Head of Learning Development and Education; Maternity Cover

Help us create learning opportunities that make a difference

Children's Hospice South West (CHSW) provides vital care and support to babies, children and young people with life-limiting conditions and their families. We are looking for an experienced Learning, Development or Education Senior Leader to join our People and Culture team.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone with experience in leading multi-disciplinary teams with a strong understanding of clinical education, governance and CPD, to support the strategic visions of learning and development across our organisation.

In this maternity cover role as Head of Learning, Development and Education (LD&E), you will play a key role in maintaining and continuing progress with the development and implementation of the LD&E strategic plans, whilst providing leadership and line management for the LD&E Team and its associated learning and education provision.

• Continue strategy development and implementation
• To lead and manage the Learning, Development and Education Team through effective supervision, annual PDRs and professional development, ensuring high performance and the delivery of organisational priorities
• Provide strategic leadership for clinical education to support high standards of safe and effective care
• Provide strategic leadership for non-clinical education to support high standards of training provisions and development opportunities
• Modelling visible, approachable and effective values-based leadership across the organisation and promoting positive culture, teamwork and communication
• Promote a culture of continuous learning, reflection and improvement
• Support appropriate development opportunities for all staff
• Ensure all statutory, mandatory and regulatory training requirements are met.
• Contribute to organisational clinical governance, workforce planning and quality improvement frameworks.
• Manage and oversee the Learning, Development and Education budgets, in collaboration with department managers.

• We are looking for someone who can bring:
• Significant experience in a senior learning, development or education leadership role
• A strong understanding of clinical education, governance and CPD
• Experience of leading and managing multi-disciplinary teams using a collaborative and inclusive leadership style, which is courteous, confident, consistent and approachable
• Strategic thinking with the ability to translate vision into delivery
• Strong leadership and people management and development skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills
• A commitment to learning, continuous improvement and delivering excellent service

At CHSW, you'll be part of a compassionate and supportive organisation where your work will have a real impact on children, young people and families across the South West. We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives, and are committed to creating a culture where everyone feels they belong.

Working for CHSW isn't just a job – it's the chance to be part of something truly meaningful. We offer:

• 33 days' holiday plus bank holidays (rising with service)
• Enhanced sick pay (up to 6 months full pay)
• Pension scheme with 7% employer contribution
• Enhanced maternity/adoption pay and family-friendly policies
• Occupational health, wellbeing support and Employee Assistance Programme
• Life assurance scheme
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• Commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility
• A supportive, inclusive and values-driven workplace

We are open to considering applicants working a minimum of 30 hours and up to full time at 37 hours per week, if this meets the role’s needs. If you are requesting working part time, please indicate your preferred working hours in your application.

Work will be undertaken on a hybrid basis with attendance at CHSW locations and some home working. There is a need to be able to regularly travel to all the CHSW sites and therefore there is an expectation that you will be based within the South West of England.

17 October 2026

27 October 2026

CHSW is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and all employees must apply for an enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Charity Registration Number 1003314