HR Officer – Learning & Development

Thank you for taking the time to read about our role with the Government Actuary’s Department (GAD) we are a non-ministerial department, which provides actuarial solutions including financial risk analysis, modelling and advice to support the UK public sector. GAD’s mission is to improve the stewardship of public sector finances by supporting effective decision-making, robust financial reporting through actuarial analysis, modelling and advice.

We are looking for someone to help us continue to create a culture of continuous learning and growth through programmes that enable GAD to constantly evolve and develop.

The post holder will use a full mixture of skills built on from enthusiasm, a questioning approach, a passion for HR and L&D and hands-on experience, to support the Head of Talent & Skills Development.

The role holder will support the organisation by delivering efficient day to day HR administration and advice across talent management and skills development whilst supporting the other HR Officers where needed.

About you

You are both passionate and knowledgeable about development and talent training of others and embrace different styles of training techniques, including e-learning, tutorial sessions or coaching.

You will have the ability to build effective relationships and apply influencing skills with the ability to collaborate cross functionally and be able to work in an agile way, often with conflicting priorities.

Have a curiosity about talent and a desire to ensure that all our development is supporting the managers in continuing being high performing.

Our Corporate roles come with big potential to make your mark on our business. We are constantly evolving and finding new ways to improve, if you’re an innovator, you will be in your element at GAD.

About the Team

This is a new team, so it’s an exciting time for us at the Government Actuary’s Department right now, and it’s a great time to be joining us, with many new projects in the pipeline.

Our team have a growth mind-set, and a strong team focused work ethic – we work together and take great pride in what we do. Never afraid to think differently, and to develop new and bold ways to provide our services, we also provide healthy challenge and encourage each other to achieve the best outcomes. So, if these are all qualities that you see in yourself, then we would welcome you joining the team.

You can find out more about GAD and the work that our Actuary’s do in the following recruitment pack and YouTube video:

• GAD Actuary Recruitment Pack – July 2023 (publishing.service.gov.uk)
• Actuaries in government – YouTube

This role will help the organisation with a number of improvements in learning and development, to lead on and support the Head of Talent & Skills Development to deliver an effective, professional learning and development function that contributes to the development of a high performing organisation.

This post draws together a number of key tasks that are crucial in providing HR operational support to enable the HR team to progress pivotal corporate projects within Learning and Development. This post is crucial in underpinning the HR service delivery, particularly in the Learning and Development sphere.

The post holder will use a full mixture of skills built on from enthusiasm, a questioning approach, a passion for HR and L&D and hands-on experience, to support the Head of Talent & Skills Development.

The role holder will support the organisation by delivering efficient day to day HR administration and advice across talent management and skills development whilst supporting the other HR Officers where needed.

The HR team is small, and operates within a matrix framework, requiring a flexible approach by all team members to ensure adequate cover and take on tasks and responsibilities which may change over time to meet GAD’s business objectives. 

HR service delivery

You will provide a professional, enthusiastic and flexible approach to L&D activities in order to earn a positive reputation for enabling colleagues to achieve their full potential including:

• Contribute to and support the delivery of the business plan objectives
• Engage and consult with key stakeholders and colleagues to continue to scope the full learning requirements of the organisation
• Contribute towards the design and development of engaging learning initiatives
• Support the achievement of business objectives through delivery and facilitation of interactive training sessions ensuring a learner led and engaging approach is applied in all delivery
• Work with the organisations’ Executive and Heads of Service Team, analyse, develop and implement a strategic approach to Learning & Development with activities to support business needs and objectives
• Create an energetic and exciting learning environment across the organisation and in partnership with Managers to ensure that we work towards improving knowledge, skills and behaviours
• Monitor regulatory requirements for staff training and competence and ensure that all requirements and subsequent changes are reflected in the training
• Ensure that every L&D intervention includes robust evaluation of the effectiveness and measurement of return of investment
• Identify and monitor training KPI’s and prepare reports including training, costs, budget and delivery of courses/qualifications
• Use feedback to improve the learning and development service and find new and better ways to operate
• Review training and development needs, identifying and collating training needs and identifying gaps
• Identify and source internal and external training
• Manage the induction process by arranging, coordinating and facilitating sessions, as well as mapping out training plans for new starters
• Provide clear and effective communication to all staff, using a wide range of channels such as internal memos, newsletters, meetings and emails
• Manage and keep up-to-date information on L&D training, spend and trainees
• Manage and raise purchase orders
• Support our apprenticeship programme and develop a mentoring programme

Continuous improvement

Work with HR colleagues to streamline and improve the HR service, suggesting ways to improve quality and efficiency and optimise customer-focused HR, L&D and D&I practices, to deliver people services that are efficient, compliant with Civil Service and employment law requirements and maximise staff engagement in GAD.  This includes:

• Supporting organisational change or transformation projects (e.g., relating to organisational development, performance, engagement, culture change, etc)
• Supporting improvement projects to streamline existing HR and L&D systems, processes, procedures and service provision.

We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Changing and Improving
• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together
• Developing Self and Others

We’ll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• CIPD qualified or relevant experience in the field of Learning & Development (Essential)
• Good IT skills including MS Office and excellent Excel skills (Essential)
• Experience of using HR management information systems and of analysis and reporting (knowledge of iTrent and Business Objects is desirable, but training will be given) (Essential)

As well as competitive salaries, we offer a substantial package of benefits:

• 25 days annual leave per year, increasing to 30 days after 5 years’ service. In addition, 9 days public and privilege days leave per year (pro rata for part time colleagues)
• Hybrid working – GAD expects colleagues in the office 50% of the time. We would expect you in our Canary Wharf at least two / three days a week, dependent on operational requirements and typically the other days at home.
• Pension -An average employer pension contribution of 27% per year.
• Professional Fees – you can claim back the cost of professional fees associated with your role.
• Extensive talent, career and personal development, with up to ten days a year, being used for Continuing Professional Development.
• Family-friendly policies such as help with caring responsibilities, special leave, generous paid maternity, paternity and adoption leave
• A working culture which encourages inclusion and diversity
• Complimentary BUPA health check for permanent colleagues
• Community volunteering programme, the opportunity to join a trade union, access to Edenred discounts, some examples include, 5% off supermarkets, and up to 40% off gym memberships and social groups
• Salary advances for travel costs, including season tickets and cycle-to-work schemes

Job contact :

• Name : Recruitment Team
• Email : recruitment@gad.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : recruitment@gad.gov.uk