Head of Learning & Development

Head of Professional Standards & Policy Job DescriptionReports to: CEOLocation: Hybrid – working remotely and attending ICB’s London office and external meetings and events as requiredHours: Full-time (35 hours/week)Salary: CompetitiveRole PurposeThe Head of Learning & Development is a senior leadership role at ICB, responsible for thevision, strategy, and operational delivery of all learning and development activity. Thisincludes oversight of ICB’s qualifications, Ofqual-regulated apprenticeships, CPD, andglobal member development.As Responsible Officer for Apprenticeships, you’ll ensure compliance with regulatoryframeworks and maintain the highest standards in vocational education. You’ll also leadthe design of a new UK syllabus and the development of a consolidated global syllabusstrategy to ensure relevance, consistency, and scalability across markets.At the heart of this role is a commitment to ICB’s values: purpose, passion and progress.You’ll help learners across the world achieve their goals, whether that’s starting a newcareer, launching a business, or becoming the finance backbone of their organisation.This is not a traditional academic role. We’re looking for a commercially-aware, hands-onleader who sees the opportunity in vocational education and lifelong learning, and is readyto build something ambitious and future-facing.About ICBThe Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) is the largest bookkeeping body in the world.We support tens of thousands of students and members in 100+ countries and operate anetwork of approved learning centres in 15 countries. We deliver exams online and ondemand,and we’re scaling to meet the needs of a changing profession.We believe that bookkeepers are vital to the economy and that with the right support andqualifications, they can change lives and businesses for the better.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Leadership- Lead the development and execution of ICB’s future-ready learning anddevelopment strategy- Embed ICB’s values - purpose, passion, and progress into every element of thelearner journey- Work with the CEO and Executive team to set and achieve learning KPIs, growthtargets, and commercial objectives- Lead, motivate, and develop a small, capable team of three direct reportsSyllabus Design & Qualification Strategy- Oversee a full review and redesign of ICB’s UK syllabus- Lead the consolidation of global syllabuses into a unified, scalable framework- Inspire the next generation of learners and support the profession to redefine itselfin a changing world- Ensure all qualifications reflect evolving business, technological, and sustainabilitydemands- Collaborate with external experts and training providers to ensure quality, rigour,and relevanceApprenticeships (Responsible Officer)- Act as ICB’s official Responsible Officer for Apprenticeships- Ensure compliance with Ofqual and Skills England regulatory standards- Support and expand apprenticeship provision with training partners and employers- Act as the key liaison for regulatory reporting and auditsOperational Excellence & Learner Success- Own the end-to-end learner experience from enrolment to qualification andmembership- Use data to monitor learner outcomes and drive improvements in engagement,retention, and success- Ensure learning pathways are inclusive, accessible, and responsive to learnerneeds- Build new products and services that support learners’ career development andCPD goals and ensure that graduates are relevant and in-demandTraining Provider & International Partnerships- Oversee relationships with ICB’s Accredited Training Providers in the UK andinternationally- Ensure providers understand and align with ICB’s standards, values, and growthstrategy- Provide leadership and support to help centres succeed and scale with ICB- Explore new partnerships and models to grow ICB’s presence and impact globallyMember Development & CPD- Shape and deliver a CPD strategy that keeps members future-ready, professionallycompetent, confident, and in-demand- Introduce development programmes that support members through every stage oftheir career - student, practitioner, in-house bookkeeper, business owner,fractional CFO, and mentor- Champion innovation in CPD delivery, including AI-assisted learning,microcredentials, and international alignmentPerson SpecificationEssentialSenior experience within a professional or public body, awarding organisation, or other regulated environment (including commercial organisations with compliance grade processes).Proven success leading through external audits/monitoring, addressing actions and strengthening controls without slowing delivery.A recognised professional qualification in accounting or bookkeepingDesirableExperience operating to Ofqual Conditions of Recognition and/or within an End-Point Assessment Organisation (assessment design, quality assurance, standard setting, appeals/malpractice handling).Familiarity with apprenticeship standards and working with IfATE/ESFA/Skills England.Experience in accountancy/bookkeeping practice and/or membership of an accountancy professional body.Background in vocational/technical education, including international syllabus alignment or market entry.Knowledge of digital learning platforms and online/on-demand assessment models.You’ll thrive in this role if you are:A strategic thinker who can also roll up your sleeves and deliverEntrepreneurial and commercially-minded, but grounded in purposePassionate about education and empowering learnersReady to lead a team and collaborate across departments and bordersExcited by the future of learningAble to balance innovation with regulatory and operational rigourSomeone who builds relationships easily and brings others with youIf this role excites you, even if you don’t meet all of our requirements, we encourage you toapply. You might be exactly the person we’re looking for.Why Work for ICB?ICB is small in headcount and big in impact, and every team member has the opportunity tomake their mark. We are grounded in Purpose, fuelled by Passion, and committed toProgress. You’ll be helping learners around the world realise their dreams, while driving theevolution of the profession.We offer flexible working, a supportive and values-driven culture, regular social events, yourbirthday off, and five extra days’ leave at Christmas.