Responsible for developing and implementing workforce development initiatives and plans to improve the skills, knowledge, and capabilities of employees across QAC, to meet current and future organisational needs and delivery of QAC’s strategic plans.

To oversee the delivery of high quality training and development activity across the organisation and foster an environment of continuous learning and improvement.

Key to this role is developing and maintaining positive and collaborative working relationships with QAC managers, employees and internal/external stakeholders, establishing professional credibility and supporting the further growth and development of our workforce capability and skills.

You will work as part of the wider HR Team, working alongside the HR Manager, 2x HR Officers, 1x HR Data Officer and 1x HR Administrator.

Key to this role is developing and maintaining positive and collaborative working relationships with QAC managers, employees and internal/external stakeholders, establishing professional credibility and supporting the further growth and development of our workforce capability and skills.

You will work as part of the wider HR Team, working alongside the HR Manager, 2x HR Officers, 1x HR Data Officer and 1x HR Administrator.

Key Responsibilities

Workforce Development

·         Work with the Director of People to create, implement and embed an organisational Learning and Development Plan and processes, ensuring alignment of workforce development activities with QAC Strategic Plans/HR Strategy.

·         Support managers to develop and implement workforce development and training plans for designated service areas which meet statutory/professional requirements, address organisational priorities and/or skills gaps and support future developments and succession planning.

·         Identifying skills gaps/assessment, learning needs, constructing workforce development plans, implementing and evaluating creative and appropriate workforce development /learning interventions, including statutory requirements.

·         Work closely with the HR Manager/QAC managers to deliver an integrated approach to L&D throughout the employee lifecycle, across induction, probation, appraisal and training/development and ensuring effective data/information reporting to inform processes. Support the development of career pathways/progression routes for key roles/service areas, linked to learning and development.

·         Oversee the commissioning and monitoring of external training providers, including provider specifications and performance indicators, procurement and evaluation of L&D activities across QAC, both face to face and on-line.

·         Implement effective measurement of the impact, effectiveness and quality of L&D, ensuring value for money and return on investment.

·         Review and update systems for continuing professional development (CPD) and individual learning and development, linked to appraisal outcomes. Provide opportunities for professional growth and development.

·         Oversee the tracking and monitoring of L&D activity across the organisation.

·         Work with line managers to ensure that L&D meets regulatory/professional standards (where relevant) and organisational requirements.

·         Keep up to date with labour market trends and relevant sector developments, to anticipate future workforce needs and help QAC align workforce skills with changing demands and identify where new skillsets may be required.

·         Research creative, innovative and appropriate workforce development solutions.

·         Engage and build effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring services provide effective and customer focused interventions that meet workforce development priorities. Work with managers to support their own engagement with L&D and promoting development opportunities for their teams.  

·         In conjunction with the Director of People, manage delegated budgets for training activities (including on site training delivery, online licences and individual L&D requests).

·         Engage with relevant external providers (including educational institutions, government agencies, to develop partnership working/initiatives, such as apprenticeships, management/professional development, learning and development opportunities).

·         In conjunction with the Director of People & HR Manager, utilise L&D data to produce workforce and succession planning information for key service areas to inform the management team.

·         Ensure robust recording of L&D data and effective use of systems, with clear reporting and data management practices.

·         Contribute L&D information to a suite of reports using HR metrics to inform the management team/Director of People on key trends. Monitor and analyse information to inform decision making and strategic planning.

·         Prepare and present information and data in different formats for completion of statutory and QAC reports, surveys and/or information requests.

·         Research/ report/present on specific issues, as directed by the Director of People.

· Use data and feedback to monitor the effectiveness of workforce development initiatives and to improve the quality of L&D.

·         Ensure up to date training record keeping systems are maintained, in line with compliance requirements, GDPR and retention timeframes.

·         Support the response to internal and external audits of activities as part of the HR Team.

Line Management

·         Foster a culture of continuous improvement and quality of service, through ongoing review of process and implementing quality standards, reflecting organisational needs.

·         Provide operational line management and co-ordination for direct report(s), including recruitment and induction, objective setting and feedback, coaching and development, regular one-to-ones, appraisal and performance management.

·         Provide professional guidance and support, to develop skills and knowledge and share good practice, ensuring that relevant professional standards are met.

·         Support and encourage continuous professional development.

·         Develop and maintain positive and collaborative working relationships both internally and externally, to actively encourage joint working to benefit QAC and its employees.

·         Manage the delivery of learning and development activities and plans linked to QAC’s strategic plans, demonstrating evidence of impact and performance.

General

·         Work with the Director of People, HR Manager and the team to implement projects/ initiatives to improve our service. 

·         Adhere to the Charity’s Health and Safety Policy at all times, recognising responsibility for own safety and that of others.

·         Act at all times in accordance with the Staff Code of Conduct, Managers’ Charter and QAC Values of Respect, Excellence, Enabling, Collaboration and Inclusion.

·         Comply with all QAC policies and procedures.

The above list is not exhaustive, but is indicative of the general nature and level of responsibility of the work to be undertaken. The responsibilities and duties may vary from time to time without changing the nature of the post. The post holder will be expected to adopt a flexible approach to enable the efficient and effective running of the College.

Safeguarding Statement:

Queen Alexandra Charity is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility and all staff and volunteers are required to act in such a way that at all times safeguards the health and wellbeing of our students/clients.  Successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and two employment references.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Essential

• CIPD Level 5 qualification in Organisational Learning and Development (or willingness to undertake)
• Minimum Level 2 qualification literacy/numeracy (E.g GCSE English / Maths (4-9) or equivalent)
• Evidence of Continuous professional development
• Track record of experience working in workforce development, training, human resources, or a related field
• Knowledge and understanding of relevant sectors and implications for workforce development (including FE/Education, SEN, Healthcare/related professions and/or similar regulated environment)
• Experience of managing and maintaining key L&D and LMS systems/data – including report writing and data analysis
• Proven experience in developing and delivering organisation-wide L&D plans and initiatives
• Knowledge and understanding of data protection/GDPR
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal), with evidence of working collaboratively with others
• Evidence of successful development and maintenance of effective working relationships with key stakeholders
• Analytical mindset with the ability to assess training effectiveness and impact
• Confident leadership and presentation skills, with the ability to adapt communication to different audiences
• Proficient IT skills, to include Microsoft Office packages and LMS/HRIS
• Ability to analyse, summarise, evaluate and communicate complex data/information.
• Creative and innovative in resolving issues and finding solutions
• Personal drive and resilience, with the ability to manage competing priorities
• Accuracy and attention to detail
• Able to influence and persuade others
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Discretion and integrity, with ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters

Desirable

• Degree and/or management qualification, or equivalent experience in relevant field (e.g. HRM, OD, training)
• Current CIPD membership (Associate or above)
• Project management experience
• Line management experience
• Car driver/access to own vehicle to attend other QAC sites, as required.

Why work at Queen Alexandra Charity Birmingham

Join our team at Queen Alexandra College!

Are you passionate about making a difference to the lives of students with special educational needs? Do you thrive in an inclusive and supportive academic environment? If so, we want YOU to join our team. QAC has just gone through an exciting rebrand, dealt with a period of swift growth and academic improvement and this is your opportunity to become part of a vibrant College that is moving forward and making a real difference to the lives and futures of our students.  

The newly structured Queen Alexandra Charity Birmingham offers you the chance to have a positive impact as you join a committed group of colleagues in ensuring that all students achieve their aims and aspirations. We are dedicated to providing exceptional education and support to students with diverse learning needs and life experiences. Our specialist setting fosters an inclusive community where every student is valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential. 

QAC offers a vibrant, varied and enriching educational experience for both residential and day students. Our curriculum aims to maximise adult life, independence and work opportunities for all students. Class sizes are designed to meet specific needs and support levels are high. 

Joining our supportive team, you will have the opportunity to:

·      Work closely with students with SEN to achieve their goals

·      Make a difference to the educational experience of young people

·      Be a voice for students and staff in specialist education

·      Foster a positive and inclusive learning environment, promoting academic growth, self-development and self-confidence

·      Develop your own skills, aspirations and progress your career.

Our benefits include;

Schedule 1 Benefits (reviewed annually and/or as appropriate)

Academic Year 2024/25

• Access to on site car parking
• Use of QAC Fitness Centre (subject to opening hours)
• Cycle to Work Scheme (Salary Sacrifice)
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme Helpline (BHSF)
• Access to Education Support Free Helpline for Teachers & Education Staff
• QAC Mental Health First Aiders & activities to support health and wellbeing
• BHSF Benefits Package including Healthcare Plans, discounted shopping/services
• Annual Flu vaccination/voucher
• Access to other benefit/discount schemes (which may be subject to charge) e.g. Blue Light Card, TOTUM (NUS), Charity Worker Discounts, Discounts for Teachers
• Dell Advantage programme - a free programme that offers savings to students, parents and all staff at QAC - up to 20% off. https://www.dell.com/en-uk/lp/dell-advantage
• Health and Wellbeing Services (Occupational Health/Counselling)
• Free Tea/Coffee and Staff Room facilities
• Dining Room facilities with hot/cold food (free meal provided for those supporting students at mealtimes)
• Additional discretionary concessionary/closure days as part of leave entitlement (including closure over Christmas/New Year period)
• Reward and Recognition Policy – Living the Values Awards (team & individual) and long service
• Enhanced/Occupational paid leave e.g. maternity/paternity (subject to qualifying criteria)
• Occupational sick pay (based on length of service)
• On site wellbeing activities (e.g. yoga, meditation)
• Support for training/ CPD (either by way of study leave and/or funding)
• Flexible working arrangements including Flexible Working Policy Agreements, Time Off in Lieu (TOIL) in prior agreement with line manager.

This list is not exhaustive and may be subject to review and/or change.

We look forward to receiving your application and knowing more about your qualifications, skills,
personal qualities and experience that you would bring to the role and to QAC. Please take time to review the job description above.

Please upload a CV/Resume* with details of your full employment history (since leaving school,
including education, employment and voluntary work) including reasons for any gaps in
employment. This should also include a statement of the personal qualities and experience you
believe are relevant to your suitability for the post and how this meets the job description and
person specification requirements. Your CV/Resume* will be re-produced in a standard format by
the system (without personal identifiers) to assist us in our anonymised shortlisting process.
Under Section 7 of SVGA 2006 it is an offence to apply for the role if the applicant is barred from
engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. The College's Safeguarding Policies are
available

As part of our commitment to safer recruitment, and in line with updated guidance published in
September 2022, we will carry out an online search of all shortlisted candidates. This search may
enable us to identify any incidents or issues that have happened, and publicly available for review online, which we may wish to explore with you in further detail during the interview process. As part of your application we have asked you to provide the account names, usernames and/or handles for any social media platform that you use, as well as the names of any websites that you own, post on, or contribute to. A Google search will also be conducted. These checks will only be conducted if you are shortlisted for interview. Please see our safer recruitment and selection policy for further information.

We look forward to receiving your application and knowing more about your qualifications, skills,

personal qualities and experience that you would bring to the role and to QAC. Please take time to review the job description above.

Please upload a CV/Resume* with details of your full employment history (since leaving school,

including education, employment and voluntary work) including reasons for any gaps in

employment. This should also include a statement of the personal qualities and experience you

believe are relevant to your suitability for the post and how this meets the job description and

person specification requirements. Your CV/Resume* will be re-produced in a standard format by

the system (without personal identifiers) to assist us in our anonymised shortlisting process.

Under Section 7 of SVGA 2006 it is an offence to apply for the role if the applicant is barred from

engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. The College's Safeguarding Policies are

available