At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development and review of learning and practice for local charities across the UK.
- Company: Home-Start UK supports parents through compassionate, peer-to-peer volunteer assistance.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model, competitive salary, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to equality and continuous staff development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in communities while empowering others with knowledge and skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in leadership, learning development, and a passion for community support is essential.
The predicted salary is between 38400 - 67200 € per year.
The Head of Practice and Learning will lead on the development, implementation and review of a high-quality practice, learning and development offer for local charities across the UK which make up the Home-Start network. They will ensure that local trustees, leaders, staff and volunteers are empowered with knowledge, skills and confidence in their roles to deliver impactful services. This is a key role on Home-Start’s Leadership Team, shaping the organisation’s approach to evidence-informed practice, learning and development, and capacity building.
Read all the information about this opportunity carefully, then use the application button below to send your CV and application.
The role sits within the Network Impact Team, which supports and enables the quality, safety, sustainability and impact of the Home-Start federation, while nurturing strong relationships and trust across the network. The role holder will lead the Practice Team and the Learning and Development Team, and work closely with colleagues in Volunteering, Quality and Safeguarding, and Data and Impact, as well as in the wider Fundraising, Marketing, Communications, Policy and Infrastructure teams.
As a member of our leadership team, they will provide inspiring, strong and supportive leadership to colleagues, ensuring strong operational management of ongoing activities and planned projects. They will foster cohesion and alignment across Home-Start UK and the Home-Start network. They will work across the organisation and with partners to ensure practice and learning programmes evolve to meet emerging needs and to deliver meaningful, measurable change over time.
Key components of the role are to:
- Lead on an evidence-led and policy-informed portfolio of practice development to support the Network in their delivery, which is responsive to the needs of local Home-Starts and the children, families and communities they are supporting. This could include development of frameworks, tools and resources, piloting and scaling innovation, embedding evaluation etc.
- Establish a high-quality, federation-wide learning and development offer, embedding a culture where volunteers, staff and trustees can learn and grow.
- Lead on a range of network engagement opportunities throughout the year to support and enable local Home-Starts to learn from evidence, best practice and peer-to-peer learning.
- Contribute to a better understanding and demonstration of our impact for babies, children, young people and families and ensure our programme of network and practice development is informed by evidence, data and insights.
- Working closely with our Policy team, lead on the use of evidence, data and insight from across the network to inform and advocate for babies, children, young people and families.
- Enable strong leadership, governance and relationships across the network, so that we can make the most of the strengths and opportunities of our federated model.
- Build a culture of inclusion, strengthen diversity and representation across the Home-Start network, ensure accessibility and equity throughout our work, and grow our voice for equity, equality and anti-racism.
- Work closely with the Fundraising and Supporter Engagement teams to develop strong cases for support for our work, to support ongoing delivery as well as transformative change.
- Contribute to major programmes and initiatives to deliver our strategic ambitions for growth, voice, inclusion and impact.
The closing date for applications is 5th September 2025.
First interviews will take place virtually on Wednesday 1st October 2025.
Second interviews will take place in-person at our Leicester office on Thursday 9th October.
Head of Learning and Practice in Leicester employer: Home-Start UK
Home-Start UK is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee development and well-being. As the Head of Learning and Practice, you will play a pivotal role in shaping impactful learning initiatives for local charities, while enjoying the benefits of hybrid working from our Leicester office and opportunities for UK travel. With a strong commitment to equality and diversity, Home-Start UK fosters a collaborative environment where your contributions will make a meaningful difference in the lives of families across the country.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Learning and Practice in Leicester
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Home-Start UK's mission and values. Understanding their approach to supporting parents and the importance of peer-to-peer support will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their goals during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Home-Start UK. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights into the organisational culture and expectations, which can be beneficial when discussing your fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare examples of your leadership experience in learning and development. Be ready to discuss specific initiatives you've led that resulted in measurable improvements, as this will demonstrate your capability to drive impactful change.
✨Tip Number 4
Research current trends in charity practice and learning development. Being knowledgeable about emerging needs in the sector will allow you to contribute meaningfully to discussions during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Learning and Practice in Leicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and expectations of the Head of Learning and Practice position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with these requirements.
Craft a Compelling CV:Ensure your CV is up-to-date and clearly outlines your relevant experience, skills, and achievements. Focus on leadership roles and any experience in learning and development, as well as your ability to empower others.
Write a Strong Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the role and the mission of Home-Start UK. Use specific examples from your past work to demonstrate your capability in leading teams and developing impactful programmes.
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Home-Start UK
✨Understand the Organisation's Mission
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand Home-Start UK's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their approach to supporting parents and the importance of peer-to-peer support. This will help you align your answers with their core principles.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
As the Head of Learning and Practice, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership skills. Prepare examples from your past roles where you've successfully led teams or projects, particularly in learning and development contexts. Highlight how you empowered others and drove impactful change.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills. Think about challenges you might face in this role and how you would address them. Be ready to discuss how you would adapt learning programmes to meet emerging needs.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
Collaboration is key in this role, as you'll be working with various teams across the organisation. Prepare to discuss your experience in building relationships and fostering teamwork. Share specific examples of how you've collaborated with different stakeholders to achieve common goals.
