Any HR Business Partners with words of wisdom to impart?

[JustAnotherManicMummy]

I have applied for an internal vacancy for an HR BP role. I have done HR work as an additional role to my substantive one for two years. I am currently on maternity leave and my substantive role has recently been made redundant (they didn't do any consultation but that is another story!)

Can you tell me what I should expect if I get selected for interview? My experience of HR BPs currently working in the company is not fantastic tbh so I don't have anyone I could approach internally as my Senior HR BP buddy has recently been made redundant and left.

TIA

[EvilHRLady]

Firstly, I'd try to establish exactly what your organisation means by the term "HR BP".
It's currently a very fashionable term, and IME used to mean anything from 'old school Personnel Manager' (but sounds sexier) to 'business person who is part of a wider business team, understands other functions, but happens to have a focus on people related issues' (which is the correct definition, IMO!)

You can see that the difference in the 2 profiles I've set out above would/should lead to different interview experiences. So if you have any insight as to what the actual job is, I might be able to help a bit more.

[BTW, am curious that they are making Snr HR BPs redundant, but you're about to apply for an HR role??)

[JustAnotherManicMummy]

They are restructuring due to two companies merging. The new roles are secondments/fixed term contracts for 6 months to aid with the integration.

My buddy has been made redundant because there are too many people in her location doing the same job. She got a whopping pay-out and will get another job so she was keen to go (as would I be... lucky lady ).

It is an HR generalist role, quite senior, working with Regional Managers (who line manage between 12-20 staff, with each of those responsible for between 7-15 staff each). There is some protect management work in there too.

Have to say they are a bastard company to work for, but if I can get an HR role, get my CIPD, stick it out for a year... then I can bugger off somewhere nicer!

Sorry that's not very clear is it? I've asked for the job spec as the few I've encountered so far don't seem to have a basic understanding of employment law, company contracts, grievance processes or consultation...

[JustAnotherManicMummy]

Thanks for replying Evil btw!

Are you new? Not seen you around before

[EvilHRLady]

Hi - not new, but had lurked for a long time. Now I'm on mat leave again and STILL WAITING (!!) for no. 2 to show up, I am wasting away my days actively posting on MN...you will see plenty of opinions from me over the last couple of weeks

HRG roles - I would look for experience of managing all the 'core' activities you've listed. Plus:

• data management (from a legal point of view ie Data Protection) but also familiarity with using HR systems to run reports/provide data to managers
• Comp & benefits
• performance management
• talent management
• potentially learning & development

When you get a JD, post some of the details & I can help you think through some i/v questions (if this is what you are after?)

You mentioned doing HR alongside your previous role...what kind of thing?

[JustAnotherManicMummy]

Thanks Evil I did HR advice/support for my local area (10 offices, about 80 staff) ensuring documentation and processes were consistent for: performance management, talent management, sickness absence management, grievance and disciplinary processes, recruitment, supporting colleagues at risk of redundancy (particularly with applying for other roles), coaching and training colleagues on processes, data management (designed, managed and implemented systems which I then passed over when I went on maternity leave).

Also some learning delivery: designing and running training courses.

I was also the local contact for support for all people processes and attended/ran hearings and meetings.

Any way I haven't got an interview although I am going to keep applying for HR roles and have an application for another 2 less high-profile jobs already in the system somewhere.

Hope you've had your baby and not feeling too uncomfortable