Training & Professional Standards Manager in Cheltenham

Salary: £33,501 to £41,000 (the salary offered will depend on relevant qualifications, experience and skills). Hours: 37.5 per week (compressed hours will be considered). Location: Hybrid working available and expected in the office a minimum of 2 days a week (the office is based in the Central Office in Cheltenham but the role will be required to work across all YMCA Cheltenham sites).

This is a rare opportunity to step into our Training and Professional Standards Manager role, where your expertise, ambition, and creativity will have a direct and lasting impact on people’s lives. We are seeking an exceptional Training and Professional Standards Manager, who can champion and lead initiatives to promote a learning culture that encourages curiosity, reflection, and professional growth. Drawing on their expertise, the successful candidate will drive consistency and excellence in training delivery across the organisation.

This role sits at the heart of our organisation’s future — shaping how we are seen, how we are supported, and how we sustainably deliver life‑changing services for children, adults, and families across Gloucestershire. As a key member of our HR team, this pivotal role will support the development and maintenance of high professional standards and a strong culture of best‑practice training across YMCA Cheltenham. The postholder will play a crucial role in promoting organisational values and ensuring that all staff consistently adhere to expected professional standards.

This role is responsible for ensuring that every employee’s training and development journey is exceptional. From ensuring the organisation delivers a comprehensive and engaging induction programme at the start of their employment, to supporting continuous learning throughout their career. The postholder will help create a culture of growth and development across the organisation. The role will ensure that all employees have access to high-quality training and development opportunities, enabling them to build their skills, gain relevant qualifications, and progress in their careers through meaningful and ongoing professional development. In addition, this role will be instrumental in attracting, supporting, and retaining apprentices and student placements, contributing to the organisation’s long‑term workforce development.

About the Role

• Work under the direction and leadership of the Head of HR.
• Identify, assess and deliver organisational training and employee development needs, in collaboration with line managers.
• Evaluate learning effectiveness and identify opportunities for improvement and innovation.
• Establish and maintain professional standards across all areas of the organisation, in partnership with key internal stakeholders.
• Be expected, as a member of the YMCA Cheltenham Management Group, to support a culture of excellence and to demonstrate values‑led management.
• Help drive organisational excellence by ensuring the standards, training materials, procedures and other related infrastructure are all based upon best practice principles and are fit for purpose in supporting the on‑going work of the organisation.
• Analyse and interpret data to support the Head of HR, and to provide the organisation clear insight into its own performance standards.

What You’ll Bring

• A minimum of a Level 4 professional qualification in training or organisational development is required (Level 5 is desirable).
• Member of a relevant professional body.
• Evidence of relevant Continuous Professional Development.

Competencies, Technical Skills & Experience

• Strong understanding of adult learning principles and effective training methodologies.
• Knowledge of relevant sector approaches is desirable but not essential.
• Experience of using digital learning tools, LMS platforms, and Microsoft 365.
• Excellent presentation skills and able to engage with a wide range of audiences.
• Excellent training design and facilitation skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to influence, coach, and support staff at all levels.
• Analytical skills to interpret data and measure training effectiveness.
• Highly organised, with strong project management skills.
• Proven experience of designing and delivering a range of training courses with a range of stakeholders.
• Strong background in workforce development.
• Experience supporting staff to meet competency frameworks and regulatory requirements.
• Proven ability to analyse training needs and evaluate impact.

Personal Qualities

• People‑centred: builds trust and understands the challenges within the organisation.
• Facilitator and Coach: excellent listening skills, and able to coach and develop all the workforce.
• Adaptable and Versatile: adjusts communication and training styles to suit diverse audiences.
• Collaborative & Influential: builds trust across teams and partners; confident negotiator.
• Organised & Resilient: manages competing priorities, stays calm under pressure, delivers to deadlines.
• Ethical & Professional: champions fairness, safeguarding, and integrity in all interactions.
• Continuous Improvement Mindset: curious, pragmatic, and solutions‑focused.

About What We Offer

• 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays, rising by up to 5 extra days with service.
• Two wellbeing days per year.
• Retail discounts and rewards across major high‑street and online brands.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Generous contributory pension.
• Company sick pay.
• Life Assurance at two times salary.
• Health cash plan, covering optical and dental costs, GP/consultant access, and independent personal, workplace, and financial advice.
• Free use of on‑site sports facilities.
• Occupational Health support and reasonable adjustments where needed.
• Extensive training and development, including opportunities to gain relevant qualifications.
• Regular social events for colleagues and their families.
• Critical Illness cover.
• Wellbeing / wellness services and apps.
• A supportive, passionate and high‑performing team environment.

We are committed to creating a dynamic and diverse workforce and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of their age, gender, disability, race or ethnicity, sexual orientation or faith. We have procedures in place to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process. YMCA Cheltenham is committed to following safer recruitment guidelines. In line with the requirements of the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996, all applicants must be able to demonstrate they have evidence to be eligible to live and work in the UK. Successful candidates will need to provide two satisfactory references, undergo a DBS check and demonstrate full employment history. YMCA Cheltenham is wholly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment.