Learning & Development Officer

Location: Willenhall

Learning & Development Officer Salary: £33,000 - £38,000 per annum

Contract:

Full-Time, Permanent

Location:

Willenhall, WV13 1RH
(with regular travel across the West Midlands, East Midlands and North West) Developing Exceptional People to Deliver Exceptional Care At Para Group, we are committed to providing outstanding care, education, and support services for children, young people, and adults. As our organisation continues to grow, we recognise that investing in our workforce is fundamental to achieving excellent outcomes and maintaining the highest regulatory standards.

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Learning & Development Officer to join our team. This role is ideally suited to an individual with a strong background in children's social care , who understands the learning, development, and compliance requirements of Ofsted-regulated services and can support the development of a highly skilled and competent workforce.

Experience with in CQC-regulated services is highly desirable and will be beneficial in supporting our wider organisational learning strategy.

The Role Reporting to the Head of Learning & Development, you will play a key role in delivering learning and development initiatives across the Group. You will work closely with operational managers and employees to identify training needs, design learning solutions, and ensure our workforce remains compliant, competent, and confident in delivering high-quality care and support. The successful candidate will have a thorough understanding of workforce development within children's social care and the training requirements associated with Ofsted-regulated environments.

Key Responsibilities Support the implementation and delivery of Para Group's Learning & Development Strategy. Design, develop, coordinate, and deliver engaging learning programmes across the organisation. Deliver training relating to children's residential care, safeguarding, behaviour support, therapeutic approaches, and regulatory compliance. Support services in meeting Ofsted requirements through effective workforce development and training compliance. Organise and facilitate face-to-face training, workshops, inductions, and online learning programmes.

Develop and maintain training materials, learning resources, and e-learning content. Monitor training compliance and maintain accurate records through the Training Management System. Produce training reports and compliance data for managers and senior leaders. Support managers to identify skills gaps and implement effective development plans. Evaluate the effectiveness of learning interventions and identify opportunities for continuous improvement. Build effective relationships with external training providers and regulatory stakeholders.

Provide support to CQC-regulated services where required, ensuring workforce development aligns with regulatory expectations. Represent the Learning & Development function in the absence of the Head of Learning & Development. About You We are looking for an individual who is passionate about developing people and understands the importance of high-quality training in achieving positive outcomes for children and vulnerable individuals.

Essential Requirements Significant experience working within children's social care . Strong understanding of Ofsted regulations, inspection frameworks, and workforce development requirements within children's services. Experience in a Learning & Development, Training, Workforce Development, Organisational Development, or HR role. Experience designing and delivering training to a variety of audiences. Strong knowledge of safeguarding practices and legislative requirements. Excellent communication, presentation, facilitation, and relationship-building skills.

Strong organisational and administrative abilities. Experience maintaining training records and learning management systems. Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently. Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel across Para Group services. Highly

Desirable Experience working within CQC-regulated services . Understanding of CQC Fundamental Standards and workforce compliance requirements. Training qualification (Level 3 Award in Education and Training, CIPD, or equivalent). Experience delivering mandatory and specialist social care training. Knowledge of therapeutic and trauma-informed approaches. Experience supporting service improvement and inspection readiness. Why Join Para Group? Competitive salary of £33,000 - £38,000 per annum.

Opportunity to directly influence workforce development across a growing organisation. Ongoing professional development and career progression opportunities. Company pension scheme. Supportive and collaborative leadership team. Employee recognition and reward initiatives. Opportunity to work across a diverse portfolio of children's and adult services. The chance to make a meaningful difference to the lives of children, young people, and vulnerable…