Head of Lifelong Learning - Policy and Research

About the Role

The role will involve leading campaigns, research and development work aligned to ambitions in our strategic plan 2024-2029. This includes advocating and making the case for lifelong learning; understanding patterns of learning participation to tackle persistent inequalities; and building the evidence base on engaging people in adult learning.

You will bring expertise in campaignng and advocacy work; a track record in developing and delivering impactful programmes of work; a good understanding of the policy context; experience in business development; and a passion for making an impact.

You will need to work collaboratively and enthusiastically as part of L&W’s leadership team of Heads and Directors, and role-model our values and behaviours.

Duties and Responsibilities

Research and Development

• Design and deliver L&W’s lifelong learning campaign
• Lead research and development programmes and projects, particularly on lifelong learning and essential skills
• Identify and secure income to fund L&W’s lifelong learning campaign and projects, including through proactive approaches to funders and partners, and responding to tenders and calls for proposals
• Ensure that work is delivered to time and quality expectations, within budget, with appropriate measures of its impact, and with regular engagement with partners and funders
• Develop and maintain effective relationships and networks with key stakeholders
• Speak and present at external events as a representative of L&W
• Keep up to date with key developments in policy, research and practice.

Organisational duties

• Manage researchers/project managers (line and project management) positively and proactively contribute to their personal and professional development
• Work collaboratively, leading with integrity and sharing the load, being willing to take on projects outside of programme if needed
• Play an active role in the organisation as a functional and strategic leader, as part of L&W’s R&D Heads and Leadership teams
• Demonstrate a commitment to equality of opportunity and a positive, open and collaborative approach in line with L&W’s core values and staff charter, called ‘Our Culture’
• Occasional travel and overnight stays will be required.

About You - Person Specification

ESSENTIAL

• Degree (in a relevant subject e.g. social science), equivalent qualifications or evidence of equivalent experience .
• Strong understanding of campaigning and advocacy work, with the ability to design, develop and utilise appropriate methods and tools to make an impact on policy
• Proven track record in delivering complex and high-profile programmes of campaigns, research or development work, including managing and mobilising resources, and delivering to time and quality expectations within budget
• Understanding of current policy and practice in relation to learning and skills
• Experience of working in or closely with a policy, communications, media and/or public affairs team.
• Strong understanding of how research evidence can be used to influence policy
• Proven track record in building strong relationships with government, delivery organisations, partners and funders
• Experience of developing and leading a high-performing team, including co-ordinating and managing projects and priorities, and supporting professional and personal development
• Ability to work under own initiative with a proactive approach to problem solving
• Knowledge of and commitment to L&W’s charitable aims and purpose

DESIRABLE

• Strong understanding of maximising organisational impact, through impact measures and framework
• Successful experience of income generation, including developing funding proposals, developing relationships and bid writing
• Good understanding of quantitative and/or qualitative research methods Experience of delivering a range of policy and research outputs – e.g. research reports, thematic reviews, articles, blogs and summaries

The successful candidate may be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check.

Benefits

Salary of £44,625 - £57,750 (FTE), depending on experience and location

- 31 days' holiday increasing to 33 days after 5 years’ service, of which 6 are shutdown days in addition to public holidays.

- Generous company pension scheme with 8% employer contribution

- Group Life Assurance 3*salary

- Hybrid working (with 40%-60% of your time in the office)

- Flexible working practices

- Employee Development Scheme

- Retailer Discounts

- Enhanced occupational maternity, adoption, paternity and shared parental pay

- Enhanced occupational sick pay

- Eye care scheme

- Employee Assistance & Wellbeing Programme

- Silver award in Investors in People

This role can be based at either the Leicester or London Office