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. 

Related content

Data

Data hub

Explore the evidence behind workforce trends

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
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
Factsheet

Strategic human resource management

Understand how strategic HRM works, and its relationship with business strategy, human capital management and business performance

Explore our other factsheets

Factsheet

Harassment and bullying at work

Understand what bullying and harassment at work is, and how employers and employees can address the problem

Factsheet

Mediation at work

Learn how mediation can resolve conflict in the workplace

Factsheet

Skills development in the UK workplace

Understand what we mean by skills in the workplace, UK skill levels and the government’s skills policy.

Factsheet

Stress in the workplace

Learn how to identify the signs of stress and address stress at work

For Members
Factsheets