At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead learning and development initiatives to empower colleagues and enhance organisational skills.
- Company: Join a vibrant organisation dedicated to improving public services and making a difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy 32.5 days annual leave, hybrid working, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of learning in a supportive environment that values diverse perspectives.
- Qualifications: Experience in learning and development with strong stakeholder engagement skills.
The predicted salary is between 37800 - 46200 £ per year.
About us
At the Public Service Ombudsman, we are a modern, vibrant organisation full of passionate, committed people. We make final decisions on complaints that have not been resolved by UK Government departments and the NHS in England. We work closely with people to understand where, how and why public services sometimes fall short and fail to put people first. And we find ways to put it right. Based in the centre of Manchester, we employ over 600 people who are passionate about making a difference through public service. Together, we work to make sure people's voices are heard and used to drive improvements in public services. We are proud of our inclusive culture, where different perspectives are valued, colleagues are supported to develop, and everyone can contribute to meaningful change.
About the role
Our People team is developing and changing how we deliver our learning, organisational development and workforce capability across the organisation. This role is part of that wider investment in how we support and develop our people and will be part of our people leadership team. As Learning and Development Manager, you will report into the Assistant Director of People and lead our approach to learning and development across the organisation. You will have the opportunity to put your stamp on the role to develop, shape and challenge how we maximise the impact of learning across the organisation. The focus is on helping colleagues build the skills and knowledge they need to do their best work using a range of learning interventions, while making sure it supports our wider priorities in a planned way that links to our workforce plan. Working closely with the wider people team, senior leaders and colleagues across the organisation, the role will identify development needs and turn them into clear learning priorities and practical solutions. This includes leading the development of and overseeing learning programmes, budgets and external providers, with a focus on quality and value for money. Leading and supporting the learning and development team is also an important part of the role. Feedback and data will be used to understand what is working well and where improvements can be made. This is a chance to shape learning and development across the organisation and help our people continue to grow.
What we are looking for:
- Experience of working with senior stakeholders to identify corporate learning needs and agree practical solutions.
- Ability to translate business needs into practical, measurable learning solutions.
- Experience of working at pace, managing competing priorities and using insight to improve learning impact.
- Experience in a learning and development or organisational development role leading high performing, customer focussed teams.
- Experience of commissioning, design, delivery and evaluating of learning and development activity in a changing organisation.
We recognise the value of lived experience. If you have experience of complaining about any public body, we strongly encourage you to apply.
Our benefits:
- Civil Service Pension scheme
- 32.5 days annual leave (plus bank holidays on top)
- Hybrid working, 40% office based
- Flexible working
- Access to a free, confidential Employee Assistance Programme offering 24/7 advice and support from professionals and counsellors
- Comprehensive learning and development programme
- Employee discount scheme across hundreds of retailers
- One day paid volunteering leave per year
- Bicycle loan scheme
- Season ticket loan
- Gym membership subsidy in addition to an onsite gym
- Paid for professional memberships
- Eye test reimbursement
How to apply (and how to do well)
You will answer three scored questions at application stage. We use these to shortlist and longlist, so your answers matter.
- Choose real examples (from professional settings).
- Focus on what you did, not what “we” did as a group.
- Explain your thinking: what you looked at, what you decided, and why.
- Keep it clear and specific, avoid generic statements.
Please do not use AI to write your answers. We need to assess your skills, and applications may be rejected if answers appear AI-generated. If your examples are very short, mostly opinion-based, or don’t describe a specific situation and outcome, you are unlikely to score well.
Inclusion & Wellbeing
Equality, diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing are vital to the way we work and our culture. We want our colleagues to feel included, valued, and supported at work. It is essential that we are representative and accessible for the people who work here and those who use our service. Actions we take to embed this include:
- An anonymised shortlisting process to make sure it is fair and unbiased.
- Monitoring the demographic trends in our workforce and making measured, sustained efforts to improve our diversity at all levels.
- Providing wellbeing support and opportunities for personal and professional development for all colleagues.
- Creating spaces for connection and engagement through our employee network groups and social clubs.
- Part of the disability confident scheme providing reasonable adjustments.
- Engaging in regular inclusion learning to enhance the cultural competency of our organisation.
We know the value of having diverse, representative teams across our organisation. Which is why we particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented within the team. These include people who are:
- Asian, Black, Mixed Ethnicity or another ethnic background.
- Disabled.
- LGBTQ.
Contact and important information
If you would like to learn more about the role, please contact Katy Connon, Assistant Director of People, Katy.Connon@ombudsman.org.uk.
Interviews: held onsite.
Feedback: we do not offer feedback at application stage.
Right to work: we can only consider candidates with the right to work in the UK.
Sponsorship: we are unable to offer sponsorship (we do not have a licence).
Applications: we do not accept CVs, please apply via the application form (‘apply now’).
Agencies: no agencies; applications from individuals only.
Early closure: we may close the advert early if we receive a high volume of applications.
Salary: non negotiable.
Important notice: fraudulent job postings
We have been made aware that some websites are falsely advertising our job vacancies. We only tend to advertise job vacancies through these official channels:
- Our website
- Civil Service Jobs
- GOV.uk
- Indeed
- Ombudsman association
- BMEjobs.co.uk
- Disabilityjob.co.uk
- Neurodiversityjobs.co.uk
- LGBTjobs.co.uk
Do not share personal details with any other websites claiming to represent us. Contact our recruitment team to report any concerns at recruitment@ombudsman.org.uk.
Learning & Development Manager in Manchester employer: Public Service Ombudsman
The Public Service Ombudsman is an exceptional employer that champions a collaborative and inclusive work culture, fostering professional growth and development for its employees. Located in a dynamic public sector environment, the organisation offers unique opportunities to influence health policy and system change, empowering you to make a meaningful impact on communities while working alongside dedicated professionals committed to excellence in public service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Learning & Development Manager in Manchester
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Public Service Ombudsman!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Public Service Ombudsman.
We think you need these skills to ace Learning & Development Manager in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Public Service Ombudsman. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Public Service Ombudsman and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Public Service Ombudsman. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Public Service Ombudsman's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Public Service Ombudsman
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Public Service Ombudsman.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Public Service Ombudsman will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Public Service Ombudsman and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
