At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead learning and development initiatives to shape the future workforce.
- Company: Waverley Borough Council, committed to strong communities and excellent service.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, generous leave, training opportunities, and employee assistance programme.
- Other info: Join a diverse team and contribute to significant local government transformation.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on community services and develop your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in learning design, leadership development, and data analysis.
The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.
At Waverley Borough Council, we believe in strong communities, excellent service, and creating a supportive workplace where people can thrive. Whether you’re building your career or bringing valuable experience, this is your opportunity to contribute to something meaningful.
We're looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Learning & Development Officer to play a key leadership role in shaping the future of our workforce across Guildford and Waverley Borough Councils. Working within our People & OD team, you'll help embed our People Strategy by developing leadership capability, strengthening employee engagement, and delivering a high-quality learning and development offer. You'll lead on the planning and coordination of corporate learning programmes, support leadership development initiatives, drive employee engagement activities, and use data and insight to evaluate impact and continuously improve outcomes. The role also includes line management responsibility for the L&D Co-ordinator and close partnership working with colleagues across the wider People & OD service.
We're looking for someone who:
- Has experience designing and delivering learning and development interventions.
- Has a strong background in leadership development, organisational culture and employee learning.
- Can analyse workforce and engagement data and turn insight into meaningful action.
- Has excellent communication, coaching, facilitation and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Can manage multiple programmes and priorities while maintaining high standards of delivery.
- Is passionate about inclusion, wellbeing and continuous learning.
- Can build effective relationships and influence colleagues at all levels of the organisation.
Experience within local government or the wider public sector and a relevant L&D or coaching qualification would be advantageous.
In return for your valued contribution, we offer a competitive benefits package which includes:
- Hybrid and agile working policies
- Training and development opportunities including apprenticeships
- Generous annual leave and flexi time
- An employee assistance programme
- Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme
The closing date for application is 9am on the 31st August 2026 and we anticipate interviews being held on 9th September 2026.
The district is home to many different people, and we want our workforce to reflect our diverse local communities. We encourage and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences – we are a Disability Confident employer and appoint on merit.
We are proud to have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and welcome applications from serving or ex-members of the armed forces and their partners. We offer an interview scheme for serving and ex-military forces members when they meet the essential criteria for the role.
Please note we do not accept applications after the stated closing time. Right to work in the UK will be checked as part of the interview process.
Learning and Development Officer in Guildford employer: Waverley Borough Council
Waverley Borough Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises community impact and employee well-being. With flexible working arrangements and generous benefits, employees have the opportunity to grow within a collaborative environment while making a meaningful difference in the lives of local residents.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Learning and Development Officer in Guildford
✨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 Waverley Borough Council!
✨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 Waverley Borough Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Learning and Development Officer in Guildford
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 Waverley Borough Council. 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 Waverley Borough Council 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 Waverley Borough Council. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Waverley Borough Council'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 Waverley Borough Council
✨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 Waverley Borough Council.
✨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 Waverley Borough Council 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 Waverley Borough Council and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
