Learning Needs Analysis Lead

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust; Ringwood; On-site; GBP 43,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Learning Needs Analysis Lead to join the Learning & Development Team on a 14-month fixed-term maternity cover contract. The role focuses on aligning learning investment to service needs, working with NHS partners and HEIs to maximise opportunities and funding, and leading the learning analysis process.

The role requires collaboration with Directors and senior managers, with responsibility for monitoring demand, funding allocations,

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent level 6 qualification; evidence of further admin/finance training.
• Excellent written and verbal communications with influencing skills.
• Experience with CPD and workforce development funding administration.
• Experience working with senior staff and complex relationships.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office packages and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Learning Needs Analysis process and drive continuous improvement.
• Identify future workforce development and training requirements with stakeholders.
• Monitor learning demand, funding allocations and outcomes; provide analysis and insights.
• Manage relationships with NHS partners and HEIs to maximise opportunities and funding.
• Support fair and strategic allocation of CPD and education funding.
• Line manage the Learning & Development Administrator.
• Provide signposting for staff career progression opportunities.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Project management

CPD administration

Financial administration

Education

Degree or equivalent (Level 6)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust

Learning Needs Analysis Lead

The closing date is 15 October 2026

Are you passionate about workforce development and helping staff access the learning opportunities they need to thrive?

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and motivated Learning Needs Analysis Lead to join our Learning & Development Team on a 14-month fixed-term maternity cover contract. This is a key role supporting the delivery of Dorset Healthcare's workforce development priorities by ensuring that learning and development investment is aligned to service needs and delivers maximum value for staff, services and patients.

Working closely with senior leaders, service managers, NHS partners and Higher Education Institutions, you will lead the Trust's Learning Needs Analysis process, helping to identify training requirements, manage education funding opportunities and support the development of a skilled and sustainable workforce.

Please note visa sponsorship for this role is unfortunately not available. Ensure you hold valid right to work in the UK and will not require sponsorship if successful.

Main duties of the job

You will:

• Lead the implementation, review and continuous improvement of the Trust's Learning Needs Analysis process.
• Work with Directors, Service Leads and stakeholders to identify future workforce development and training requirements.
• Monitor and report on learning demand, funding allocations and outcomes, providing meaningful analysis and insights.
• Manage relationships with NHS partners, Higher Education Institutions and workforce transformation teams to maximise educational opportunities and funding.
• Support the effective use of CPD and workforce development funding, ensuring resources are allocated fairly and strategically.
• Line manage and support the Learning & Development Administrator.
• Act as a trusted source of advice and signposting for staff seeking development and career progression opportunities

About us

At Dorset HealthCare we're on a mission to empower people to make the most of their lives through our outstanding, joined-up healthcare services. We're a dynamic, forward-looking Trust, running 12 community hospitals, specialist inpatient facilities and a wide range of integrated community and mental health services for a population of almost800,000 people.

We do things differently here - it's one of the reasons the CQC rated us 'outstanding' in 2019. It's also why 95% of patients across our services say they have a good or very good experience of our services and 89% of staff feel they can really make a difference. Whether you're looking to work with us in one of our bustling market towns, vibrant urban locations, thriving seaside spots, or among the rolling hills of Dorset, there are lots of ways you can make a difference in our communities.

Our 7,000-strong workforce is at the heart of what we do and our success is a testament to our brilliant people. We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities and we celebrate diversity. We're an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be authentic, and we are all encouraged to be the best version of ourselves.

Working with us you'll be part of a strong team, challenge yourself, build a career, and teach us what we don't know. And you'll be working towards our vision to create healthier lives, empowered citizens and thriving communities.

Job responsibilities

For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.We understand that AI can be a useful tool when completing your application. However, we are seeing an increasing over-reliance of AI tools, which can negatively affect your application as it reduces a candidates individuality, and makes it difficult for us to gain a clear and authentic understanding of your experience, skills, and in turn your suitability for the role.All submissions must be truthful and if you do use AI, it should only be used to enhance your application and not create your supporting statement in its entirety. Your supporting statement should be in your own words and must accurately reflect your personal experience and achievements. Where we have concerns that AI has been used to generate content that misrepresents your experience and suitability for the role, we may withdraw your application.As part of our vision to have a skilled, diverse and caring workforce, Dorset HealthCare offers support for people getting into work. We offer an employability service to support individuals with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. If you would like or know of anyone who would value this support, please do contact [e-mail]

Person Specification

Knowledge, Skills and Training

• Degree/ Level 6 qualification or equivalent knowledge and skills Post graduate certificate or knowledge and experience to an equivalent level
• Evidence of self-development or training in administration and finance
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office packages
• Evidence of excellent communications skills, both verbal and written, with an ability to effectively apply negotiating and influencing skills
• Evidenced continuous professional development in all areas of business or administration

Job Specific Experience

• Extensive experience of working with senior level staff and in managing confidential issues and matters
• Evidence of managing complex relationships with directors and senior managers to support workplace planning and service development
• Experience of developing, evaluating and adapting workplace projects. Specific knowledge and experience of working within L&D and training analysis

Business Travel

• Subject to the provisions of the Equality Act, able to travel using own vehicle on Trust business.

Additional Requirements

• Demonstrable skills in written and spoken English, adequate to enable the post holder to carry out the role effectively

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer name

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust