Roz Atkinson
Summary
Strategic HR professional with proven experience operating across core HR Business Partner activities, supporting senior leaders to deliver aligned people plans, effective change and improved performance. Data‑driven and risk‑focused, using workforce insight to inform decisions, manage complex employee relations and deliver evidence‑based interventions. Trusted partner with a strong track record of coaching leaders, resolving complex cases and embedding consistent, sustainable people management practice.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work history
Interim HR Business Partner
Manchester Metropolitan University
01.2026 - 01.2026
- Partner with senior leaders to provide strategic HR advice, influence decision‑making and deliver people plans aligned to organisational strategy.
- Lead workforce and people planning, translating strategic objectives into sustainable resourcing, capability and performance priorities.
- Analyse and interpret people data to identify trends, risks and opportunities, driving evidence‑based interventions to improve performance and wellbeing.
- Support and lead organisational change initiatives, ensuring effective consultation, risk management and compliance with employment legislation.
- Oversee complex employee relations matters in collaboration with ER colleagues, contributing to case strategy and mitigation of organisational risk.
- Coach and develop senior leaders’ people management capability, providing guidance on employment law, culture, engagement and leadership practice.
- Collaborate across People & OD Centres of Expertise to deliver integrated, consistent people solutions and continuous improvement of service provision.
Assistant HR Business Partner
Manchester Metropolitan University
06.2025 - 01.2026
- HRBP lead for the Apprenticeship Unit partnering with senior leaders to provide strategic HR advice, influence decision‑making and deliver people plans aligned to organisational strategy.
- Supported workforce and people planning activity, contributing analysis, insight and practical recommendations to ensure resourcing, capability and succession requirements were identified and addressed.
- Led advice on a range of organisational change matters briefing managers on risk and compliance. .
- Oversaw complex employee relations matters in collaboration with ER team, contributing to case strategy and mitigation of organisational risk.
- Analysed HR data and trends (e.g. sickness absence, ER activity, turnover, engagement) to identify issues, inform proactive interventions and support evidence‑based decision‑making.
- Coached and developed managers to strengthen people management capability, consistency of approach and confidence in applying policy and procedure.
Interim HR Advisory Team Manager
Manchester Metropolitan University
07.2024 - 06.2025
- Led team of HR Advisors and Assistant HR Advisors to deliver support for HR case management, acting as an escalation point to ensure effective resolution of sensitive and complex casework and mitigate risk.
- Managed resource and workload planning to maintain SLA's including recruitment of new staff, induction and training, and timely management of performance and conduct issues.
- Facilitated weekly team meetings to drive case management, address risk and support HR Business Partners with effective management of complex casework and effective reporting.
- Delivered development sessions to upskill HR Advisors on processes and employment law updates to build confidence and capability across the team.
- Partnered with Head of H&S to implement new Occupational Health service and delivered training to HR Advisory team.
- Supported the Deputy CPO with change management processes, leading consultation meetings with staff and TU reps to implement Business Support restructure and manage end‑of‑FTC processes.
- Led development of Oracle Case Management and co-ordinated user acceptance testing to define custom fields and reporting requirements.
Assistant HR Business Partner
Manchester Metropolitan University
11.2022 - 07.2024
- Supported the delivery of people plans and HR interventions, working closely with the HR Business Partner to align solutions to departmental and university priorities.
- Partnered with Heads of Department, managers and senior stakeholders, providing professional HR advice, influencing decision‑making and supporting delivery of people plans.
- Supported workforce and people planning activity, contributing analysis, insight and practical recommendations to ensure resourcing, capability and succession requirements were identified and addressed.
- Led advice on a range of employee relations and organisational change matters, including performance management, ill health capability, EDI, restructures and complex casework, briefing managers on risk and compliance under HRBP guidance.
- Analysed HR data and trends (e.g. sickness absence, ER activity, turnover, engagement) to identify issues, inform proactive interventions and support evidence‑based decision‑making.
- Coached and developed managers to strengthen people management capability, consistency of approach and confidence in applying policy and procedure.
HR Advisor
Manchester Metropolitan University
01.2022 - 11.2022
- Provided timely, proactive HR advice across policy, conditions and employment law to support operational decision-making.
- Managed complex ER casework to mitigate litigation and reputational risk; engaged with Trade Unions to improve relations.
- Analysed workforce data to ensure compliance and targeted HR solutions.
Assistant HR Business Partner
NHS Manchester Clinical Commissioning Group
03.2020 - 12.2021
- Supported HRBPs with delivery of People Plans, workforce planning and organisational change.
- Coached managers on T&Cs, policy and employment legislation and led complex ER cases to resolution.
- Produced workforce information reports and analysis; contributed to risk mitigation plans.
- Delivered training on HR systems and developed HR policies to reflect best practice.
HR & OD Specialist
Manchester City Council
12.2017 - 03.2020
- Partnered with senior leaders to identify workforce development needs and targeted OD strategies.
- Led directorate Apprenticeship strategy; organised training events and staff conferences.
- Provided OD advice to embed behavioural frameworks into operations.
- Facilitated leadership and management programmes for senior managers.
Regional HR Advisory Manager
Crown Prosecution Service
03.2016 - 12.2017
- Advised multi-site managers on complex HR issues and ER cases; partnered with Trade Unions and Staff Networks to resolve complex people issues.
- Analysed and reported HR MI to senior leaders; supported development of Area Business and People Engagement Plans.
- Supported workforce planning strategy and talent management practices, sharing best practice across regional sites.
HR Contract & Relationship Manager
Department for Education
01.2014 - 03.2016
- Managed HR Casework, Occupational Health and EAP contracts to SLAs delivering high-quality advice and support.
- Collaborated with Policy to review policies and update handbook guidance aligned to legislation and self-service model.
- Analysed supplier MI to identify trends and implemented strategies to improve service usage.
- Upskilled line managers and partnered with HRBPs to develop management capability.
HR Casework Advisor
Department for Education
09.2009 - 12.2014
- Coached managers on complex ER across full policy range; supported challenging people issues.
- Co-ordinated Early Conciliation, Employment Tribunal and CSAB claims with Legal to mediate settlements.
- Developed tools/guidance and delivered training on HR policy application.
- Managed HR information and monthly reporting of key HR data to senior management.
Regional HR Advisor
Shop Direct Group (Littlewoods Clearance Ltd)
03.2006 - 04.2009
- Provided HR advice to multi-site retail, distribution and head office teams across full policy range.
- Managed ER issues, collaborating with Trade Unions to resolve complex cases.
- Conducted redundancy consultations and supported organisational change programmes.
- Administered HR payroll system and produced monthly HR MI for senior management.
Education
PgDip Senior People Professional Level 7 Apprenticeship - HR Management
Manchester Metropolitan University
04.2025 -
CIPD Advanced Diploma - HR Management
Manchester Open Learning
01.2014 - 01.2015
CIPD Advanced Certificate - HR Management
Manchester Open Learning
06.2011 - 06.2012
Foundation in Coaching Level 1 -
Development Partnership
01.2011 - 05.2011
CIPD Certificate - Personnel Practice
Stockport Business School
09.2007 - 06.2008
BA (Hons) Retail Marketing -
Manchester Metropolitan University
09.1998 - 06.2002
A-Levels - Sociology, Business Studies, English Language
Fulford School
York 09.1996 - 06.1998
GCSEs -
Fulford School
York 09.1991 - 06.1996
Skills
- Strategic HR Business Partnering
- Stakeholder Influence & Credibility
- Workforce & People Planning
- People Analytics & Insight
- Employee Relations
- Change Management & OD
- Leadership Coaching & Capability Building
- HR system proficiency (Oracle & SAP)
- Assoc CIPD qualified
Professional Development
- Aurora Leadership Development Programme (Advance HE), 2024
- University HR (UHR) Conference, 2024
- THRIVE Talent Conversations (Delve), 2021
- Mental Health First Aid (MHFA England), 2020
- Race Equality Change Agents Programme (NHS Northern Care Alliance), 2020
- Mental Health Awareness & Managing Mental Health in the Workplace (MIND), 2019
- Dementia Awareness; Recruitment & Selection Essentials; Equality & Diversity; Strengths-based Conversations; Facilitation Skills (Manchester City Council), 2018
- Dealing with Difficult Conversations; Meeting Skills Masterclass (Capita), 2011
- NCFE Level 2 Occupational Health & Safety, 2009
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Interim HR Business Partner
Manchester Metropolitan University
01.2026 - 01.2026
Assistant HR Business Partner
Manchester Metropolitan University
06.2025 - 01.2026
PgDip Senior People Professional Level 7 Apprenticeship - HR Management
Manchester Metropolitan University
04.2025 -
Interim HR Advisory Team Manager
Manchester Metropolitan University
07.2024 - 06.2025
Assistant HR Business Partner
Manchester Metropolitan University
11.2022 - 07.2024
HR Advisor
Manchester Metropolitan University
01.2022 - 11.2022
Assistant HR Business Partner
NHS Manchester Clinical Commissioning Group
03.2020 - 12.2021
HR & OD Specialist
Manchester City Council
12.2017 - 03.2020
Regional HR Advisory Manager
Crown Prosecution Service
03.2016 - 12.2017
CIPD Advanced Diploma - HR Management
Manchester Open Learning
01.2014 - 01.2015
HR Contract & Relationship Manager
Department for Education
01.2014 - 03.2016
CIPD Advanced Certificate - HR Management
Manchester Open Learning
06.2011 - 06.2012
Foundation in Coaching Level 1 -
Development Partnership
01.2011 - 05.2011
HR Casework Advisor
Department for Education
09.2009 - 12.2014
CIPD Certificate - Personnel Practice
Stockport Business School
09.2007 - 06.2008
Regional HR Advisor
Shop Direct Group (Littlewoods Clearance Ltd)
03.2006 - 04.2009
BA (Hons) Retail Marketing -
Manchester Metropolitan University
09.1998 - 06.2002
A-Levels - Sociology, Business Studies, English Language
Fulford School
09.1996 - 06.1998
GCSEs -
Fulford School
09.1991 - 06.1996