Business partnering is one of the main and most popular HR operating models that people functions use globally. Ideally, business partnering is a practice, and it is all about defining and aligning people function capabilities in order to meet the organisation’s objectives, and you don’t have to be called a business partner to adopt and apply a business partnering mindset.

This factsheet explores what business partnering is and how it works, both as a model and a mindset. It covers the evolution of business partnering, and the original business partnering model. It also offers guidance on implementing business partnering and how it can help organisations shape positive change to support people, performance, and business practices. 

  • Podcast

    HR People Pod

    Listen to episodes of HR People Pod, the CIPD’s fortnightly podcast providing expert insights from HR leaders discussing the topical issues impacting the world of work.

    Listen now
  • Data

    Data hub

    Explore the evidence behind workforce trends

  • Podcast

    Ireland Podcasts

    Listen to episodes from our CIPD Ireland Podcast Series on a range of topical workplace, HR and L&D issues

    Listen now
  • Factsheets