Job Description

Minimum salary

Maximum salary

Location

London

Close date

13/12/2025

Job description

Contract type: Permanent


Location: London with a minimum of 2 days per week in the office


Salary: London c52,000per annum plus civil service pension scheme employer contribution of 28.9%




Nationality Requirements:


- UK nationals


- Nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK


- Nationals from the EU, EEA or Switzerland with (or eligible for) status under the European Union Settlement Scheme


(EUSS)




Please note, we are not able to sponsor work visas. Please contact us at hrservicedesk@nao.org.uk should you have any questions on your nationality eligibility.




The closing date for applications is 11.59pm 14 December 2025




First stage interviews will take place via teams on 5 Jan 2026 and second stage interviews will take place at our offices in Victoria, London on the 12 Jan 2026.




Thank you for your interest in joining the National Audit Office as a HR Business Partner (HRBP). This pack will give you a better idea of who we are, what you'll do when you join us, and what we offer. It also gives more details about the application process.




Our position is unique, and our work is extraordinarily influential. Totally and distinctively independent, we scrutinise public spending for Parliament. This means we work for, and for the good of, everyone in the country. We help society work better - supporting and enabling improvements in the way services are delivered right across the public sector. The recommendations from our work result in financial savings and positive changes in government to improve services and ensure value for money for the taxpayer.




For you, this means work that has a greater value. This role offers a rewarding and fascinating career within HR. The HR team provides strategic and operational support and advice on all aspects of people management, development, and workforce support. Our work impacts everyone across the office, from apprentices to senior management, and supports the delivery of the NAO's strategic priorities and values. HR Business Partners work within the Attendance and Wellbeing team who promote employee wellbeing and productivity.




Main purpose of the role:




HR Business Partners provide a proactive service to NAO Groups (business units), providing expert advice across a range of people related issues to ensure the business gets best value from its people resources. Working closely with Group People Development Directors, Performance Coaches and Assignment Managers, HR Business Partners will offer advice on a range of issues, using their expert knowledge and experience to offer a range of solutions and supporting managers in delivering agreed actions. This includes managing all casework in their Group(s), supporting staff and management primarily in the areas of wellbeing, performance and conduct. At times HR Business Partners will need to take specialist/technical advice from other HR practitioners in the business and potentially consult with our legal advisers on particularly sensitive/complex cases. They will work co-operatively and collaboratively with the wider HR team and other Corporate Services colleagues to deliver a joined-up and effective service to the business which is responsive to changing business needs.

Responsibilities

Main responsibilities:




Deliver a proactive and expert HR Business Partner service to two Groups by providing timely advice, support and proactive guidance on all aspects of people management, supporting People Development Directors, Performance Coaches and Assignment Managers to get the best out of their people.


Deliver and implement agreed corporate policies and processes within their Group(s) to achieve organisational objectives.


Coach Performance Coaches and Assignment Managers to provide strong people management support to their teams, particularly managers who require more complex or specialist support.


Manage all case work including dealing with cases which span specialisms (e.g. wellbeing, performance and conduct) across their Group(s). Cases should be managed to achieve a timely resolution, minimising risks to the business and ensuring specialist support and advice is sought. This includes undertaking referrals to occupational health, advising on and implementing workplace adjustments including those related to professional training.


Co-ordinate the annual and interim appraisal process, including managing compliance reporting and attending Director meetings to discuss gradings and supporting managers to help employees develop.


Advise Directors and managers at informal and formal stages of NAO procedures.


Act as the point of contact for their Group(s) on people expertise across all areas of HR and signpost to specialist teams where relevant.


Anticipate and mitigate risks to the organisation and respond to emerging issues including capturing Group feedback on policies and initiatives to feed into future HR development work, facilitating a two-way feedback mechanism.


Support the monthly Group Performance Coach Forums including presenting briefings on relevant policies and procedures and share good practice.


Produce data packs for Group Director Management Meetings analysing key people data and highlighting trends/areas of concern.


Support Group(s) to respond to quarterly people survey results and build engagement within their Group(s).


Work in collaboration with specialist teams, for example D&I, to implement Group focused strategies and projects.


Support any projects on an ad-hoc basis.


Demonstrate a commitment to personal and professional development.




Relationships and Accountability:




Reports to: Head of HR Business Partnering/ Attendance & Wellbeing


Internal relationships: They will work closely with key stakeholders including Group People Development Directors, Performance Coaches and Assignment Managers and TUS representatives.


External relationships: The post holder will also work closely with external partners, for example our Occupational Health provider


Staff resources managed: The Attendance and Wellbeing/HR Business Partnering team is supported by a Senior HR Advisor and HR Advisor who are line managed by a member of the HR Business Partnering team.


The post is based in our London office.

Skills required

Skills, experience, attributes, and qualifications:




The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate the following: -




Is CIPD qualified/part-qualified or is committed to gaining the qualification


Ability to plan and prioritise to deliver high quality HR services and advice in a timely and efficient way to meet business needs and respond to competing demands


Strong business awareness to identify emerging issues and risks and propose solutions to these


Strong project management skills, including budgetary management and user engagement


Strengths in data reporting and analysis, with the ability to identify trends and key risks


Proactive in identifying improvements in how we do things and opportunities to add value


Communicates clearly and succinctly and is credible and influential with a range of stakeholders, including senior management. Is able to engage in challenging conversations, maintaining a professional approach at all times


Coaches managers and junior colleagues in people management issues


Works collaboratively with HR team members and the wider Corporate Services Group to provide the best service to clients


Manages performance and development of others to get the best from the team, delegating work appropriately and supporting others to deliver




What we offer




A very competitive salary: c52,000 pa




Location will Victoria London, easy for commuting into office


You are also eligible to join an excellent pension scheme - either the Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme (PCSPS) or a stakeholder pension scheme known as the Partnership Pension Account


35 days per annum, inclusive of public holidays. Will go up to 40 days after 5 years continuous service.


As part of the NAO new ways of working we offer flexible working from home and the office in line with the organisations expectations.


With the line manager' discretion, employees can work different types of working patterns and/or often work from home one to two day a week.


Along with work that just means more, you'll benefit from a sociable, collaborative working culture, working with other highly professional people committed to making a real difference as part of a high performing organisation


Our annual LearnFest week combines presentations, workshops and seminars on a whole host of topics (you could also deliver one if you wish).


The more you develop, the more options will open up for you in terms of career development


Modern open plan offices, centrally located in London and Newcastle and equipped with a range of excellent on-site facilities including onsite canteen and Gym


Access to a wide variety of social activities, from quizzes to sporting events, coordinated by the NAO Sports and Social Association.


Free Employee Assistance Program for confidential, wellbeing support and advice


Interest Free Season Ticket loan


Cycle to Work Scheme


An online staff discount scheme


The NAO will pay for professional subscriptions, health checks and eyesight tests


In addition to the death in service benefit already provided under the PCSPS, the NAO has an additional death in service benefit. The scheme is non-contributory and equal to 1 year's salary




How to apply:




Please apply before the deadline with a maximum 2 page CV and a 1 page covering letter outlining your interest and suitability for the role.

Educational requirements