Assistant HR Transformation Business Partner

Wakefield Council is recruiting an experienced Assistant HR Business Partner to join the HR & OD Service. This is a key role supporting senior managers, services, schools and partner organisations through high-quality HR advice, practical workforce solutions and delivery of organisational priorities.

About the Role

As an Assistant HR Business Partner, you will provide timely, professional advice across a wide range of HR matters. The role includes supporting organisational change, service transformation, workforce planning, wellbeing, employee relations and policy development. You will work closely with senior leaders, managers, services, schools and partner organisations to develop practical workforce solutions, support change and service improvement, and work in partnership with Trade Unions. You will also help managers apply clear and compliant workforce practices, including safer recruitment, workforce compliance, safeguarding standards and training requirements. In doing so, you will support the transformation of Children and Young People services in line with the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026, helping services improve communication and information sharing, plan for new initiatives, and deliver better outcomes for children and young people.

What we are looking for

You will bring strong HR knowledge and experience, with the ability to give clear, balanced and practical advice on complex workforce issues. Working confidently with managers and senior colleagues, you will support organisational change and deliver effective workforce solutions. A sound understanding of employment legislation, HR policy and good practice is essential, applying this in a practical, customer‑focused way. Strong communication and relationship‑building skills are required to work effectively with customers, partners and Trade Unions. You will write clearly, influence effectively, handle sensitive matters professionally and contribute to service improvement. Highly organised, you will manage competing priorities and work collaboratively to achieve positive outcomes. For Level 1, you will hold NVQ Level 4 or equivalent with significant relevant HR experience. For Level 2, you will be educated to degree level, hold Graduate CIPD or equivalent, and have management experience.

Further information

The post sits within HR & OD in the Directorate and reports to HR Business Partners, but will be dedicated to our Children and Young People service. The role is office based with flexible working arrangements and requires travel to other Council locations and schools, with occasional work outside normal office hours. Appointment is subject to the relevant pre-employment checks, including right to work in the UK, qualifications, references, medical clearance and any safeguarding checks where required.

What can I expect?

• A competitive salary
• Generous holiday entitlement with the option to buy up to 10 extra days of annual leave
• Hybrid working (subject to role suitability)
• Access to high-quality training programs to advance your career to the next level.
• We are committed to supporting the wellbeing of our staff. We recognise that resilient teams need good work life balance as well as supportive leadership.
• Discounted and subsidised public transport (Arriva Bus Annual Travel Ticket, Northern Trains Limited (NTL), MetroCard).
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) and a Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVC) scheme providing a tax efficient way to increase our pension.
• Great range of benefits including an Employee Assistant Programme, discounted membership to our excellent leisure facilities with free 12 weeks exercise program, discounts for a range of retail, entertainment, health and leisure providers, a cycle to work scheme, and many more.

Want to know more?

If you would like to know more about the role, the recruitment process or working for Wakefield Council, feel free to contact .

Name: Leah Makey

E-mail: ***email_hidden***

Join us and make a real impact in the community. Apply today to become a valued member of our team!

Safeguarding

Wakefield Council is wholly committed to ensuring children and vulnerable adults are fully supported and safe. We are dedicated to the safeguarding of all children and vulnerable adults whilst promoting their welfare. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this responsibility.

Probation

In accordance with the Council Probation Procedure, this post is subject to a 6-month Probationary Period.

Fluency Duty

To comply with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 (Fluency Duty), public facing roles will be subject to the Fluency Duty.

Diversity

Having a diverse workforce that is reflective of the communities we serve helps us to achieve the best outcomes for all. We encourage applications from everyone and actively seek to ensure that everyone feels included in the workplace so that we can make the most of our differences.

Why Wakefield

• To find out more about the benefits of working at Wakefield Council, click here.