Learning & Organisational Development Advisor in Gateshead

Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might be the perfect match. We’re delighted that you’re interested in working with us. You’d be joining us at a very exciting time. We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward-thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive.

At Gateshead Council you’d be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi-time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we’re confident that it isn’t just the salary that attracts our staff.

This is an exciting opportunity to join Gateshead Council's Learning and Organisational Development Team and play a key role in shaping the future of our Adult Social Care workforce. Working alongside social workers, occupational therapists, managers and professional leaders, you'll help create high-quality learning experiences that support professional growth, strengthen practice and enable our people to deliver outstanding services for the residents of Gateshead.

As part of a supportive, innovative and forward-thinking team, you'll work across both Adult Social Care and wider corporate organisational development initiatives, helping to build skills, confidence and capability across the organisation while contributing to a positive learning culture.

What You Will Get to Do

• Lead and coordinate workforce development initiatives across Adult Social Care.
• Manage the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) programme, supporting Newly Qualified Social Workers through their first year of practice.
• Coordinate social work student placements, support Practice Educators and facilitate forums for students and educators.
• Work closely with the Principal Social Worker and service leaders to support career development pathways and continuous professional development for social workers.
• Develop and facilitate action learning sets, professional forums and communities of practice that encourage reflection, learning and the sharing of best practice.
• Design, commission and deliver learning programmes on a range of Adult Social Care topics, including safeguarding, strengths-based practice, the Mental Capacity Act, Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards, risk assessment, direct payments, recording and reporting, the Care Act and Section 117 aftercare.
• Lead the development and implementation of a new Occupational Therapy Preceptorship Programme for newly qualified Occupational Therapists.
• Collaborate with subject matter experts and operational leaders to identify workforce needs and develop innovative learning solutions.
• Contribute to wider organisational development priorities including corporate induction, LearnFest, employee engagement initiatives, performance management, workforce planning and culture change programmes.
• Support and lead high-profile workforce events such as World Social Work Day, Practice Week and other engagement and development activities.
• Use workforce data and evaluation measures to assess impact and inform future learning priorities.

What You Will Bring

• Drive learning, inspire growth and help build a thriving workforce.
• A Level 3 (or above) Teaching and Assessment qualification.
• CIPD Level 4 qualification (or equivalent in Learning & Development, Organisational Development, HR or Talent Development), or a willingness to work towards this.
• Proven experience designing, developing and delivering learning and development programmes using classroom, virtual and blended learning approaches.
• Experience managing workforce development projects and programmes from planning through to delivery and evaluation.
• The ability to build effective relationships, influence stakeholders and work collaboratively with subject matter experts, managers and leaders at all levels.
• Experience supporting professional development, talent development, career pathways or progression frameworks, alongside organisational development, culture change or continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong analytical, organisational and project management skills, including experience using workforce data, evaluation measures and reports to inform decision-making and recommendations.
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills, with the ability to coordinate learning events, forums and networks while managing multiple priorities and delivering high-quality outcomes.

What’s in it for you

• Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
• Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don’t just offer a great salary – we invest in your future too.
• Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
• Flexible Working Hours: Benefit from up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs), giving you more control over your time.
• Hybrid & Flexible Working: We support a healthy work-life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
• Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
• Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax-efficient cycle to work programme.
• Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions – a cost-effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).
• Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services – plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service).

We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. We know that we deliver better services when our workforce reflects the full range of backgrounds and experiences in the society we serve. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.