Who Are We?
We are The Housing Network (THN), a private limited company with a purpose. We exist to provide ‘More than a Roof’, because when life is at its toughest, we believe everyone deserves a safe and stable place to rebuild their lives.
Operating right across the UK (from Scotland to the South Coast) our team of 220+ dedicated professionals provide accommodation and support to over 5300 vulnerable individuals and families every single night – within self-contained, shared, supported and specialist scheme homes.
Alongside our 100+ Local Authorities and Ministry of Justice (MOJ) partners we work hard to design and deliver person-centric solutions that meet the needs of our residents and in line with service specifications defined by public sector commissioners – always striving to ensure best-value and effectiveness.
We are a team that is absolutely committed to innovate, excel and be dependable in all that we do. Working hard together to achieve our mission of providing Better Accommodation, Better Support, Better Partnerships – and as a result Better Business.
This is an incredibly exciting time for The Housing Network as we embark on our Strategy 2024/29: ‘Homelessness’ The missing Piece journey. A strategic journey that will see us expand our services to provide over 10,000 units of safe and inspiring accommodation, into 75% of Local Authority areas across the UK!
Job Overview:
We are seeking a dedicated Learning & Development Specialist to lead the standardization and delivery of training initiatives across the company.
As a key player in our People Team, the L&D Specialist will be responsible for designing, administering, and tracking training programs aimed at increasing employee engagement, compliance, and overall professional development in alignment with the company’s growth strategy and regulatory requirements.
You will approach work with a compassionate attitude displaying excellent communication skills and encouraging others to do the same. You will be solution focused and not afraid to raise your hand and challenge the status quo.
This role directly supports the company’s strategic objectives, particularly in ensuring compliance, increasing employee engagement, and fostering a culture of continuous learning. By designing and rolling out training programs, this role will help to embed operational policies across the business, reduce non-compliance incidents, improve audit results, and ensure employees are well-equipped for career growth and leadership opportunities.
Responsibilities & Duties:
Training Program Development & Delivery:
- Design and implement targeted training programs to upskill employees in areas critical to the company’s strategy and operational success.
- Develop and deliver Toolbox Talks and Lunch and Learn sessions on topics such as policy rollout, compliance, health and safety, sector-specific changes, and wellbeing initiatives.
- Collaborate with subject matter experts (SMEs) across the business to design learning materials and ensure content is relevant and actionable.
Upskilling Managers:
- Lead efforts to upskill managers in delivering Toolbox Talks and Lunch and Learn sessions.
- Build and maintain a network of subject matter experts to facilitate knowledge-sharing and leadership development.
Leadership Development & Career Pathing:
- Design and implement leadership development programs to prepare employees for future leadership roles through coaching, mentoring, and formal training.
- Create clear career pathways and development frameworks to enhance employee growth, motivation, and retention.
Apprenticeship and Graduate Program Management:
- Develop and manage apprenticeship and graduate programs to build a pipeline of skilled talent aligned with company values and long-term growth objectives.
HRIS and Learning Management:
- Manage and continuously improve the People First HRIS system, including tracking employee training records and progress.
- Partner with the Director of People to leverage HR data to inform and optimize learning and development programs.
Compliance and Policy Training:
- Prioritize the rollout and delivery of training related to operational policies, particularly those that are essential for legal and regulatory compliance.
- Monitor the completion of compliance training programs and ensure alignment with company goals for audit readiness and risk management.
Continuous Improvement and Data-Driven Insights:
- Utilize data analytics to track learning metrics such as training completion rates, employee engagement, and audit results.
- Provide regular reports and updates to the Director of People and other key stakeholders on the progress and impact of learning programs.
Collaboration and Stakeholder Management:
- Work closely with the wider People Team, senior leadership, and departmental heads to ensure training programs are aligned with business objectives.
- Gather feedback from employees and managers to continuously improve training initiatives.
Key Deliverables:
- Design and roll out compliance training programs, including Toolbox Talks and Lunch and Learns.
- Create and implement a comprehensive leadership development framework.
- Develop and launch apprenticeship and graduate programs.
- Deliver an increase in training completion rates, compliance adherence, and overall employee engagement.
- Provide data-driven insights into training effectiveness and business impact.
Personal Characteristics:
Skills:
· Proven Experience: At least 3-5 years of experience in Learning and Development, particularly in creating and delivering compliance-based or policy-driven training programs.
· Training Expertise: Strong understanding of learning methodologies, including designing in-person, virtual, and hybrid training materials.
· Stakeholder Management: Experience working with cross-functional teams and senior leadership to align L&D strategies with business goals.
· Data-Driven: Proficient in using data and analytics to track learning outcomes, engagement, and effectiveness.
· Leadership Development: Experience in mentoring, coaching, and developing leadership programs tailored to the needs of the business.
· Compliance Knowledge: Familiarity with industry-specific compliance requirements and the ability to design training programs that ensure legal and regulatory adherence.
· Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills to effectively engage and influence employees at all levels
Knowledge:
Essential
· Demonstrable experience in L&D in a SME
· Excellent communication skills (Verbal and Written).
· Excellent organisational skills.
· Ability to problem solve and influence decision making.
· Experience of working in a small HR team
Desirable (but not essential)
· Educational Background: Degree in Human Resources, Education, Business, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
· Certifications: L&D certifications (e.g., CIPD, ATD, or equivalent) or other relevant qualifications.
· HRIS/Tech Savvy: Experience with HRIS systems, particularly People First, or other Learning Management Systems (LMS).
· Full driving licence is preferred as some travel may be required
Behaviour:
· Work with an inclusive approach
· Commercial acumen
· Role modelling ethical behaviours, leading the business in living our Values
· Keen to support colleagues and ensure business is working cohesively and to the same objectives.
· Keen on strong compliance culture.
· Able to work with minimal direction.
· Adaptability and being prepared to help out if circumstances require.
· We would expect you at all times to:
-act with integrity
-act with due skill, care and diligence
-act with professionalism
-be open and co-operative with colleagues
-act with compassion to those both within the Company and those who we support in the accommodation
