Learning & Development Manager (LDM) – Cymru Wales, West Midlands & South West
Home - Based but within commutable distance to Wales, West Midlands & South West
If you’re passionate about helping further the mission of Methodist churches, circuits and districts, then we would like to hear from you. As an experienced professional with a proven track record in learning and development, and management, you will be part of a Learning Network (LN), within the Ministries and Learning team and part of the Connexional Team of The Methodist Church.
The LN comprises 30+ staff working as part of a single team operating across the Methodist Church in Britain. The team is strategically and collaboratively managed by Learning and Development Managers (LDMs), each having responsibility for a number of Learning and Development Officers (LDO) working within a geographical area. We are seeking to recruit an LDM for the Cymru Wales, West Midlands and South West area. There is a requirement to live within this geography that includes the Methodist districts: Wales Synod Cymru, West Midlands (following the merger of the current Birmingham District and the Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury District on 1st September 2025), Southampton, Channel Islands, Bristol, and South West Peninsular.
Responsibilities of the Learning Development Manager include:
- strategic shared leadership of the LN
- leading and managing the LDOs, balancing the needs and expectations of lay and ordained
- developing, implementing and reviewing, alongside other LDMs and the Director of Ministry Learning, the strategic work plan of the LN
- building and maintaining good relationships across the Connexional Team and with individuals and communities across the church and beyond
- encouraging the sharing of individual gifts and experiences across a number of teams and stakeholders
- travel (including overnight stays), weekend and evening work
We are looking for someone who has:
- proven experience of coordinating and managing a dispersed team of staff and volunteers
- significant experience and is passionate about learning and development
- a strong commitment to collaborative and partnership working
- a proven track record of meeting deadlines within a complex and varied workload
Knowledge of the Welsh language would be a valuable asset to this role
Our Culture, Values and Benefits
Thank you for considering joining our inclusive and welcoming team that strives for excellence and values employee wellbeing.
We value and support all those who join our team through a positive work-life balance augmented by generous annual leave (plus an extra 3 days over Christmas/New Year), TOIL, flexi-leave and an on-site Wellbeing Adviser service. We offer a generous occupational pension scheme, where the Methodist Church will pay double the employee contribution up to a maximum of 16% employer contribution.
The Methodist Church is an inclusive and supportive employer. We are actively committed to encouraging applications from people of all backgrounds. We welcome applications from people of Black, Asian and other Minority Ethnic groups.
For ministers in Full Connexion the standard terms of service apply.
Closing date: 23:59 on 21/07/2025
Interviews to take place on: 08/08/2025 in London in person.
N.B. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
The calling of the Methodist Church is to respond to the gospel of God's love in Christ and to live out its discipleship in worship and mission.

The role of Health and Safety Advisor will be to review, monitor and advise on Health and Safety (H&S) processes, policies, risk assessments and safe working practices across the charity.
The successful candidate will report to the charity’s Risk Manager, but be expected to work closely with other teams, in particular the Estates and Facilities, and Operations teams.
A recognised Health and Safety Qualification (e.g. NEBOSH General Certificate, or equivalent) is essential for this role.
Overall objectives:
- To be the subject matter expert for staff, volunteers, visitors and contractors dealing with health and safety issues across all three sites.
- Write high quality practical guidance and policies for H&S at Battersea.
- Embed H&S policies and processes across Battersea.
- Help train and educate managers and team leaders in their H&S responsibilities.
- Develop and sign-off H&S risk assessments where appropriate.
- Work closely with the H&S Officer in the Estates and Facilities Team.
What we can offer you:
In return for your commitment to our cause and to recognise the value of our employees, Battersea offers a range of benefits to support the wellbeing of our employees. These include:
- 28 days of annual leave (plus 8 days paid public holidays) per year
- Discounted gym memberships and cycle to work schemes
- Employee Assistance Programme and access to Wellbeing Resources
- Generous pension contributions – up to 10% employer contribution
- Free healthcare cash plan, where you can claim for a range of treatment including dental, optical, physiotherapy, chiropody and acupuncture every year
- Annual interest-free season ticket loans
We are also committed to providing learning and development to our employees. During your time with us, we provide support for your professional and career development, including access to digital and in-person training programmes, leadership and management training, mentoring and much more.
Our hybrid working model:
We operate a 50% onsite hybrid working model, with our office-based staff splitting their time between site based and home working. This enables our office-based staff to balance the benefits of home working with onsite collaboration and maintaining a connection to our cause.
Diversity and inclusion:
We are committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive experience for all staff, volunteers and trustees and those hoping to join us. We operate an anonymised shortlisting process and actively seek to ensure our process is fair and equitable for all.
We understand the value of diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences to help us deliver even more for our dogs and cats, and we welcome applicants from all sections of the community.
As a Disability Confident Committed Employer we will ask about any adjustments you may need at application and/or interview stage, and if you are offered a role with us, we’ll talk to you about any workplace adjustments you may need to help you perform at your best.
More about us:
At Battersea, we aim to never turn away a dog or cat in need of help. We give each one lots of love, expert care and get to know their characters and quirks so we can find them a new home that’s just right for them. Join us and help us be here for every dog and cat, wherever they are, for as long as they need us.
Closing date: 13th July 2025
Interview date(s): W/c 21st and 28th July 2025
All applications must be submitted before the closing date advertised. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications is received.
Battersea is here for every dog and cat, and has been since 1860. We believe that every dog and cat deserves the best.





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