Learning & Organisational Development Advisor

We are seeking a motivated and creative Learning & Development Advisor to join our Children’s Services workforce development team. You will support the design, commissioning and evaluation of learning and organisational development activity that strengthens practice and improves outcomes for children, young people and families.

Working collaboratively with colleagues across Children’s Services, the wider council and partner agencies, you will contribute to developing a skilled, confident workforce through strength‑based, restorative and values‑led approaches. The role also plays an important part in promoting a positive learning culture and workforce recognition, helping colleagues feel valued, supported and motivated to develop.

About You

Qualifications and Experience Required

• A professional qualification in Learning & Development or a relevant professional qualification with substantial experience in learning and organisational development
• Experience of planning, designing and commissioning learning and organisational development interventions
• Experience of delivering learning solutions to internal and/or external customers
• Experience of evaluating learning and organisational development interventions against agreed outcomes

Skills, Knowledge and Attributes

• Sound knowledge of learning and organisational development best practice, including learning technologies and innovative delivery approaches
• Understanding of national policy and legislation relevant to Children’s Services, including safeguarding requirements
• Knowledge of learning evaluation methodologies and the ability to demonstrate business and performance impact
• Strong communication, facilitation and presentation skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with managers, practitioners and partner agencies at all levels
• Self‑motivated, well‑organised and adaptable, with a structured approach to planning, problem‑solving and managing competing priorities
• Confident digital skills and the ability to use data and management information effectively
• A clear commitment to fostering a positive learning culture and ensuring colleagues feel recognised and valued

What You Will Be Doing

As a Learning & Development Advisor, you will identify learning needs and translate these into effective, high‑quality learning and organisational development solutions. Your role will include:

• researching, designing, commissioning and delivering innovative learning and organisational development interventions aligned to workforce and service priorities
• evaluating the impact of learning activity to ensure it meets organisational, service and statutory requirements
• providing project management to ensure learning activity is delivered effectively and to agreed timescales
• work with the Principal Social Worker and Practice Leads to ensure learning from quality assurance activity is fed back into training and development, improving practice and outcomes for children and families
• developing learning materials and content for websites and other communication platforms
• embedding equality, diversity and inclusion considerations into all learning and development activity
• maintaining accurate learning data and performance and evaluation information
• undertaking continuous professional development and contributing to service‑wide learning improvement

Promoting a Learning and Recognition Culture

• Lead and support activities that promote a positive learning culture, encouraging continuous professional development, reflective practice and shared learning across the workforce
• Design and coordinate recognition and celebration activities that acknowledge individual and team learning achievements, contributions and good practice
• Work collaboratively with managers and services to embed recognition of learning and development within everyday practice, events and workforce initiatives
• Contribute to engagement and workforce activities that help colleagues feel valued, supported and motivated, aligned with Children’s Services and organisational values 

• The role requires the ability to fulfil the travel requirements of the post
• This is a hybrid role, combining flexible home working with attendance to support the set‑up and delivery of training sessions and events, alongside office‑based working
• You will be part of a supportive and friendly team, with opportunities to further develop your learning and organisational development expertise

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Colline Murphy on 01305 224846.

At Dorset Council, it's not just about the work we do, it's about how we do it. Hear directly from our employees about what makes Dorset Council special in this short video:

At Dorset Council, we are working together to create a fairer, more prosperous, and more sustainable Dorset for everyone, now and in the future.

We:

• provide essential services that support over 300,000 residents
• work in partnership to make a real difference
• value every role and the impact it has on our communities
• support our employees to grow, develop, and thrive

You will:

• be part of a team that works together for a better Dorset
• have access to a range of benefits and support
• receive training and development opportunities to help your career progress

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation where different skills, perspectives, and backgrounds strengthen both our council and the communities we serve.

We welcome applications from everyone and are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. If you declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role, we will offer you an interview. We also want our recruitment process to be accessible, if you need any reasonable adjustments, just let us know on your application.

This role is UK-based, and we will need to confirm your Right to Work as part of the appointment process. We use generic job descriptions and person specifications, so the job title in any attachments may differ from the advert. If needed, we will provide additional details in a context statement.

If you’re passionate about making a difference, we’d love you to join us.

Find out more about how to apply.