People Partner
£42,839 – £46,142 per annum (pay award pending) + benefits
We’re looking for an enthusiastic and proactive People Partner to join our People and Culture team. This is a key role that directly supports our commitment to create a positive, fair and supportive working environment across Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service.
As a People Partner, you’ll play a vital part in ensuring our managers feel confident and supported in handling employee relations matters. You’ll bring expertise, sound judgement and a collaborative approach to help us maintain high standards and strengthen our reputation as an Employer of Choice.
About the Role
Reporting to the Employee Relations and Compliance Manager, you will:
• Provide a high‑quality, customer‑focused people service across designated areas of the organisation.
• Coach and support managers on a wide range of employee relations issues.
• Manage your own ER caseload, taking a proactive, solutions‑focused approach.
• Support investigations into ER matters, helping to minimise risk and ensure fair, consistent outcomes.
• Promote our values of Safety, Integrity, Inclusivity and Learning in everything you do.
• Work flexibly across the People and Culture team to ensure a consistent, high‑quality service.
You’ll be a trusted partner who helps create a positive employee experience and contributes to a healthy, supportive workplace culture.
About the People and Culture Department
You’ll be part of a friendly, collaborative department made up of three specialist teams:
1. Employee Relations and Compliance
2. People Systems and Transformation
3. Culture and Inclusion
We work closely together to deliver a comprehensive people offer. You’ll be a team player with the ability to build strong relationships with People Partners, People Coordinators, managers across the Service and our trade union colleagues, all with the shared aim of promoting positive employee relations and high levels of employee satisfaction.
About You
We’re looking for someone who brings:
• Significant experience in employee relations, including managing sensitive and complex cases.
• Confidence working with trade unions and supporting formal investigations.
• A strong understanding of employment legislation and best practice.
• The ability to build effective relationships, influence outcomes and coach managers.
• Excellent judgement, professionalism and a calm, balanced approach.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office and HR systems.
• CIPD qualification or equivalent relevant experience.
• Experience delivering a high‑quality, customer‑focused HR service.
• Experience supporting policy development and implementation.
• Ideally, experience supervising or developing others.
About Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service
TWFRS is one of the UK’s leading fire and rescue services. Our dedicated workforce is committed to our vision of Creating the Safest Community.
We are rated Good by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) and are proud to be recognised as a high‑performing, innovative organisation.
Our Headquarters in Washington offer excellent facilities including free parking, a staff gym and an on‑site canteen.
Selection Process
Stage Timeline*
Advert closes – Monday 27th April 2026 at 09:00am
Notification of shortlist – W/C 27th April 2026
Interview – Thursday 7th May 2026
Please note these dates may be subject to change*
How to Apply
Please complete our online application form and submit a supporting statement (maximum 1000 words) demonstrating how you meet the criteria in the job description and person specification.
Further information about the Service can be found at www.twfire.gov.uk or via our social media channels.
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact the Head of People and Culture at helen.naden@twfire.gov.uk, or the Employee Relations and Compliance Manager, joanne.henry@twfire.gov.uk
Reasonable Adjustments
We are a Disability Confident Leader. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please email recruitment@twfire.gov.uk
Safer Recruitment & Pre‑Employment Checks
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, children and young people. All staff share this commitment.
The successful candidate will undergo:
• Standard DBS check
• Occupational health assessment (including substance misuse testing)
• Right to work checks
• Reference checks
Please submit your application form by no later than 09:00am on Monday 27th April 2026.