Job Description:

Head of learning & organisational development

When registering to this job board you will be redirected to the online application form. Please ensure that this is completed in full in order that your application can be reviewed.

Help shape the future of learning, leadership, and culture as our new Head of learning & organisational development - driving growth, performance, and potential across our organisation.

About the role

As our Head of learning and organisational development, you’ll play a pivotal role in building the capability, confidence and connection of our workforce. Reporting to the Chief People Officer, you’ll design and deliver an ambitious learning and organisational development strategy that drives inclusion, strengthens leadership at every level, and ensures our people are equipped to deliver outstanding, person-centred support.

From developing innovative learning frameworks to leading culture and engagement initiatives, you’ll enable colleagues to thrive and grow - shaping an organisation that always learns, reflects and improves. This is your chance to make a tangible difference to the lives of disabled people and their families, whilst guiding Sense toward an even stronger, values-led future.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of a strategic learning and organisational development plan aligned with organisational priorities and compliance requirements.
• Act as a trusted advisor on workforce development, culture, and organisational change, championing continuous learning and improvement.
• Design and oversee a comprehensive learning framework, covering leadership, specialist, and compliance training using blended learning approaches.
• Drive organisational development initiatives that strengthen culture, engagement, inclusion, and connection to purpose and values.
• Develop and implement leadership and talent pathways that support progression, succession planning, and workforce resilience.
• Embed inclusive and anti-ableist practices across all learning and development activities, ensuring accessibility and equity for disabled colleagues.
• Ensure effective governance, reporting, and budget management, demonstrating value for money and compliance with regulatory standards.

About you

We’re looking for an experienced, values-driven leader who can inspire meaningful change across our organisation. You will bring:

Essential requirements

• Significant leadership experience in learning and development and/or organisational development.
• Proven record of delivering culture change and organisational transformation.
• Experience working in social care, health, disability services or a related sector.
• Expertise in designing and implementing leadership development frameworks.
• Strong facilitation, coaching and influencing skills to engage people at all levels.
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusion, accessibility and rights-based approaches.
• Ability to use data and insight to evaluate impact and shape strategic decisions.
• Experience managing budgets and showing measurable return on investment.
• Evidence of embedding and evaluating learning impact across large or complex organisations.

Desirable experience

• Relevant qualification in HR, L&D, OD or Coaching (e.g., CIPD Level 5/7 or equivalent).
• Understanding of supporting disabled people with complex needs.
• Experience with regulated services, apprenticeships or levy management.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed and positive behaviour support approaches.
• Familiarity with digital learning systems and blended learning solutions.

Leadership qualities

• Values-driven, person-centred and collaborative.
• A strategic thinker with operational credibility and courage to challenge constructively.
• Emotionally intelligent, reflective and committed to continuous learning.

Join us to champion learning, lead change and empower a workforce that transforms lives everyday.

About Sense

Sense is a leading disability charity, here to break down barriers alongside disabled people with complex needs. We use our knowledge and expertise to deliver personalised, creative and flexible support at every stage of life. Together, we drive change, building a future where everyone has the power, choice and control to live the lives we choose.

We’re proud to be a Disability confident leader and a charity where people can grow their skills and careers in a supportive, flexible environment.

Our values

Our values shape the way we behave and work alongside disabled people with complex needs to break down barriers. 

• We're creating change
• We're always learning
• We're better together

To apply

Please use the link below to complete your application. Managers will use your application to shortlist candidates for interview, in relation to the Personal Specification. Therefore, it is very important you complete this section thoroughly.  We would recommend that you read the job description and person specification before applying. 

Please note to avoid disappointment, we advise you to submit your application as soon as possible as we reserve the right to close posts at any time.

No agency submissions please: any submissions without prior authorisation from the Sense Recruitment Team will be treated as our own and as such no fee will be payable.

• Sense is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable children and adults and expects all employees to share this commitment. Therefore, all offers of employment, where appropriate, are subject to a DBS check; level dependent on the nature of the role.
• For this role we particularly welcome applications from candidates from underrepresented Global Majority backgrounds and candidates with disabilities. Sense is committed to equality of opportunity, and to promoting and celebrating the diversity of staff, volunteers and the people we work with. Everyone's contribution is valued and we ensure they're given the opportunity to realise their potential. We welcome applications from talented people from all sections of the community who share our values and belief that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. For more information please visit: