Learning and Development Specialist

On behalf of Defra - Environments Agency, we are looking for an L&D Specialist - Inside IR35 for a contract until 31st March 2027 working on a Hybrid basis (remote with occasional travel for key meetings)

The Environment Agency works to create better places for people and wildlife, and supports sustainable development.

Role purpose:

We require 2 consultants to join the team from beginning of October 2026 until end of March 2027 to deliver the data gathering and mapping components of the discovery phase.

One will focus on looking into the EA business and the other will focus on the operating model and processes between the EA and Defra and the National teams.

The main duties and responsibilities of the L&D Specialist would be to:

- Conduct discovery activities to gather and analyse Learning & Development (L&D) data across national and local areas of the organisation, identifying current activities, audiences, outcomes, and value delivered.
- Map and evaluate L&D processes, roles, responsibilities, and resource allocation to provide a clear picture of the existing L&D landscape and operating model.
- Facilitate stakeholder interviews, workshops, and engagement sessions to capture insights, validate findings, and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Perform root cause analysis to assess current challenges , constraints, and inefficiencies affecting the effectiveness of the L&D function.
- Analyse and document the operating model and working relationships between the Environment Agency, Defra, and national teams, identifying strengths, issues, and improvement opportunities.
- Create end-to-end process maps across the employee lifecycle, highlighting L&D touchpoints, interdependencies, risks, and areas for optimisation.
- Produce clear, evidence-based reports and recommendations, including cost-benefit analyses , to support future-state L&D operating model design and programme decision -making.

Essential:

- Strong Learning & Development background
- Skills in data gathering, root cause analysis & process mapping
- Strong collaboration and communication skills
- Ability to facilitate workshops to get the most from participants Self-motivated and a proven track record in delivering outcomes on time
- Ability to work with stakeholders at various levels
- Experience of cost/benefit analysis
- Ability to report outcomes coherently
- Understanding and experience of how the public sector works
- Project related skills Good IT skills

Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.

Disability Confident

As a Disability Confident employer, the EA encourage applications from disabled and neurodivergent candidates . Applications from candidates who identify as having a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role will be prioritised for review. Where application volumes are high, additional role-specific and desirable criteria may be applied as part of the shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

Armed Forces Covenant

As a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, the EA welcome applications from veterans, service leavers, reservists and military spouses or partners. Applications from eligible candidates who meet the essential criteria for the role will be prioritised for review. Where application volumes are high, additional role-specific and desirable criteria may be applied as part of the shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

In applying for this role, you acknowledge the following "this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different".