Learning & Development Manager in London

Shape the Future of Learning in Children's Residential Care. At Madiba, we believe that exceptional care starts with exceptional people. We are looking for an experienced and inspiring Learning & Development Manager to lead our workforce development strategy and create a culture of continuous learning, leadership, and excellence across our Children's Residential Services. This is a unique opportunity to design and lead a modern learning function that supports every stage of the employee journey from induction through to leadership development while ensuring our workforce has the skills, confidence, and knowledge to deliver outstanding outcomes for children and young people. If you are passionate about developing people, driving organisational performance, and helping services achieve the highest standards of care, we would love to hear from you.

About the Role: As the Learning & Development Manager, you will provide strategic leadership for all learning, development, and workforce capability initiatives across Madiba. Working closely with HR, Operational Leaders, Responsible Individuals, Registered Managers, and external partners, you will ensure our learning programmes are innovative, compliant, and aligned with organisational objectives. You will play a key role in embedding a strong learning culture, supporting employee development, improving operational performance, and preparing our services to meet and exceed regulatory expectations. A significant part of the role will involve developing and launching Madiba's Learning Academy, creating structured development pathways for aspiring and existing leaders while supporting succession planning across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement Madiba Limited's Learning and Development Strategy.
• Align learning initiatives with organisational objectives and workforce priorities.
• Design and deliver engaging induction programmes for new employees.
• Develop and launch Madiba's Learning Academy, including leadership competency frameworks, talent and succession planning, coaching and mentoring programmes.
• Embed Ofsted standards within learning and development frameworks to support workforce readiness for inspections and achievement of Good and Outstanding outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with Children's Homes Regulations and Quality Standards.
• Coordinate classroom-based learning, e-learning, workshops, coaching, and blended learning programmes.
• Ensure mandatory and statutory training compliance across the organisation.
• Maintain accurate training records and oversee digital learning platforms.
• Lead the strategic development of qualification pathways and professional standards across the workforce.
• Work collaboratively with HR, Operational Leaders, Responsible Individuals, and Registered Managers to identify learning needs and develop targeted solutions.
• Manage relationships with external training providers and consultants.
• Manage learning budgets and resources effectively.
• Monitor developments within children's social care, safeguarding, and residential care best practice to ensure training remains current and effective.
• Measure the impact of learning initiatives using operational, quality, and workforce data to drive continuous improvement.

About You: You will be an experienced Learning & Development professional with a passion for developing people and improving organisational capability within children's services. Previous experience in Learning & Development, Training, or Workforce Development. Experience working within Children's Residential Services, Social Care, or a related sector. Excellent understanding of safeguarding, children's residential care, and relevant regulatory requirements. Strong knowledge of Children's Homes Regulations, Quality Standards, and Ofsted expectations. CIPD Level 5 qualification or a recognised Learning & Development qualification (or willingness to work towards one). Experience designing and delivering engaging learning programmes. Excellent presentation, facilitation, and communication skills. Strong stakeholder management experience with the ability to influence senior leaders. Experience using e-learning platforms and digital learning technologies. Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.

Why Join Madiba? At Madiba Limited, we are committed to investing in our people because we know that well-supported, highly skilled teams deliver the best outcomes for children and young people. Healthcare cash scheme - receive cash back for medical appointments including dentistry, optical and wellbeing! 25 days annual leave per year, company events, company pension scheme, free parking, refer a friend scheme paid at £150 & another £350 after passing probation.

If you're ready to inspire learning, develop future leaders, and help shape the future of children's residential care, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today and become part of a team that's committed to excellence, development, and making a lasting difference.