Job Profile for Learning and Development Business Partner

Job Details

Job title: Learning and Development Business Partner

Salary/Grade: Grade 5

Service: People and Performance

Reports to: HR Manager

Manages/Supervises: OD&L Support Officer, L&D Apprentices

Job purpose

The Learning and Development Business Partner will play a key role in strengthening the Councils learning and development function by aligning strategies and initiatives that build workforce capability and performance.

The role will drive workforce development, shape organisational culture and support change management. Working closely with internal and external stakeholders, the post holder will ensure employees at all levels have access to the skills and development opportunities needed to thrive now and in the future.

Principal Accountabilities

• Identify corporate learning and development needs; design, develop and commission innovative and effective learning and development solutions
• Contribute to and deliver various learning and development initiatives and activities aligned with the Councils priorities especially our transformation programme and transition to a Unitary Authority.
• Collaborate with HR and Heads of Services to identify skill gaps and future capability needs, translating them into effective development plans, talent management and succession planning frameworks and processes.
• Administer and manage the Performance Appraisal process including subsequent training needs analysis
• Act as a trusted advisor to managers and HR colleagues on learning and development, change management and talent strategies ensuring that learning and development initiatives support the Councils wider transformation ambitions.
• Provide advice, guidance and creative solutions to employees in respect of their learning and development needs and organisational development requirements 
• Lead the design, implementation and evaluation of a range of learning programmes, including leadership and management development, coaching and mentoring, EDI and change leadership.
• Manage and enhance the Learning Management System (LMS) to support blended learning and improve user experience.
• Ensure learning interventions are engaging, inclusive and accessible, using a range of delivery methods and collaboration with internal and external providers.
• Promote digital learning tools and self-directed development across the organisation
• Oversee the Council’s Apprenticeship Programme, ensuring effective use of the levy and strong partnerships with training providers.
• Attend career fairs to promote apprenticeships and the Council as an employer of choice.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including other local authorities, to share best practices and ensure alignment with organisational needs.
• Develop and implement employee support programmes that address various aspects of employee well-being, including mental health, work-life balance, and stress management.
• Actively promote and market, internally and externally, learning and development events and other interventions to maximise participation and income generate where possible.
• Monitor the learning and development budget and evaluate the impact of learning initiatives using data and feedback to drive continuous improvement and demonstrate value.
• Provide regular updates and reports on learning and development activities, outcomes and future plans.
• Promote a culture of continuous learning and development that reflects the Council’s values and commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Corporate Accountabilities

• To take responsibility for maintaining own health and attendance. 
• To support, contribute and comply with quality and governance procedures as directed by management.
• To apply and actively promote the principles of the Council’s Equal Opportunities Policy in all areas of employment and service delivery.
• To apply and actively promote the principles of the Council’s Safeguarding Procedure in all areas of employment and service delivery.
• Any other duties as required to support the business, including maintaining business continuity and during civil emergencies. All staff may on occasions be called upon to support the Council to deal with emergency situations affecting the community we serve. In the event of an emergency or a rehearsal for such an event, you may be required to attend at times and at locations outside of the normal hours and duties of the post and to adopt duties directed by the Chief Executive or their nominated representative for the duration of the emergency.
• To advise Line manager if, at any time, the above duties and responsibilities cannot be performed.

Skills, Knowledge and Experience

(Tested at application and interview stage)

Experience & Qualifications

• CIPD level 5 qualification or equivalent in learning and development or relevant experience in a learning and development role
• Evidence of continuous professional development in learning and development
• Experience of leading the design and delivery of learning and development programmes within a large organisation, preferably in a local authority
• Experience of procuring training and managing external training providers
• Experience of managing apprenticeship programmes and working within apprenticeship levy parameters.
• Experience of coaching & mentoring, including senior managers
• Familiarity with learning management systems and other Office 365 technologies.

Skills and Knowledge

• Strong knowledge of learning and development principles, methodologies and best practices.
• Strong understanding of wellbeing and EDI principles and their application in a learning and development context
• Strong understanding of how technology can enhance learning and development delivery
• Excellent people management skills with the ability to motivate and inspire others
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality outcomes on time and within budget
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships and influence at all levels
• Excellent facilitation and presentation skills.
• Ability to use data and feedback to drive continuous improvement
• A positive and flexible attitude with the ability to adapt to changing priorities and organisational needs.
• Ability to conduct training needs analysis
• Ability to work independently and unsupervised when required, alongside the ability to work cooperatively within an established team.
• Excellent organisation and time management skills.

Competencies

(Tested at the interview stage)

Communicating Effectively 

Demonstrate the effective use of the range of communication methods available: written, spoken, electronic, and use these methods in appropriate ways suitable to the context and situation

• Present spoken communication in a polite, friendly and respectful manner seeking to ensure mutual understanding
• Listen well and seek clarification and understanding, avoiding jumping to conclusions or making assumptions
• Present information and ideas in a clear and understandable way which avoids jargon
• Seek to understand the communication needs of colleagues and customers, being mindful of equality issues and the diverse needs of the range of people we work with
• Choose the most appropriate method of communication for the situation, seeking to avoid using one fixed style or approach

Performing efficiently and effectively 

Promote good performance, developing clear, structured and efficient ways of managing workload and delivering results.  Staff should challenge themselves and others to perform well, and to adhere to the Council’s performance management systems

• Ensure that all work carried out by you is in line with business and service plans and supports the overall aims and ambition of the Council
• Plan your workload effectively, reporting achievements and problems to appropriate managers and project leaders
• See tasks and objectives through to completion
• Approach challenges with drive and enthusiasm
• Strive for continuous improvement in your work and manage your learning and development to enable you to perform to the best of your ability
• Create novel solutions to improve services and ways of working and challenge conventional practices
• Seek out income generating opportunities and efficiencies and aim to provide more for less to achieve the best possible value and high standards of service delivery
• Be enthusiastic about the Council’s services and look for opportunities to promote and sell them.

Using and managing resources efficiently and effectively 

Demonstrate the effective and efficient use of the full range of resources used in and by the Council including time, finances, staffing, equipment, information, materials, buildings, etc.

• Take responsibility for managing your time, seeking efficient ways to carry out your work, maximising your output and minimising wastage
• Use and acquire materials effectively and efficiently minimising wastage, recycling where possible, and striving for cost effectiveness
• Seek out ways to improve the use of resources

Engaging with the customer

Understand the needs and requirements of their customers, to provide excellent customer service, and to involve customers in the improvement of services

• Provide a helpful and friendly service to customers, both internally and externally
• Take responsibility for following up on enquiries and solving customer issues
• Make efforts to fully understand the customer’s needs and avoid assuming that “we know best”
• Ensure that you have a full understanding of the needs and requirements of the customer
• Seek feedback from internal and external customers on the effectiveness and efficiency of the service you provide

Working well together

Actively foster good working relationships with colleagues and customers in order to collectively achieve the Council’s direction and ambition

• Co-operate and work well with colleagues at all levels of the organisation, seeking collective responsibility for the achievement of goals
• Demonstrate consideration and respect for other’s feelings and opinions and avoid judging and making assumptions
• Maintain positive working relationships with external contacts in order to maintain the reputation of the Council
• Seek to actively solve problems and avoid passing the issue on to others or leaving the problem unresolved
• Demonstrate self-awareness of your style of working and develop flexibility and adaptability in order to work well with others

Managers/Leaders Competencies

Managing and Developing People

Effectively manage and develop staff in order to achieve the Council’s objectives, improve performance and job satisfaction, and to develop the workforce of the future

• Use a structured approach to agree clear objectives and monitor progress in a positive way
• Provide appropriate development inputs for all staff and evaluate outcomes of learning activity
• Make a personal commitment and contribution to employee development e.g. coaching/mentoring
• Take action to resolve performance issues speedily and effectively, and within policy guidelines
• Develop self-awareness of own management style and seek to develop flexibility in order to be able to work effectively with a range of work styles
• Create a culture of empowerment in which staff can excel, develop and take ownership of their work and responsibilities

Other conditions

• This post requires a DBS check: No 
• This post is politically restricted: No

Job Profile Updated: July 2025

Values and behaviours

Our values and behaviours are an integral part of who we are; they are the guiding principles that should inform how we work together, support each other and make decisions.

Our organisation thrives on the dedication and passion of its people and it’s important that we embody these values and behaviours and they become a part of our organisational DNA.

Our vision

We will be ambitious, support each other and work together in new ways to achieve outstanding results

Our core values