We’re excited to be recruiting again for Gateshead Council for a newly created role as Learning & OD Business Partner.
Time to be Different – Why Join Gateshead Council
At Gateshead Council, we believe that to be better tomorrow, we must be different today. With a new government, a newly formed Combined Authority, and fresh leadership at every level, this is a pivotal moment for transformation.
We’re ambitious about our future—and ready to do things differently. Our new Chief Executive, refreshed Cabinet, and regional partnerships are driving change that puts communities at the heart of decision-making and investment.
Why Now?
- We’re evolving how we work to deliver better outcomes for residents.
- Our workforce will help shape this change—your voice matters.
- We’re taking a collaborative, one-team approach to innovation and improvement
- We value creativity, flexibility and wellbeing.
The Learning & Organisational Development (L&OD) team
We’re a collaborative, forward-thinking team, passionate about helping people and services thrive. The L&OD team plays a vital role in driving transformation, supporting change, and ensuring our workforce has the skills, knowledge, and confidence to deliver outstanding services—now and in the future.
We make a difference by:
- Designing inclusive, blended learning that meets real service needs
- Partnering with services to build capability and nurture talent
- Using data and feedback to continuously improve our offer
- Embedding a learning culture where development is part of everyday work
- Leading on strategic OD projects including engagement, workforce planning, leadership development, and succession planning
The role
This is an exciting opportunity to join a high-performing, supportive, and future-focused Learning & Organisational Development team. As an Learning & OD Business Partner, you’ll work closely with Children’s Social Care and Lifelong Learning services to lead strategic workforce initiatives that directly improve outcomes for children and families.
You’ll be at the heart of:
- Driving workforce development aligned to national reforms and local priorities
- Embedding a culture of learning, collaboration, and continuous improvement
- Supporting leadership development and organisational change
- Championing innovation in how we support and empower our workforce
Key Workforce Strategy Projects You’ll Lead or Support:
- Implementing action plans from our employee engagement survey (we’re proud to be recognised by Best Companiesas a “One to Watch” employer and one of the top 25 big companies to work for in the UK)
- Embedding refreshed corporate values and behaviours
- Developing career pathways and a leadership development framework
- Delivering a council-wide learning needs analysis
- Refreshing our approach to appraisals and performance culture
- Creating a talent management and succession planning strategy
Plus supporting a range of other transformational change programmes including 8 internal Corporate Reviews which aim to review key areas in the council to drive better outcomes for our communities and each other.
Who are we looking for:
This role is suited to L&D/OD specialists who can bring solid experience including:
- Proven track record delivering impactful OD and / or L&D programmes and managing and implementing transformational organisational change initiatives.
- Up to date organisational and learning and development tools and techniques, including the theory and practice of designing, developing and delivering blended learning and development programmes.
- Strong command of models, frameworks, tools and solutions to increase leadership effectiveness, including but not limited to; LNA, behavioural change, organisational effectiveness and engagement, emotional intelligence, talent management, coaching and blended learning.
- Knowledge of implementing data and evidenced based practice in order to diagnose issues, evaluate interventions, and inform decision-making.
- Understanding adult learning principles and how to build and embed learning cultures within large organisations.
If you’re ready to help shape the future of children’s services and support a workforce that’s passionate about making Gateshead thrive, we’d love to hear from you.
What can we offer you?
- A supportive, friendly, welcoming work environment
- A Competitive salary: £48,226 to £51,356
- Opportunities to learn and develop with access to the Council’s apprenticeship levy and comprehensive training and development programmes.
- Pension Investment – the Council contributes significantly towards your membership in the Local Government Pension Scheme
- Annual leave: 26 days + 2 fixed days (rising to 30 + 2 fixed days after 5 years), plus bank holidays
- Mileage allowance: For work-related travel
- Hybrid & Flexible Working – Supporting a healthy work-life balance – mixture of working in the office and at home. There is a requirement to work from the office for 3 days per week from 1 September 2025 for this role.
- Health & Wellbeing Support – From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL, to in house health and wellbeing services including occupational health team, physiotherapy and counselling service to a range of other health wellbeing resources
- A fantastic range of employee benefits including:
- A Cycle to Work Scheme – Tax-efficient way to stay active and save money
- Access to a Car leasing salary sacrifice scheme – coming in August 2025
- VIVUP Benefits Platform – Enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services – plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases
- Flexi time scheme which includes up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs)
- Holiday purchase scheme: Option to buy up to 10 extra days off each year
- Tax free childcare
- Employee volunteering scheme
