Human Resources Business Partner

at  Royal College of Art

The Royal College of Art (RCA) is the No. 1 university for art and design, shaping future leaders and innovators in the creative industry. As we continue to grow and enhance our commitment to excellence, we are seeking a dedicated and dynamic HR Business Partner to join our People & Culture (P&C) team. This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in aligning the College’s people strategies with its world-renowned academic and professional services areas.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• CIPD Chartered Member with a graduate-level education or equivalent
• Proven experience as an HR Business Partner within a higher education or similarly complex environment
• Track record in workforce planning, change management, and consultation with trade unions
• Strong understanding of employment law and HRM principles, including GDPR and information security
• Demonstrated expertise in complex casework management, dispute resolution, and strategic HR advisory at a senior level
• Proven ability to build credibility and trust with senior leaders and influence decision-making

THE ROLE:

As a HR Business Partner at The Royal College of Art, you will work collaboratively with senior staff and managers across designated Schools and Professional Services areas. Your role will focus on driving the people strategy, enabling workforce planning, and fostering an inclusive, forward-thinking culture. You’ll anticipate the people implications of current and forthcoming changes and deliver workforce plans that support the RCA’s strategic vision.
In this role, you will contribute deep insights from your partner areas, actively participate in senior leadership teams, and provide high-level HR expertise to ensure effective people management and compliance with best practices. You’ll be central to implementing new policies and engaging in complex casework, working closely with managers and colleagues across all functional areas of P&C.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Strategic Partnership: Build strong relationships with senior staff and managers to support RCA’s strategic aims, contributing to effective workforce planning and talent management.
• Expert Guidance: Offer specialist HR advice, particularly around complex employee relations issues, and contribute to the development of innovative policies and practices.
• People Development: Coach managers to handle people-related issues proactively, promoting informal resolution techniques and mediation where appropriate.
• Employee Relations & EDI: Collaborate with EDI colleagues to ensure all HR advice is inclusive and aligned with best practices in equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• Process Improvement: Partner with the HR Operations team to enhance systems and processes for streamlined HR data management and analytics.
• Trade Union Engagement: Work alongside union representatives, advising and supporting managers on effective consultation and negotiation practices.
• Talent Management: Support recruitment, induction, wellbeing, and learning initiatives to attract and retain high-performing talent across the College.
• Leadership & Values: Serve as a role model, championing RCA’s values of Curiosity, Inclusion, Collaboration and Integrity - embedding a culture of respect, trust, and professional excellence.