Whiton Maynard
  • Home
  • Our Approach
  • Clients
  • Candidates
  • Jobs
  • About
  • Contact

Head of Lifelong Learning (Policy & Research)

Head of Lifelong Learning (Policy & Research)

​​​​​​​Hybrid, 2-3 office days per week in London or Leicester
£44,625 - £57,750 per annum + benefits (dependent on experience and location)
Full time, permanent 
Closing date: Monday 18th November (12pm) 
First interviews: Monday 2nd December, London office
​Organisation:

Learning and Work Institute (L&W)


Learning and Work Institute is an independent policy and research organisation focused on lifelong learning and better work. Their vision is for a fair and prosperous society where learning and work enable everyone to realise their potential. They research what works, influence policy, and develop new ideas to improve practice.
​Role:
​

This is a new role responsible for shaping and delivering the lifelong learning campaign. The postholder will also lead high-profile, impactful research and development work focused on lifelong learning and essential skills.

The role will involve leading campaigns, research and development work aligned to ambitions in their strategic plan 2024-2029. This includes advocating and making the case for lifelong learning; understanding patterns of learning participation to tackle persistent inequalities; and building the evidence base on engaging people in adult learning.
 
You will bring expertise in campaigning and advocacy work; a track record in developing and delivering impactful programmes of work; a good understanding of the policy context; experience in business development; and a passion for making an impact.
 
You will need to work collaboratively and enthusiastically as part of L&W’s leadership team of Heads and Directors, and role-model their values and behaviours.

In this role you will:

  • Design and deliver L&W’s lifelong learning campaign
  • Lead research and development programmes and projects, particularly on lifelong learning and essential skills
  • Identify and secure income to fund L&W’s lifelong learning campaign and projects, including through proactive approaches to funders and partners, and responding to tenders and calls for proposals
  • Ensure that work is delivered to time and quality expectations, within budget, with appropriate measures of its impact, and with regular engagement with partners and funders
  • Develop and maintain effective relationships and networks with key stakeholders
  • Speak and present at external events as a representative of L&W
  • Keep up to date with key developments in policy, research and practice
  • Manage researchers/project managers (line and project management) positively and proactively contribute to their personal and professional development
  • Work collaboratively, leading with integrity and sharing the load, being willing to take on projects outside of programme if needed
  • Play an active role in the organisation as a functional and strategic leader, as part of L&W’s R&D Heads and Leadership teams
  • Demonstrate a commitment to equality of opportunity and a positive, open and collaborative approach in line with L&W’s core values and staff charter.
​Candidate:​

You'll be able to demonstrate:
​
  • ​Degree (in a relevant subject e.g. social science), equivalent qualifications or evidence of equivalent experience
  • Strong understanding of campaigning and advocacy work, with the ability to design, develop and utilise appropriate methods and tools to make an impact on policy
  • Proven track record in delivering complex and high-profile programmes of campaigns, research or development work, including managing and mobilising resources, and delivering to time and quality expectations within budget
  • Understanding of current policy and practice in relation to learning and skills
  • Experience of working in or closely with a policy, communications, media and/or public affairs team
  • Strong understanding of how research evidence can be used to influence policy
  • Proven track record in building strong relationships with government, delivery organisations, partners and funders
  • Experience of developing and leading a high-performing team, including co-ordinating and managing projects and priorities, and supporting professional and personal development
  • Ability to work under own initiative with a proactive approach to problem solving
  • Knowledge of and commitment to L&W’s charitable aims and purpose
  • Strong understanding of maximising organisational impact, through impact measures and framework (D)
  • Successful experience of income generation, including developing funding proposals, developing relationships and bid writing (D)
  • Good understanding of quantitative and/or qualitative research methods (D)
  • Experience of delivering a range of policy and research outputs – e.g. research reports, thematic reviews, articles, blogs and summaries (D).​
​
Please see the Role Profile for full details.  
Apply:

To apply, please send a copy of your CV and a separate Supporting Statement responding to the person specification (max two sides of A4) to [email protected]

Please note that you must already have the right to work in UK to apply for this role.

​As specialist recruiters we are committed to building inclusive and diverse organisations, and welcome applications from all sections of the community.​
Privacy Policy
© COPYRIGHT WHITON MAYNARD 2025
  • Home
  • Our Approach
  • Clients
  • Candidates
  • Jobs
  • About
  • Contact