About Ashurst:

Ashurst is a leading global law firm with a history spanning almost 200 years, and clear strategy for our future growth. Our in-depth understanding of our clients and commitment to providing exceptional standards of service have seen us become a trusted adviser to local and global corporates, financial institutions and governments in all areas of commercial law. To find out more please visit here.

In order to comply with regulatory and client requirements, Ashurst will undertake appropriate vetting of staff. When applicants accept a job offer, Ashurst, alongside a specialist provider, will undertake professional verification and background checks. These checks are only undertaken with consent, and in accordance with our legal and regulatory obligations.

We currently have a fantastic opportunity in our global Learning & Organisational Development team for a Learning and Development Consultant on a 12 month FTC in London. This role will be involved in Trainee Training and delivering PSC and other courses to our apprentices, trainees and vacation clerks. The role will also support the delivery of our Advice Writing Project and other initiatives.

Role Overview

The global Learning and Organisational Development team is a centralised team predominantly based in the UK and Australia. The team works as one team, providing the same high quality learning experience and global offerings to our people in 29 offices around the world.

This role reports to a Learning and Development Manager based in London, and plays a key role in developing the capability of our people across EMEA/US and contributing to firm-wide talent and organisational development initiatives.

The L&OD team is part of the People and Culture function and is responsible for a range of learning and development programmes, projects and services including business skills development for all levels from vacation clerk to partner and business services staff across the firm.

The L&D Consultant needs to think strategically, but also needs the ability to pay close attention to detail to manage programmes and services across multiple levels in multiple geographies. They must have exceptional communication skills, including strong facilitation and stakeholder management skills; the ability to supervise team members day to day; and the ability to work closely and collaborate with colleagues based in the APAC.

The L&D Consultant must be a team player who enjoys working in a collaborative environment.

Main responsibilities:

• Play a key role in the management of legal training and legal skills provision for our trainee solicitors and apprentices, including delivery the PSC and management of training providers.
• Working in conjunction with relevant stakeholders, including internal and third party trainers, the L&D Consultant will help design, develop and deliver training programmes for the firm's future trainee solicitors and apprentices, taking into account the new regulations around the SQE.
• Assist with the design and delivery of the firm's legal and business skills training programme for lawyers and other staff, focusing on core legal and practical skills
• Manage learning and capability development solution delivery end to end including needs analysis, design, delivery, evaluation and ongoing enhancement
• Contribute to L&OD offerings for various offices across EMEA/US
• Facilitate face-to-face and online programmes and courses for clerks, trainees, associates, business services and adjacent services staff and partners
• Contribute to the management of L&OD systems, policies and processes including planning, budgeting, recording and reporting
• Contribute to the promotion of learning and organisational development throughout the firm
• Build and sustain productive relationships with business leaders and stakeholders to support the efficient and effective operation of the L&D function
• Provide consultancy and advisory services to the business on L&OD matters
• Assist practice, business services and adjacent services teams with their learning and organisational development activities as appropriate
• Deliver client training as appropriate
• Contribute to L&OD projects and broader People & Culture or firm projects
• Contribute to relevant administration of the function including learning records, budgeting, communications and reporting as required
• Supervise junior team members
• Identify and liaise with internal faculty/SMEs and external providers for L&OD activities and negotiate cost-effective services and fees as appropriate
• Risk and Control: ensure that all activities and duties are carried out in full compliance with our regulatory requirements and internal policies.

Essential skills and experience:

• Qualified legal practitioner with a good understanding of the legal environment and lawyers' work practices
• Experience as a lawyer and learning and development professional or legal educator
•  Strong facilitation and training delivery experience - both face to face and online
• Significant experience in learning programme design and delivery to wide audiences
•  Experience in building blended learning solutions and applying innovative thinking
•  Ability to design programmes, initiatives and material in consultation with business leaders and subject matter experts
•  Ability to provide ongoing reporting and analysis on learning activities
•  Ability to manage budget for learning programmes
•  Adept at building rapport and building effective working relationships with people at different levels.
•  Displays emotional maturity and good judgment with the ability to be adaptable and flexible
• Proactive with excellent organisational skills - able manage competing priorities and work to tight deadlines
• Ability to drive projects in a proactive manner
•  Able to work collaboratively in a geographically dispersed team
•  Able to effectively supervise and support the development of junior team members
•  Due to the global nature of the firm, flexibility in working hours will be required

Desired skills and experience:

• Professional services, corporate or legal education experience preferred
• Experience of Learning Management Systems