interim Head of Learning & Development

Interim Head of Learning & Development: Stanmore (Hybrid)

Salary: £58,000 - £65,000 per annum
Hours: 35 hours per week (28 hours considered)
Contract: 6-month interim contract (with potential for extension)
Location: Broadway House, Stanmore: Hybrid (minimum 3 days in-office)

Closing Date: 26th Sept, 2025 at 13:00

About the Role

We’re looking for a confident, capable L&D senior manager who can strike the right balance between hands-on delivery and strategic oversight.

As Interim Head of Learning & Development, you’ll take ownership of Norwood’s training and development agenda, embedding a high-quality compliance framework, leading organisational learning plans, and shaping management development initiatives across our diverse and multi-site workforce.

You’ll be just as comfortable getting stuck into systems and reporting as you are influencing at Exec level, driving performance, and embedding a values-led culture of continuous learning.

About Norwood

Founded in 1795, Norwood is the oldest Jewish charity in the UK.  We support and empower neurodiverse children and their families and people with neurodevelopmental disabilities to live their best lives.

At Norwood, you’ll make a real difference every day.  You’ll be part of a supportive and inclusive team, guided by values of kindness, respect, empowerment and belonging. We invest in your growth, care about your wellbeing, and give you the pride of knowing your work changes lives.

Your day to day

• Lead and deliver Norwood’s L&D strategy, with clear links to compliance, performance, and future capability,
• Own the organisation’s mandatory and statutory training framework, ensuring alignment with CQC and internal requirements,
• Oversee a fit-for-purpose Learning Management System (LMS), reporting infrastructure, and digital tools,
• Design and deliver a high-quality offer for leadership development, professional growth, and CPD,
• Work closely with operational leaders and People & Culture colleagues to ensure access, uptake, and impact of training,
• Monitor and manage the L&D budget and apprenticeship levy usage,
• Lead and line manage the L&D team, supporting delivery while role-modelling collaborative, high-trust leadership,
• Ensure policies are current, inclusive and aligned with sector standards,
• Evaluate training effectiveness and implement continuous improvements.

Qualifications, Training & Experience

Essential:

• Membership of the CIPD (or equivalent senior L&D/People leadership experience)
• Senior-level L&D experience, with a proven ability to work both strategically and operationally
• A strong background in compliance training and digital learning systems
• Experience embedding LMS platforms and driving evidence-based reporting
• Confident designing, implementing and evaluating organisation-wide learning strategies
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills
• Financial acumen and experience managing L&D budgets and suppliers
• Commitment to EDI in learning and development

Desirable:

• Experience in social care, health, or not-for-profit sectors
• Familiarity with CQC inspections and audit readiness
• Understanding of Jewish culture (or willingness to learn)

Reward & Benefits

We offer a supportive, purpose-driven environment with:

• Hybrid and flexible working
• 25 days annual leave + Bank Holidays + Jewish Holidays (pro rata if part-time)
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Blue Light Card scheme access
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Free eye tests and eyewear allowance
• Opportunities for development and leadership coaching