Job Description

At Hope Rescue, we believe that education changes lives -- helping dogs and humans thrive together. We're looking for a passionate Learning & Development Officer to help us share knowledge, build confidence, and inspire compassionate change across our rescue community.

If you believe in the power of learning to transform how people think, feel, and act about animal welfare -- this role is for you.

Job Purpose

To deliver and support Hope Rescue's learning and development initiatives through effective facilitation of training sessions.

The postholder will create positive learning experiences for foster carers, volunteers, community participants, and wider stakeholders, supporting Hope Rescue's mission to improve animal welfare through education, empathy, and practical understanding.

Key Responsibilities & Outputs

Programme Delivery

Deliver a range of engaging, evidence-based group and 1:1 training sessions for foster carers, volunteers, community members and other stakeholders, both virtually and in person. Support the delivery of Post Adoption Support (PAS) learning sessions and educational guidance to adopters, ensuring consistency and accessibility of information. Facilitate group discussions, Q&A sessions and practical demonstrations that build confidence and understanding in responsible dog ownership and welfare. Ensure that all learning delivery reflects Hope Rescue's values, welfare standards, and commitment to empathetic and science-led education. Contribute to a safe and supportive learning environment, encouraging participation, reflection and ongoing development among learners.

Programme Support and Development

Assist the Education and Training Manager in the coordination and scheduling of learning sessions. Support the preparation of learning resources, presentations and materials for use across different education programmes. Contribute to the development and review of training content, ensuring materials remain accurate, inclusive and aligned with organisational priorities. Provide feedback and suggestions to improve session content, learner engagement and accessibility.

Administration and Reporting

Maintain accurate attendance records, learner data and feedback forms for all sessions delivered. Assist in the collation and analysis of evaluation data to support programme monitoring and reporting. Support communication with participants, including session reminders, follow-ups and sharing of resources. Complete administrative tasks related to programme delivery in a timely and organised manner.

Collaboration and Representation

Work collaboratively with colleagues across departments to ensure a joined-up approach to education and welfare messaging. Represent Hope Rescue professionally at community events and external learning opportunities, acting as an ambassador for our educational work. Share insight and learner feedback with the wider team to inform continuous improvement of learning initiatives.

Compliance and Standards

Ensure all activity is delivered in line with Hope Rescue's safeguarding, welfare and health & safety policies. Maintain confidentiality and adhere to data protection legislation at all times.

Key Behaviours & Values Alignment

Care & Compassion:

Demonstrates genuine empathy and commitment to improving the welfare of both dogs and people through education. Creates inclusive and supportive learning environments that nurture confidence, understanding, and compassion in others. Provides calm, patient, and encouraging support to learners, adopters, and colleagues, particularly when discussing sensitive topics.

Fairness:

Ensures training delivery and learner interactions are inclusive, accessible, and considerate of individual needs and backgrounds. Treats all participants and colleagues with respect and professionalism, fostering a safe and supportive learning culture. Encourages open dialogue and reflective practice, supporting equitable opportunities for learning and development across all teams and communities.

Advocacy:

Promotes Hope Rescue's vision of education-led welfare improvement through confident, informed, and ethical communication. Represents Hope Rescue positively within the community and during training delivery, championing responsible dog ownership and welfare best practice. Empowers learners to become advocates for positive welfare and ethical practice within their own roles and communities.

Integrity:

Acts with honesty, professionalism, and reliability when delivering education on behalf of Hope Rescue. Maintains confidentiality and professional boundaries in all training and support contexts. Takes responsibility for ensuring that all educational delivery aligns with evidence-based practice and Hope Rescue's welfare standards.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential:

4 GCSEs or equivalent, including English and Maths OR a recognised vocational qualification in a relevant subject (e.g. education, training, animal welfare, or behaviour). An animal welfare, behaviour, education or training qualification, or evidence of working at an equivalent level. Proven experience in delivering engaging, evidence-based training or learning sessions to diverse audiences, both in group and one-to-one settings, in person and online. Proven ability to deliver educational or welfare support remotely via phone, written communication, and resource materials, maintaining high standards of clarity and professionalism. Demonstrable ability to assess and manage risk in learning and welfare settings, including identifying and responding appropriately to potential safety or behavioural concerns. Understanding of different learning styles and ability to adapt delivery methods to suit diverse audiences. Comfortable working independently and making informed decisions when lone working or facilitating sessions without direct supervision. Experience of supervising or coordinating volunteers within learning, community, or welfare environments. Demonstrates empathy, patience, and approachability in all learning and support interactions. Strong working knowledge of safeguarding and health and safety principles within educational or welfare environments. A sound understanding of canine behaviour, welfare, and ethical training principles. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to create safe, supportive, and inclusive learning spaces. Highly organised, with strong administrative skills including scheduling, data management, and learner reporting. Self-motivated and proactive, able to manage time effectively and balance multiple priorities. Comfortable using Microsoft Office 365 (Teams, Word, Excel, SharePoint, PowerPoint, Outlook) and online video platforms such as Teams and Zoom. Awareness of GDPR and confidentiality standards in educational and welfare contexts. A collaborative and reflective practitioner, committed to continuous learning and professional growth. Full manual UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for work purposes.

Desirable:

Qualification or formal training in teaching, learning facilitation, or coaching (e.g. PTLLS, Level 3 Award in Education and Training, or equivalent). Professional accreditation or working towards accreditation with a recognised body (e.g. ABTC, APDT, IMDT, or equivalent). Experience of creating or contributing to educational resources, training content, or digital learning materials. Experience of supporting post-adoption or community support programmes. Experience of using CRM or learning management systems (LMS) to record, monitor and evaluate participation. Previous experience of working or volunteering within the animal welfare or charity sector. Calm, adaptable, and resilient under pressure, maintaining a positive approach when faced with challenges. Demonstrates alignment with Hope Rescue's values of care, fairness, advocacy and integrity in everyday work.
This job description summarises the main duties and responsibilities of the post; the post holder may be required to undertake other duties of a similar level and responsibility, as required.

Location: Hybrid - a mix of home working, Hope Rescue Centre (Llanharan), and charity shop locations

Hours: 12 hours per week (generally 3 hours over 4 weekday evenings, with one week per month including a 6 hour weekend day shift and 2 x 3 hour weekday evening shifts) There may be occasional overnight travel involved to attend events.

Fixed Term 2 Year Contract

Salary: 28,840 pro rata

Application Deadline: 30th October 2025

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 35,000.00-38,000.00 per year

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Pontyclun CF72 9NH