Interim HR Business Partner

Job Overview

Wealden District Council – Forward‑thinking authority in Hailsham, East Sussex. This is an interim role for an experienced HR Business Partner on a 12‑month temporary contract during a period of considerable transformation.

Contract details:

• Full Time – Temporary
• Location – Hailsham, East Sussex
• Posted – 4 days ago
• Salary – £50,000 / Year
• Closes – 11 February 2026

• Support senior leaders, leading in performance, change and absence management, workforce/succession planning, and leadership development.
• Evaluate and adapt the local delivery of HR services to remain relevant and responsive.
• Provide expert knowledge and advice to managers on a wide range of HR issues.
• Equip managers to maximise people resources, working with them to plan, adapt & develop.
• Provide advice and guidance to managers on strategies, plans, policies and terms & conditions.
• Support management in leadership development, advising, guiding and coaching to increase their confidence and ability to engage, develop and manage staff.
• Contribute to the development of all HR strategies, plans, policies and processes.
• Support HR project work across the department, including work streams associated with Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).

• HR Business Partner experience, ideally from within a public sector organisation.
• Extensive experience supporting leaders in change management, preferably in Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).
• Experience in strategy development, complex ER case management and HR project work.
• Level 7 CIPD qualified (or working towards).
• Advanced IT and communication skills.
• Exceptional organisational and time management skills with an eye for detail.

• Competitive salary & pension scheme.
• Incremental progression subject to satisfactory performance.
• A friendly, supportive and ambitious team.
• Opportunities for continuing professional development.

For more information and an informal chat about opportunities please contact Debbie Langridge at or deb
.

Wealden District Council is a future‑focused organisation committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. As a Disability Confident Employer, we provide fair and accessible recruitment and workplace adjustments and guarantee an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria. We are proud to maintain a diverse workforce and inclusive environment where individuality is valued and all applications are assessed on merit.

We also hold the Gold Standards Award for employee wellbeing, reflecting our dedication to supporting our people to thrive.

Inclusion, wellbeing and equal opportunity are central to who we are and how we work.

We welcome innovation and do not automatically exclude candidates who use AI tools during the application process. We assess each application to ensure the candidate genuinely understands the role and its requirements. AI may be used ethically and responsibly, provided it supports rather than compromises our core values of integrity, transparency, and fairness. During assessments and interviews, candidates must present their own skills and experience without assistance from others, external resources, or AI, unless explicitly instructed otherwise.