Trustee - Learning and Development

Learning and Development Trustee

Focus Birmingham

Location: 48 Woodville Road, Harborne, B17 9AT 

About Focus Birmingham

Focus Birmingham is a specialist charity whose goal is to make lives better. We provide expert support, advice, and care to people living with visual impairment and other complex needs. Our work spans residential care supported living and community outreach. We are driven by a belief that people with disabilities should have the same opportunities for independence, choice, and inclusion as anyone else.

We are proud of our impact transforming lives, enabling independence, and ensuring that individuals with sight loss and complex disabilities are seen, heard, and supported. With ambitious goals for the future, we are now seeking to strengthen our Board of Trustees by appointing a new member with an emphasis on Learning and Development. 

The Role of Learning and Development Trustee

As a Trustee, you will share responsibility for the overall governance, financial oversight, strategic direction, and sustainability of Focus Birmingham. As a Learning and Development Trustee, you will provide additional strategic support to ensure our people, staff and volunteers are empowered through continuous professional development, inclusive learning practices, and organisational growth.

You will work collaboratively with fellow Trustees and the Senior Leadership Team to shape a learning culture that enhances our workforce’s capability, improves service quality, and supports long-term organisational resilience.

Key Responsibilities

Board-Level Duties

• Ensure Focus Birmingham complies with its governing document, charity law, and any other legal requirements.
• Contribute actively to the board’s strategic direction, risk management, financial oversight, and overall effectiveness.
• Monitor the performance of the charity in achieving its objectives and delivering impact for service users.
• Act as an ambassador for Focus Birmingham’s mission and values, enhancing our public profile and relationships.

Learning & Development Responsibilities

• Provide strategic advice to the Board and Executive Team on all aspects of Learning and Development, talent management, and staff capability.
• Support the design, review, and evaluation of organisation-wide L&D strategies, policies, and practices.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement, reflective practice, and professional growth across all teams.
• Help ensure that staff and volunteers have access to inclusive, high-quality, and impactful training and development opportunities.
• Contribute insights to workforce planning, succession development, leadership training, and skills audits.
• Monitor the effectiveness and outcomes of L&D programmes in alignment with strategic objectives and regulatory expectations.
• Offer support and challenge to the senior leadership team in fostering high performance, wellbeing, and staff engagement.

Person Specification

We are particularly interested in individuals who bring senior-level experience in Learning and Development, Organisational Development, or Human Resources, particularly in contexts where people development is critical to service delivery.

Essential

• Senior or strategic-level experience in L&D, Organisational Development, HR, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrable experience in shaping and implementing learning strategies across multi-disciplinary teams.
• An understanding of how effective L&D contributes to employee wellbeing, performance, retention, and inclusion.
• Strong strategic thinking and analytical skills; the ability to offer insight, constructive challenge, and guidance.
• A collaborative and respectful approach to governance; able to work effectively within a team of fellow Trustees and with senior executives.
• A commitment to the vision, mission, and values of Focus Birmingham.
• Willingness to devote the necessary time and attention to be an effective Trustee.

Desirable

• Experience working in or with charities, health and social care, disability services, or community-based organisations.
• Lived or professional experience related to visual impairment, complex disabilities, or inclusive learning practices.
• Knowledge of relevant regulatory or compliance frameworks in the charity or care sectors (e.g. CQC, Care Act, safeguarding standards).

What We Offer

• A meaningful opportunity to make a lasting impact on a respected, person-centered charity.
• The chance to use your professional skills for public good while expanding your experience in governance and strategy.
• A diverse and supportive Board committed to excellence, inclusion, and positive challenge.
• Full induction and access to governance training and development.
• Opportunities to engage with staff, service users, and community stakeholders.

How to Apply

• If you’re passionate about learning, development, and making a difference in people’s lives, we’d love to hear from you.