Head of learning & development

Helpshape the future of learning at Prospect Hospice

At Prospect Hospice, we believe that investing in our people is key to delivering exceptional care for patients and families. We are looking for an experienced and inspiring Head of Learning and Development to lead our learning, education and organisational development agenda and help create a culture where everyone can thrive.

As a member of our Leadership Team, you will provide strategic leadership for learning and development across the hospice, ensuring our staff and volunteers have the skills, knowledge and confidence to deliver outstanding palliative and end‑of‑life care.

This is an exciting opportunity to influence workforce capability, leadership development and organisational culture at a time when the hospice sector continues to evolve and innovate.

Hours: 37.5 hours per week (some flexible working considered)

We are not part of the NHS agenda for change

Main duties of the job

Reporting to the Director of People, you will lead the development and delivery of our Learning and Development strategy, ensuring it aligns with our organisational priorities and values.

You will:

• Lead learning, education and organisational development initiatives across the hospice.
• Develop leadership and management capability at all levels.
• Oversee mandatory training, compliance and workforce development programmes.
• Work closely with clinical leaders to support education, competency development and best practice.
• Drive a culture of continuous learning, engagement and improvement.
• Build strong partnerships with external organisations, including healthcare and education providers.
• Lead and develop a passionate and dedicated Learning and Development team.

About us

Prospect Hospice is an independent hospice supporting a community of 300,000 people in Swindon, Marlborough and North Wiltshire, and the villages of Lechlade and Fairford in Gloucestershire.

It is the only dedicated provider of specialist end of life care services within its locality. The hospice multi‑professions teams support people in the community, in care homes, at the Great Western Hospital and at the hospice in Wroughton. Care is also extended to the families and friends of patients.

Job responsibilities

The Head of Learning and Development will lead the strategic planning, delivery, and evaluation of all learning, education, and organisational development activities across the hospice. The role ensures that staff and volunteers are equipped with the skills, knowledge and behaviours required to deliver outstanding, compassionate, safe end‑of‑life care. This includes clinical education, mandatory training compliance, leadership development, apprenticeship pathways, and culture/OD initiatives that support the hospice’s values and long‑term strategy.

About you

You will be a strategic and collaborative leader with significant experience of leading learning, development, education or organisational development functions.

You will bring:

• Experience of developing and implementing organisation‑wide learning strategies.
• A strong understanding of leadership development, organisational development and workforce capability.
• Experience of leading teams and managing budgets.
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills.
• A passion for developing people and creating inclusive, high‑performing cultures.

Experience within healthcare, hospice, charity or public sector settings would be advantageous.

At Prospect Hospice, you will be part of a compassionate organisation that makes a real difference every day. We are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive workplace where colleagues are empowered to grow, innovate and deliver exceptional care.

We offer:

• A meaningful role where you truly make a difference.
• 27 days annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays (pro‑rata for part‑time).
• Generous contributory pension scheme and life assurance.
• Employee Assistance Programme, wellbeing support, discounts including Blue Light Card.
• Opportunities for learning and development.
• Flexible working options (where possible).
• Free parking on‑site.

Join us and help shape the future of learning and development for our people, our volunteers and the communities we serve.

Equality & Diversity

Prospect Hospice is committed to encouraging a diverse and inclusive working environment. We recognise that promoting diversity and eliminating discrimination in our workplace will bring benefits for our people, our business and the communities we serve.

We welcome applications from all individuals irrespective of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, offending background, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those we support. As part of our SAFER recruitment process, offers of employment will be subject to thorough checks, which may include a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, satisfactory references, online and social media checks and verification of qualifications. We expect all staff to share this commitment and to adhere to our safeguarding policies and procedures at all times.

You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.

We will review applications as they come in and may close the vacancy before the closing date.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Degree level qualification of equivalent experience.
• L&D or OD qualification (e.g., CIPD Level 7, PGCert in Education, Masters degree in relevant subject matter).

Experience

• Experience leading L&D or Education functions, ideally within healthcare, charity, or public sector environments.
• Proven track record of developing and implementing organisation‑wide learning strategies.
• Experience managing change, organisational development initiatives, and leadership development programmes.
• Experience designing, delivering and evaluating blended learning solutions.
• Experience of managing budgets, teams, and external partnerships.
• Understanding of regulatory requirements relevant to hospices (CQC, mandatory training, safeguarding, etc.).

Skills

• Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Strategic thinker with excellent planning and organisational skills.
• Ability to deliver engaging, evidence‑based learning programmes.
• Empathy, emotional intelligence, and a strong commitment to hospice values of compassion, dignity, and person‑centred care.
• Ability to work collaboratively across clinical and non‑clinical teams.

Personal Qualities

• Role models kindness, respect, integrity, and compassion.
• Promotes a culture of learning and psychological safety.
• Upholds confidentiality, professionalism, and safeguarding responsibilities at all times.
• Commitment to and ability to demonstrate Prospect Hospice values and behaviours at all times.
• Have a track record of working inclusively and a genuine appreciation of the value of diversity.
• Able to maintain the highest professional standards at all times, and act as a true ambassador for the Hospice and encourage others to do the same.
• To be authentic, open, honest and transparent.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.