, contact Ben Straffon, Senior HR Business Partner via email: ben.straffon@wokingham.gov.uk (Strictly no agencies).

Closing date: Sunday 22nd March 2026, 11pm

Interview date: W/C 30th March, times and exact dates TBC

If your application is shortlisted for an interview, you will be required to provide proof of your right to work in the UK at that stage. Additionally, successful candidates must present proof upon receiving a job offer.

Please note that all offers are conditional and subject to the satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.

Please be aware that we will be reviewing the applications we receive on a daily basis, and we reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified.

Wokingham Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, other workers and volunteers to share this commitment.

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we regret that we are unable to respond to every applicant individually.

If you do not hear from us within 4 weeks of the application closing date, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion.

We appreciate your interest in joining Wokingham Borough Council and thank you for taking the time to apply.

Wokingham is an equal opportunities employer.