Network Learning Exchange online learning and idea-sharing for the Headway network.
Launched in 2023, the Network Learning Exchange offers engaging online sessions designed to inspire collaboration, share ideas, and provide valuable insights. Empowering local Headway charities and volunteer-led branches to create a greater impact together.
Training & workshops
Join our interactive training sessions and workshops, covering topics from digital marketing to trustee recruitment. We encourage active participation, ask questions anytime using the chat or raise-hand feature to make the most of the experience!
Discussion groups
Looking to connect with others tackling similar challenges? Our discussion groups are here to bring the Headway network together, offering a space to exchange ideas, share experiences, and explore best practices.
Information sessions
These sessions are designed to provide you with essential information about key Headway services, including topics such as financial returns and our group insurance scheme.
Available now
Feedback and suggestions
We are always looking for suggestions of future topics and ideas on how we can improve the Network Learning Exchange. Feel free to leave any suggestions in the comments box.
May
Safeguarding for Volunteer-led branches
This session will be delivered by Alex Power and Ffion Jones, from the Headway Safeguarding team.
09/05/2025 (12pm - 1:30pm)
Workshop
This interactive session has been designed specifically for volunteer-led branches to enhance their understanding of safeguarding and their role in protecting adults at risk. Participants will gain a clear understanding of what safeguarding is, why it is essential, and their duty to act when concerns arise.
Key topics include:
- Recognising safeguarding risks and responsibilities
- Understanding that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility
- Knowing how and when to report concerns or incidents to Headway UK, with guidance on the new safeguarding policy and reporting procedures
- Exploring how safeguarding applies within a volunteer-led branch context
By the end of this session, you will feel more confident in identifying safeguarding concerns and taking appropriate action to ensure a safe and supportive environment for all.
If you are unable to attend this date, this session will be repeated on: 2 April, 16 April and 13 May.
Preventing Sexual Harassment: New Legal Duties for Headway Charities
This session will be delivered by Michael Green, HR Professional and Director of Endorse HR.
12/05/2025 (11am - 12pm)
Workshop
Want to better understand the implications of this legislation for Headway charities, their staff and clients?
Under equality law employers must take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment of workers. It is highly likely that this will become “all” reasonable steps when the Government implement their Employment Bill later this year.
This session will discuss the implications of this duty to prevent sexual harassment, what action you should be taking so that you meet the legal requirements and your staff and clients are safeguarded as far as you are able to. It will be an interactive session, with plenty of scope for questions.
About the trainer
Michael is a HR Professional and Ex Royal Marine, Director of Endorse HR, he has been running his own successful HR consultancy business for over 13 years, using his professional knowledge to help businesses, stay safe, start, grow or take a new direction.
Future-Proofing Leadership: Succession Planning for Headway Charities
This session will be delivered by Susie Powis from Hi.Ho. Coaching.
13/05/2025 (10am - 12pm)
Workshop
About the training
Succession planning isn’t just about filling roles—it’s about future-proofing your organisation by developing the next generation of leaders.
This interactive session will equip you with practical strategies to identify high-potential talent, create leadership pathways, and align succession planning with business goals.
Through discussions, case studies, and action planning, you’ll leave with a clear roadmap to strengthen leadership continuity and long-term success.
Agenda
- Welcome & The Strategic Role of Succession Planning
- Identifying High-Potential Talent
- Structuring Leadership Development Pathways
- Aligning Succession Planning with Organisational Vision
- Turning Strategy into Action
- Strategic Open Forum & Next Steps
About the trainer
Susie is a commercial strategist, leadership coach, and negotiation expert with over 20 years of experience working with global brands, including Amazon, Disney, Sainsbury’s, and John Lewis. She specialises in helping organisations future-proof their leadership by building strong talent pipelines, fostering internal mobility, and developing high-performing teams. With a background in commercial strategy and contract negotiation, Susie brings a unique blend of business insight and coaching expertise to succession planning. She works with businesses to create tailored leadership development strategies that drive long-term success and employee retention.
Safeguarding for Volunteer-led branches
This session will be delivered by Alex Power and Ffion Jones, from the Headway Safeguarding team.
13/05/2025 (6pm - 7:30pm)
Workshop
This interactive session has been designed specifically for volunteer-led branches to enhance their understanding of safeguarding and their role in protecting adults at risk. Participants will gain a clear understanding of what safeguarding is, why it is essential, and their duty to act when concerns arise.
Key topics include:
- Recognising safeguarding risks and responsibilities
- Understanding that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility
- Knowing how and when to report concerns or incidents to Headway UK, with guidance on the new safeguarding policy and reporting procedures
- Exploring how safeguarding applies within a volunteer-led branch context
By the end of this session, you will feel more confident in identifying safeguarding concerns and taking appropriate action to ensure a safe and supportive environment for all.
If you are unable to attend this date, this session will be repeated on: 2 April, 16 April and 9 May.
Together is Better Group
Marie Peacock, Headway of Network & Ali Bazley, Network Support Manager.
20/05/2025 (11:45am - 12:30pm)
Discussion group
This discussion group brings together local Headway charities to strengthen partnerships, share insights, and exchange experiences. It’s an opportunity to celebrate successes, address current challenges, and explore new ways to work together effectively.
If you have an item that you would like to raise for discussion, please email marie.peacock@headway.org.uk for inclusion on the agenda.
Trustee Welcome (England & Wales)
This session will be delivered by Marie Peacock, Head of Network & Ali Bazley, Network Support Manager
22/05/2025 (12:00pm - 12:30pm)
Webinar
This session is for new trustees or those who would like to refresh their knowledge.
We will cover what it means to be a trustee, the six essential duties of being a trustee as determined by the Charity Commission and what to expect in the boardroom.
Supporting Brain Injury Survivors in Building Meaningful Relationships
This session will be delivered by Alison Towner, Sex and Relationship Psychotherapist.
28/05/2025 (10am - 12pm)
Training
If you work with people who have had a brain injury, you will know that their relationships with an intimate partner can be challenging, whether they are in an existing relationship or are looking to develop a new one. This workshop will give you the opportunity to reflect on these challenges and discover how you might support them to develop positive, meaningful relationships.
June
Ideas for Income: Different Ways to Diversify Your Fundraising
This session will be delivered by John Dunford, Client Partner at Torchbox.
03/06/2025 (11am - 12pm)
Workshop
Join us for a one-hour interactive session designed to spark fresh thinking around digital income for Headway charities. Delivered by the team at Torchbox, a digital agency supporting groups like UNICEF, Samaritans, Mind, RNIB, Oxfam and many more, this session will help you rethink what’s possible in terms of your fundraising.
During the session we’ll share real-world examples and carve out time for discussion and Q&A, making space to explore how these ideas could work for you. Whether you're looking to optimise what you're already doing or want to shake things up with something new, there'll be plenty to take away.
Stewardship: What It Is, Why It Matters, and Examples of Good Stewardship
This session will be delivered by Helen Craig, Fundraising Manager.
04/06/2025 (10:00am - 11am)
Workshop
This workshop delves into the core concept of stewardship, exploring what it truly means and why it is crucial for success in the charity sector. We will examine examples of good stewardship and discuss how to build effective stewardship plans. Additionally, we’ll explore how to apply stewardship principles to various types of supporters - including individual donors, trusts and foundations, partners, and individual fundraisers - fostering strong, lasting relationships.
Trustee Welcome (Scotland)
This session will be delivered by Marie Peacock, Head of Network & Maria Burnett, Network Support Coordinator (Scotland)
05/06/2025 (12pm - 12:30pm)
Workshop
This session is for new trustees or those who would like to refresh their knowledge.
We will cover what it means to be a trustee, the key duties of being a trustee as determined by OSCR and what to expect in the boardroom.
Disability Confidence at Work: Supporting an Inclusive Workplace
This session will be delivered by Yasmin Sheikh the senior trainer at Disability Rights UK.
11/06/2025 (10am - 12pm)
Training
Join us for an engaging and interactive session that will empower you with the knowledge and confidence to better support disabled colleagues in the workplace. Led by Disability Rights UK senior trainer Yasmin Sheikh, this session will explore:
- A clear understanding of ‘disability’ and what it means to be a disabled person
- A practical, eye-opening model for inclusive service and support
- The essentials of ‘reasonable adjustments’ and how to implement them effectively
Expect insightful discussions, real-world examples, and a safe space to ask questions, share experiences, and gain practical strategies to foster a truly inclusive workplace.
The Community of Headway Trustees
This meeting will be chaired by one of the Headway UK trustees
18/06/2025 (6:30pm - 8pm)
Discussion group
Every trustee at local independent Headway charities, including trustees at Headway UK, are welcome to join the Community of Headway Trustees.
Our Community of Headway Trustees brings people together to form a supportive peer network; providing an opportunity for greater unity, collaboration and sharing of expertise and knowledge from trustees across the network.
Meetings are held every three months online, using zoom. Each meeting will have a specific topic or theme.
Agendas will be developed collaboratively, with opportunities for trustees to input agenda items and discussion topics in advance.
If you have an agenda item you would like to raise for discussion, please email marie.peacock@headway.org.uk for inclusion.
Branch VOICE
This discussion group will be chaired by Rachel Mora-Bannon, Branch Development Manager.
25/06/2025 (5:30pm - 6:30pm)
Discussion group
The Branch VOICE group is an open space for all Headway Branch volunteers to come together, share experiences, collaborate on ideas, and support one another. It’s designed to strengthen connections between branches, provide a platform to raise and explore key issues, and help shape the future of volunteering at Headway.
This group acts as a sounding board for new initiatives, a hub for shared learning, and a space where every Branch volunteer can have their voice heard. Whether you're looking to share best practices, raise challenges, or simply connect with others across the network—this is your space.
Meetings are held online every other month, to register your interest click 'Book now' below:
An introduction to risk assessments
This session will be delivered by Paul Beaumont from the 1-11 Compliance Group Ltd
30/06/2025 (9:30am - 11:30am)
Training
We are delighted to be working with Paul Beaumont from 1-11 Compliance Group Limited to bring you this series of training sessions on identifying risk and writing risk assessments.
In this session, we’ll focus on identifying potential risks and implementing effective controls to mitigate them. We’ll also cover the importance of documenting risk assessments and provide guidance on how to write them effectively.
After this session, attendees will be better equipped to create and document risk assessments, helping them to effectively eliminate, reduce, and control risks.
If you're unable to attend this date, this session will be repeated on: 28 July and 29 September.
July
Together is Better Group
Marie Peacock, Headway of Network & Ali Bazley, Network Support Manager.
03/07/2025 (11:45am - 12:30pm)
Discussion group
This discussion group brings together local Headway charities to strengthen partnerships, share insights, and exchange experiences. It’s an opportunity to celebrate successes, address current challenges, and explore new ways to work together effectively.
If you have an item that you would like to raise for discussion, please email marie.peacock@headway.org.uk for inclusion on the agenda.
Boosting Referrals: A Discussion Group for Headway Charities
This meeting will be chaired by one of the Network Support Team at Headway UK.
22/07/2025 (11am - 12pm)
Discussion group
Following the success of first discussion group back in April we will be hosting another session. This group aims to connect Headway Charities to share both the successes and challenges they face, from increasing referrals to securing sustainable income. Whether you’re looking for new ideas, best practices, or simply a network of like-minded professionals, this is the place to collaborate and grow together.
Join us to exchange insights, ask questions, and collaborate on strategies to help each other increase referrals.
An introduction to risk assessments
This session will be delivered by Paul Beaumont from the 1-11 Compliance Group Ltd
28/07/2025 (9:30am - 11:30am)
Training
We are delighted to be working with Paul Beaumont from 1-11 Compliance Group Limited to bring you this series of training sessions on identifying risk and writing risk assessments.
In this session, we’ll focus on identifying potential risks and implementing effective controls to mitigate them. We’ll also cover the importance of documenting risk assessments and provide guidance on how to write them effectively.
After this session, attendees will be better equipped to create and document risk assessments, helping them to effectively eliminate, reduce, and control risks.
If you're unable to attend this date, this session will be repeated on: 29 September.
August
Branch VOICE
This discussion group will be chaired by Rachel Mora-Bannon, Branch Development Manager.
13/08/2025 (5:30pm - 6:30pm)
Discussion group
The Branch VOICE group is an open space for all Headway Branch volunteers to come together, share experiences, collaborate on ideas, and support one another. It’s designed to strengthen connections between branches, provide a platform to raise and explore key issues, and help shape the future of volunteering at Headway.
This group acts as a sounding board for new initiatives, a hub for shared learning, and a space where every Branch volunteer can have their voice heard. Whether you're looking to share best practices, raise challenges, or simply connect with others across the network—this is your space.
Meetings are held online every other month, to register your interest click 'Book now' below:
September
Together is Better Group
Marie Peacock, Headway of Network & Ali Bazley, Network Support Manager.
02/09/2025 (11:45am - 12:30pm)
Discussion group
This discussion group brings together local Headway charities to strengthen partnerships, share insights, and exchange experiences. It’s an opportunity to celebrate successes, address current challenges, and explore new ways to work together effectively.
If you have an item that you would like to raise for discussion, please email marie.peacock@headway.org.uk for inclusion on the agenda.
Trusts and Foundations: How to find them and tips to plan your approach
This session will be delivered by Sarah Clay, Trust and Foundations Manager.
09/09/2025 (10:00am - 11am)
Workshop
In this practical workshop, we will guide you through the process of identifying and securing funding from trusts and foundations. You’ll learn how to effectively research and find the right funding opportunities for your charity. We’ll also share valuable hints and tips on how to craft a compelling approach, from writing successful proposals to building strong relationships with funders. Join us to gain the tools and strategies needed to maximise your chances of securing trust and foundation support.
Trustee Welcome (England & Wales)
This session will be delivered by Marie Peacock, Head of Network & Ali Bazley, Network Support Manager
10/09/2025 (6:30pm - 7pm)
Webinar
This session is for new trustees or those who would like to refresh their knowledge.
We will cover what it means to be a trustee, the six essential duties of being a trustee as determined by the Charity Commission and what to expect in the boardroom.
The Community of Headway Trustees
This meeting will be chaired by one of the Headway UK trustees
17/09/2025 (6:30pm - 8pm)
Discussion group
Every trustee at local independent Headway charities, including trustees at Headway UK, are welcome to join the Community of Headway Trustees.
Our Community of Headway Trustees brings people together to form a supportive peer network; providing an opportunity for greater unity, collaboration and sharing of expertise and knowledge from trustees across the network.
Meetings are held every three months online, using zoom. Each meeting will have a specific topic or theme.
Agendas will be developed collaboratively, with opportunities for trustees to input agenda items and discussion topics in advance.
If you have an agenda item you would like to raise for discussion, please email marie.peacock@headway.org.uk for inclusion.
Trustee Welcome (Scotland)
This session will be delivered by Marie Peacock, Head of Network & Maria Burnett, Network Support Coordinator (Scotland)
24/09/2025 (6:30pm - 7pm)
Workshop
This session is for new trustees or those who would like to refresh their knowledge.
We will cover what it means to be a trustee, the key duties of being a trustee as determined by OSCR and what to expect in the boardroom.
An introduction to risk assessments
This session will be delivered by Paul Beaumont from the 1-11 Compliance Group Ltd
29/09/2025 (9:30am - 11:30am)
Training
We are delighted to be working with Paul Beaumont from 1-11 Compliance Group Limited to bring you this series of training sessions on identifying risk and writing risk assessments.
In this session, we’ll focus on identifying potential risks and implementing effective controls to mitigate them. We’ll also cover the importance of documenting risk assessments and provide guidance on how to write them effectively.
After this session, attendees will be better equipped to create and document risk assessments, helping them to effectively eliminate, reduce, and control risks.
October
Branch VOICE
This discussion group will be chaired by Rachel Mora-Bannon, Branch Development Manager.
15/10/2025 (5:30pm - 6:30pm)
Discussion group
The Branch VOICE group is an open space for all Headway Branch volunteers to come together, share experiences, collaborate on ideas, and support one another. It’s designed to strengthen connections between branches, provide a platform to raise and explore key issues, and help shape the future of volunteering at Headway.
This group acts as a sounding board for new initiatives, a hub for shared learning, and a space where every Branch volunteer can have their voice heard. Whether you're looking to share best practices, raise challenges, or simply connect with others across the network—this is your space.
Meetings are held online every other month, to register your interest click 'Book now' below:
Together is Better Group
Marie Peacock, Headway of Network & Ali Bazley, Network Support Manager.
16/10/2025 (11:45am - 12:30pm)
Discussion group
This discussion group brings together local Headway charities to strengthen partnerships, share insights, and exchange experiences. It’s an opportunity to celebrate successes, address current challenges, and explore new ways to work together effectively.
If you have an item that you would like to raise for discussion, please email marie.peacock@headway.org.uk for inclusion on the agenda.
Headway Network Day
This will be a face-to-face event hosted in Birmingham
22/10/2025 (9:15am - 4pm)
Along with opportunities to network with Headway peers from across the UK, this event will also feature expert led talks, workshops, and discussion groups.
This event is open to everyone from within the Headway network. Building on the success of the past two years this event has been designed to facilitate networking among professionals/colleagues, including key staff and/or trustees.
Due to the size of the event, we recommend no more than three attendees from each Headway, but if you require more than three places please do get in touch.
Location: The Studio, 7 Cannon Street, Birmingham, B25EP
November
Supporting Brain Injury Survivors in Building Meaningful Relationships
This session will be delivered by Alison Towner, Sex and Relationship Psychotherapist.
12/11/2025 (10am - 12pm)
Training
If you work with people who have had a brain injury, you will know that their relationships with an intimate partner can be challenging, whether they are in an existing relationship or are looking to develop a new one. This workshop will give you the opportunity to reflect on these challenges and discover how you might support them to develop positive, meaningful relationships.
Trustee Welcome (England & Wales)
This session will be delivered by Marie Peacock, Head of Network & Ali Bazley, Network Support Manager
19/11/2025 (1:30pm - 2pm)
Webinar
This session is for new trustees or those who would like to refresh their knowledge.
We will cover what it means to be a trustee, the six essential duties of being a trustee as determined by the Charity Commission and what to expect in the boardroom.
Trustee Welcome (Scotland)
This session will be delivered by Marie Peacock, Head of Network & Maria Burnett, Network Support Coordinator (Scotland)
26/11/2025 (1:30pm - 2pm)
Workshop
This session is for new trustees or those who would like to refresh their knowledge.
We will cover what it means to be a trustee, the key duties of being a trustee as determined by OSCR and what to expect in the boardroom.
Gift Aid Made Simple: Small Ticks, Big Impact
This session will be delivered by Jen Murgatroyd, Director of Fundraising.
27/11/2025 (10:00am - 11am)
Workshop
This workshop simplifies the Gift Aid process, showing how small actions can lead to big benefits for your charity. We’ll walk you through the basics of Gift Aid, explaining how it works and how to ensure you’re making the most of it. You’ll also learn practical tips for managing Gift Aid claims more efficiently. Join us to unlock the potential of Gift Aid and boost your fundraising efforts with minimal effort.
December
Together is Better Group
Marie Peacock, Headway of Network & Ali Bazley, Network Support Manager.
02/12/2025 (11:45am - 12:30pm)
Discussion group
This discussion group brings together local Headway charities to strengthen partnerships, share insights, and exchange experiences. It’s an opportunity to celebrate successes, address current challenges, and explore new ways to work together effectively.
If you have an item that you would like to raise for discussion, please email marie.peacock@headway.org.uk for inclusion on the agenda.
Branch VOICE
This discussion group will be chaired by Rachel Mora-Bannon, Branch Development Manager.
10/12/2025 (5:30pm - 6:30pm)
Discussion group
The Branch VOICE group is an open space for all Headway Branch volunteers to come together, share experiences, collaborate on ideas, and support one another. It’s designed to strengthen connections between branches, provide a platform to raise and explore key issues, and help shape the future of volunteering at Headway.
This group acts as a sounding board for new initiatives, a hub for shared learning, and a space where every Branch volunteer can have their voice heard. Whether you're looking to share best practices, raise challenges, or simply connect with others across the network—this is your space.
Meetings are held online every other month, to register your interest click 'Book now' below:
The Community of Headway Trustees
This meeting will be chaired by one of the Headway UK trustees
17/12/2025 (6:30pm - 8pm)
Discussion group
Every trustee at local independent Headway charities, including trustees at Headway UK, are welcome to join the Community of Headway Trustees.
Our Community of Headway Trustees brings people together to form a supportive peer network; providing an opportunity for greater unity, collaboration and sharing of expertise and knowledge from trustees across the network.
Meetings are held every three months online, using zoom. Each meeting will have a specific topic or theme.
Agendas will be developed collaboratively, with opportunities for trustees to input agenda items and discussion topics in advance.
If you have an agenda item you would like to raise for discussion, please email marie.peacock@headway.org.uk for inclusion.
January 2026
Together is Better Group
Marie Peacock, Headway of Network & Ali Bazley, Network Support Manager.
15/01/2026 (11:45am - 12:30pm)
Discussion group
This discussion group brings together local Headway charities to strengthen partnerships, share insights, and exchange experiences. It’s an opportunity to celebrate successes, address current challenges, and explore new ways to work together effectively.
If you have an item that you would like to raise for discussion, please email marie.peacock@headway.org.uk for inclusion on the agenda.
March 2026
Together is Better Group
Marie Peacock, Headway of Network & Ali Bazley, Network Support Manager.
03/03/2026 (11:45am - 12:30pm)
Discussion group
This discussion group brings together local Headway charities to strengthen partnerships, share insights, and exchange experiences. It’s an opportunity to celebrate successes, address current challenges, and explore new ways to work together effectively.
If you have an item that you would like to raise for discussion, please email marie.peacock@headway.org.uk for inclusion on the agenda.
Recordings
Find out more about the group insurance scheme
Carers' Rights
Managers Master Class - Flexible Working
Staff retention strategies and wellbeing for the third sector
How to recruit trustees and committee members, then keep them engaged.
An introduction to integrated care systems.
