Learning Lead

On behalf of UKRI, we are looking for a Learning Lead (Inside IR35) for a 3 month (Until year end 2026) contract based in Swindon 2-3 times a month or as needed

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is the national funding agency investing in science and research in the UK.

UKRI invests £8 billion of taxpayers' money each year into research and innovation and the people who make it happen. They work across a huge range of fields - from biodiversity conservation to quantum computing, and from space telescopes to innovative health care. They give everyone the opportunity to contribute and to benefit, bringing together people and organisations nationally and globally to create, develop and deploy new ideas and technologies.

As a Learning Lead, your main responsibilities will be:

• Lead the management and delivery of UKRI workshops, digital learning catalogues, and cross-UKRI Management Development Programme, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.
• Procure and manage preferred suppliers for professional, personal, and specialist training, maintaining quality and compliance with best practice standards.
• Identify skills gaps and provide strategic advice to management, supporting workforce development and capability building.
• Oversee reporting, evaluation, and continuous improvement of learning initiatives, presenting insights and recommendations to senior leadership.
• Act as UKRI subject matter expert for Learning, ensuring optimal system functionality and smooth implementation of digital platforms.
• Manage stakeholder relationships across internal teams and external providers, fostering collaboration and effective delivery of learning solutions.
• Design and deliver in-house training sessions for managers and staff, adapting content based on feedback and evolving organizational needs.
• Lead and develop a small team, setting objectives, monitoring performance, and promoting a culture of continuous improvement and wellbeing

Essential:

• Expert in Learning & Development and Organisational Development, with ability to design, procure, and deliver high-quality learning solutions within budgetary constraints.
• Strategic advisor on learning interventions, determining the most appropriate solutions to address organisational challenges and drive performance improvement.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder engagement skills, including line management, influencing across all levels, and providing guidance on complex or sensitive issues.
• Comprehensive knowledge of HR functions, Employment Law, Equality Act 2010, and EDI principles, enabling effective policy drafting and training delivery.

Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.

Disability Confident

As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, UKRI guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of candidates who have a disability who meet all the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. This scheme encourages candidates with a disability and/or neurodivergence to apply. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

Armed Forces Covenant

UKRI guarantees to interview veterans or spouses / partners of military personnel who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of ex-military candidates / military spouses or partners, who meet all of the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

In applying for this role, you acknowledge the following "this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different".