Learning Experiences›Open Public Learning›The Learning & Development Specialist
November 2026 | Open Public Learning

The Learning & Development Specialist

Build the practical, future focused capabilities to diagnose learning needs, design effective learning experiences, facilitate development and demonstrate value in the workplace.

Programme overview

Move beyond programme administration into confident capability practice.

This three day immersive learning experience strengthens the functional, interpersonal and future focused capabilities required of today's Learning & Development Specialist. Participants connect learning needs to organisational priorities, design purposeful experiences, facilitate engaging sessions and use evidence to improve learning effectiveness.

Learning promise

From learning need to capability solution.

Explore practical frameworks, tools, peer perspectives and an applied capstone that connects business challenges with learning design and workplace application.

Participants will explore

Four connected areas of specialist capability.

01 · Professional practice

Clarify needs and capability priorities

Explore the evolving L&D role, learning ecosystems, needs analysis and capability diagnosis.

02 · Design and facilitation

Create meaningful learning experiences

Structure learner centred experiences, facilitate active participation and support workplace application.

03 · Digital and evidence informed practice

Use technology and data purposefully

Consider learning technology, responsible AI applications, analytics and evaluation approaches.

04 · Organisational contribution

Work with stakeholders to improve impact

Connect learning solutions with performance priorities, capability development and continuous improvement.

The learning journey

Three days of exploration, practice and application.

Explore each day to see how the experience progresses towards a practical capstone.

01 · Day 1

Becoming a future ready L&D Specialist

Explore professional identity, learning ecosystems, needs analysis and capability diagnosis.

Practical focus: connecting organisational needs with learning priorities.
Who should attend

For people contributing to learning and capability development.

L&D professionals

Specialists and officers

Professionals coordinating, designing, facilitating or improving learning experiences and learning operations.

HR and talent

HR practitioners with L&D responsibilities

People supporting workforce capability, organisational development, talent and people development.

Career development

Emerging and transitioning practitioners

Professionals preparing for broader responsibilities in L&D or moving into learning focused roles.

What you will work with

Practical resources for continued application.

01

Learning resources

Participant workbook and supporting learning materials.

02

Practical tools

Templates and approaches for diagnosis, design and evaluation.

03

Applied capstone

Connect a real need to a capability solution.

04

Participation certificate

Issued following participation and completion of the programme evaluation form.

05

Continued support

30 day post learning support included.

Continue exploring

Choose the learning route that fits your needs.

Current opportunities

Public Learning Calendar

See this programme in the context of the current public learning calendar.

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Organisational learning

Learning & Capability Development

Explore how Ideas & Update approaches learning architecture, capability development and performance.

Explore the solution →
Previously featured

Past Learning Experiences

Browse earlier public learning experiences and their programme focus.

Browse the archive →

Ready to strengthen your capability as an L&D Specialist?

Ask about an individual place or organisational nominations. The team can confirm the next steps for participation.

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