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
We have a great selection of recorded sessions and presentations ready for you to access anytime.
Some of these include:
- Carers' Rights
- Trustee Recruitment
- Staff Recruitment & Retention
- Sexual Harassment Law Training
- An Introduction to Integrated Care Systems
To hear about how access these recordings please email sam.clarke@headway.org.uk for more information.
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.
August
Disclosure and Barring Service Update Service Workshop
This workshop is part of a wider Disclosure and Barring Service programme to help organisations understand its products and services.
05/08/2025 (10am - 11am)
External workshop
The workshop will cover:
• What the Update Service is (and is not.)
• Which DBS certificates can be registered with the service.
• Benefits of the service to applicants and recruiters.
• Status checking & interpreting the results.
• Update Service and Home-Based positions.
• Using the Update Service when recruitment decisions are made off site.
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:
An introduction to risk assessments
This session will be delivered by Paul Beaumont from the 1-11 Compliance Group Ltd
27/08/2025 (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.
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.
Disclosure and Barring Service Enhanced Application Process Workshop
This workshop is part of a wider Disclosure and Barring Service programme to help organisations understand its products and services.
03/09/2025 (10:30am - 11:30am)
External workshop
The workshop will cover:
• The Enhanced DBS application process
• Stage 4 of the Enhanced process and how it impacts the disclosure of information
• What to do if you experience delays
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.
Disclosure and Barring Service Harmful Behaviour Outside of the Workplace Workshop
This workshop is part of a wider Disclosure and Barring Service programme to help organisations understand its products and services.
19/09/2025 (12pm - 1pm)
External workshop
The workshop will cover:
• What we mean by harmful behaviour
• Safeguarding, Abuse and Neglect
• Relevant Conduct and Risk of Harm
• Harmful behaviour and the transferability of risk
• How to make a Barring referral to DBS
Demonstrating Impact for Fundraising
This session will be delivered by Rosie Milsom, expert fundraiser and speaker.
24/09/2025 (10am - 11:30am)
Training
Join us for an engaging and practical 90-minute session designed to help you feel more confident talking about the difference your work at Headway makes.
Whether you're new to fundraising and monitoring and evaluation or experienced but unsure about "impact jargon," this session will break it all down in simple, clear terms.
You’ll learn what funders really mean by impact, how to explain your outcomes without overcomplicating things, and how to answer common funding questions like “What would £X achieve?”
Plus, we’ll introduce tools and tips to help you collect and communicate impact easily, including what to expect from our upcoming Outcome Star tool.
Ideal for: Staff and volunteers at all levels
The Community of Headway Trustees
This meeting will be chaired by one of the Headway UK trustees
24/09/2025 (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.
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.
Trustee Welcome (Scotland)
This session will be delivered by Marie Peacock, Head of Network & Maria Burnett, Network Support Coordinator (Scotland)
30/09/2025 (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.
October
Volunteering Discussion Group
This session will be hosted by Danielle Duggan our Network Support Co-ordinator.
08/10/2025 (11am - 12pm)
Discussion group
This discussion group brings together local Headway charities to discuss common issues relating to volunteering. Each quarter we will focus on a different topic relating to volunteering including recruitment, training, reward and recognition. It’s an opportunity to share best practice, address current challenges, and explore new ways of including volunteers in your work. If you have a topic you would like to raise for discussion, please email danielle.duggan@headway.org.uk
Meetings are held online every three months, to register your interest click 'Book now' below:
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
Boosting Referrals: A Discussion Group for Headway Charities
This meeting will be chaired by one of the Network Support Team at Headway UK.
04/11/2025 (11am - 12pm)
Discussion group
Following positive feedback from recent sessions, we’re pleased to share that this will now be run as a regular discussion group. The group is designed to bring together Headway Charities to share both the successes and challenges they face - from increasing referrals to securing sustainable income. Whether you're seeking fresh ideas, proven strategies, or a supportive network of like-minded professionals, this is the space to collaborate and grow together.
Join us to exchange insights, ask questions, and collaborate on strategies to help each other increase referrals.
Safeguarding for Trustees: Know Your Role
This session will be delivered by Laura Thorpe the Safeguarding Adults Manager from the Ann Craft Trust.
06/11/2025 (6pm - 8pm)
Training
Are you a trustee and want to better understand your role in protecting anyone who comes into contact with your charity?
Due to popular demand, we’re running this training again!
Working with the Ann Craft Trust, we have put together this two-hour safeguarding training session to help you, as trustees, better understand your duties in protecting your beneficiaries, staff, volunteers, and visitors. Don't miss this opportunity to strengthen your knowledge and responsibilities in safeguarding.
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.
Volunteering Discussion Group
This session will be hosted by Danielle Duggan our Network Support Co-ordinator.
21/01/2026 (11am - 12pm)
Discussion group
This discussion group brings together local Headway charities to discuss common issues relating to volunteering. Each quarter we will focus on a different topic relating to volunteering including recruitment, training, reward and recognition. It’s an opportunity to share best practice, address current challenges, and explore new ways of including volunteers in your work. If you have a topic you would like to raise for discussion, please email danielle.duggan@headway.org.uk
Meetings are held online every three months, to register your interest click 'Book now' below:
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.
April 2026
Volunteering Discussion Group
This session will be hosted by Danielle Duggan our Network Support Co-ordinator.
15/04/2026 (11am - 12pm)
Discussion group
This discussion group brings together local Headway charities to discuss common issues relating to volunteering. Each quarter we will focus on a different topic relating to volunteering including recruitment, training, reward and recognition. It’s an opportunity to share best practice, address current challenges, and explore new ways of including volunteers in your work. If you have a topic you would like to raise for discussion, please email danielle.duggan@headway.org.uk
Meetings are held online every three months, to register your interest click 'Book now' below:
July 2026
Volunteering Discussion Group
This session will be hosted by Danielle Duggan our Network Support Co-ordinator.
15/07/2026 (11am - 12pm)
Discussion group
This discussion group brings together local Headway charities to discuss common issues relating to volunteering. Each quarter we will focus on a different topic relating to volunteering including recruitment, training, reward and recognition. It’s an opportunity to share best practice, address current challenges, and explore new ways of including volunteers in your work. If you have a topic you would like to raise for discussion, please email danielle.duggan@headway.org.uk
Meetings are held online every three months, to register your interest click 'Book now' below:
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.
