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.
December
Branch VOICE
This discussion group will be chaired by Rachel Mora-Bannon, Branch Development Manager.
10/12/2025 (17:30 - 18:30)
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 (18:30 - 20:00)
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
Trustee Welcome Session (England & Wales)
This session will be led by Marie Peacock, Headway of Network & Ali Bazley, Network Support Manager.
13/01/2026 (18:30 - 19:30)
Whether you’re stepping into your first trustee role or looking to refresh your knowledge, this session will give you the confidence and clarity you need to thrive. Together, we’ll explore what it truly means to be a trustee, the impact you can make, and the six essential duties defined by the Charity Commission. We’ll also look at what to expect in the boardroom, from understanding your responsibilities to contributing effectively as part of a strategic leadership team.
This is a friendly, informative session designed to empower you, answer your questions, and set you up for success in your trustee journey.
Allied Health Professions Network
This session will be hosted by Ali Bazley, Network Support Manager.
14/01/2026 (15:00 - 16:00)
Discussion group
Following the successful launch of our Occupational Therapy discussion group, we’re now opening this up to all Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) across Headway. This network is a space to connect, share experiences, and support each other as clinicians. Whether you’re an OT, SLT, or another AHP, join us to:
- Exchange best practices
- Offer and receive peer support
- Explore clinical supervision opportunities
- Strengthen professional development and collaboration
Together is Better Group
Marie Peacock, Headway of Network & Ali Bazley, Network Support Manager.
15/01/2026 (11:45 - 12:30)
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.
AI and Headway: Practical Applications and Policy for the Network
Andrew Taylor, Headway of Digital.
20/01/2026 (11:00 - 11:45)
Workshop
Following on from our Network Day talk, Andrew will lead this hands-on session diving deeper into the world of AI.
This workshop will explore the evolving role artificial intelligence plays in supporting brain injury survivors and the professionals who work with them. We’ll start by breaking down common AI terminology in a clear, accessible way, then share insights into how Headway staff are currently engaging with AI tools.
You’ll get the chance to:
- Explore real-world examples of AI in action across Headway services
- Understand the risks - including data privacy, hallucinations, and bias
- Learn what makes a good AI policy for your organisation
- Get hands-on with AI tools and see how they can empower
- Q&A session focused on your AI questions and ideas
Whether you're curious, cautious, or already experimenting with AI, this session will give you practical insights and inspiration to take your next steps with confidence.
Trustee Welcome Session (Scotland)
This session will be led by Marie Peacock, Headway of Network and Maria Burnett, Network Support Coordinator for Scotland.
20/01/2026 (18:30 - 19:30)
Whether you’re stepping into your first trustee role or looking to refresh your knowledge, this session will give you the confidence and clarity you need to thrive. Together, we’ll explore what it truly means to be a trustee, the impact you can make, and the six essential duties every trustee should understand, as set out by the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR). We’ll also cover what to expect in the boardroom, from understanding your responsibilities to contributing effectively as part of a strategic leadership team.
This friendly, informative session is designed to empower you, answer your questions, and set you up for success in your trustee journey.
Volunteering Discussion Group
This session will be hosted by Danielle Duggan our Network Support Co-ordinator.
21/01/2026 (11:00 - 12:00)
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
These discussion groups will take place on 15 April 2026 & 15 July 2026.
February 2026
Demystifying Disability Assessments: Capita’s Role Explained
This session will be hosted by Catherine Bissell and Jane Henderson from Capita.
03/02/2026 (11:00 - 11:30)
Workshop
We’re pleased to be partnering with Capita to deliver three workshops this February, aimed at bringing clarity to the benefits assessment process. Our first session will give you insight into Capita’s role as an assessment provider on behalf of DWP. We’ll bust common myths about the process, explain Capita’s remit within the end-to-end benefits assessment journey, and use PIP as an example. You’ll also learn about the qualifications of health professionals and the structure of an assessment.
CMS Discussion Group
Andrew Taylor, Headway of Digital.
04/02/2026 (11:00 - 11:45)
Discussion Group
To support collaboration and knowledge-sharing across Headway Charities , we’re launching a new Content Management System (CMS) Discussion Group through the Headway Network Learning Exchange. We’ll explore how different charities are using CMS platforms, what’s working well, and what future improvements could look like.
Whether you’re deeply involved in CMS development or simply use it day-to-day, your insights are invaluable. This first session is a chance to:
- Share experiences and practical tips
- Explore different CMS tools and configurations
- Discuss challenges and opportunities
- Build a collaborative network for ongoing support and innovation
Let’s come together to learn from each other and shape the future of CMS use across the network.
Companions & Appointees Explained: Navigating DWP Guidelines in Assessments
This session will be hosted by Catherine Bissell and Jane Henderson from Capita.
12/02/2026 (11:00 - 11:30)
Workshop
We’re pleased to be partnering with Capita to deliver three workshops this February, aimed at bringing clarity to the benefits assessment process. Our second session will explain DWP’s definitions and the roles of Companions and Appointees within the assessment environment. We’ll refer to the PIP Assessment Guide – the ‘rule book’ all assessment providers must follow – to give you a clear understanding of how these roles support claimants and fit into the overall process
The Power of Further Evidence: How to Strengthen a Claim
This session will be hosted by Catherine Bissell and Jane Henderson from Capita.
25/02/2026 (11:00 - 12:00)
Workshop
We’re pleased to be partnering with Capita to deliver three workshops this February, aimed at bringing clarity to the benefits assessment process. Our third and final session on Further Evidence will take a deeper dive into the benefits of submitting Further Evidence early in the claim journey. You’ll learn how this evidence is used to support a claim, what good-quality evidence looks like from an assessment provider’s perspective, and explore real-life examples to understand what makes evidence effective.
March 2026
Together is Better Group
Marie Peacock, Headway of Network & Ali Bazley, Network Support Manager.
03/03/2026 (11:45 - 12:30)
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 Session (England & Wales)
This session will be led by Marie Peacock, Headway of Network & Ali Bazley, Network Support Manager.
05/03/2026 (12:00 - 12:30)
Whether you’re stepping into your first trustee role or looking to refresh your knowledge, this session will give you the confidence and clarity you need to thrive. Together, we’ll explore what it truly means to be a trustee, the impact you can make, and the six essential duties defined by the Charity Commission. We’ll also look at what to expect in the boardroom, from understanding your responsibilities to contributing effectively as part of a strategic leadership team.
This is a friendly, informative session designed to empower you, answer your questions, and set you up for success in your trustee journey.
Trustee Welcome Session (Scotland)
This session will be led by Marie Peacock, Headway of Network and Maria Burnett, Network Support Coordinator for Scotland.
12/03/2026 (12:00 - 12:30)
Whether you’re stepping into your first trustee role or looking to refresh your knowledge, this session will give you the confidence and clarity you need to thrive. Together, we’ll explore what it truly means to be a trustee, the impact you can make, and the six essential duties every trustee should understand, as set out by the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR). We’ll also cover what to expect in the boardroom, from understanding your responsibilities to contributing effectively as part of a strategic leadership team.
This friendly, informative session is designed to empower you, answer your questions, and set you up for success in your trustee journey.
Introducing CareCubed: The National Costing Tool
This session will be led by Nik Jones the Business Development Manager at CareCubed.
17/03/2026 (10:00 - 10:45)
Join us for an informative workshop delivered by Nik from CareCubed, the not-for-profit organisation behind a rapidly growing digital care benchmarking tool. CareCubed is currently used by over 600 local authorities, commissioners, and care providers, and has over 15 years of experience calculating the cost of care across a variety of care settings.
In this session, Nik will demonstrate the tool and show how it can benefit your service by streamlining processes, bringing transparency to costing, and supporting high-quality, sustainable care.
Aligned with Headway’s commitment to person-centred care, CareCubed is dedicated to driving positive change, ensuring services are financially viable, outcome-focused, and responsive to diverse needs.
April 2026
Volunteering Discussion Group
This session will be hosted by Danielle Duggan our Network Support Co-ordinator.
15/04/2026 (11:00 - 12:00)
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
These discussion groups will take place on 15 July 2026.
Together is Better Group
Marie Peacock, Headway of Network & Ali Bazley, Network Support Manager.
23/04/2026 (11:45 - 12:30)
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.
June 2026
Together is Better Group
Marie Peacock, Headway of Network & Ali Bazley, Network Support Manager.
02/06/2026 (11:45 - 12:30)
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 Session (England & Wales)
This session will be led by Marie Peacock, Headway of Network & Ali Bazley, Network Support Manager.
04/06/2026 (12:00 - 12:30)
Whether you’re stepping into your first trustee role or looking to refresh your knowledge, this session will give you the confidence and clarity you need to thrive. Together, we’ll explore what it truly means to be a trustee, the impact you can make, and the six essential duties defined by the Charity Commission. We’ll also look at what to expect in the boardroom, from understanding your responsibilities to contributing effectively as part of a strategic leadership team.
This is a friendly, informative session designed to empower you, answer your questions, and set you up for success in your trustee journey.
Trustee Welcome Session (Scotland)
This session will be led by Marie Peacock, Headway of Network and Maria Burnett, Network Support Coordinator for Scotland.
11/06/2026 (12:00 - 12:30)
Whether you’re stepping into your first trustee role or looking to refresh your knowledge, this session will give you the confidence and clarity you need to thrive. Together, we’ll explore what it truly means to be a trustee, the impact you can make, and the six essential duties every trustee should understand, as set out by the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR). We’ll also cover what to expect in the boardroom, from understanding your responsibilities to contributing effectively as part of a strategic leadership team.
This friendly, informative session is designed to empower you, answer your questions, and set you up for success in your trustee journey.
July 2026
Volunteering Discussion Group
This session will be hosted by Danielle Duggan our Network Support Co-ordinator.
15/07/2026 (11:00 - 12:00)
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:
Together is Better Group
Marie Peacock, Headway of Network & Ali Bazley, Network Support Manager.
16/07/2026 (11:45 - 12:30)
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.
September 2026
Together is Better Group
Marie Peacock, Headway of Network & Ali Bazley, Network Support Manager.
03/09/2026 (11:45 - 12:30)
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 Session (England & Wales)
This session will be led by Marie Peacock, Headway of Network & Ali Bazley, Network Support Manager.
22/09/2026 (18:30 - 19:00)
Whether you’re stepping into your first trustee role or looking to refresh your knowledge, this session will give you the confidence and clarity you need to thrive. Together, we’ll explore what it truly means to be a trustee, the impact you can make, and the six essential duties defined by the Charity Commission. We’ll also look at what to expect in the boardroom, from understanding your responsibilities to contributing effectively as part of a strategic leadership team.
This is a friendly, informative session designed to empower you, answer your questions, and set you up for success in your trustee journey.
Trustee Welcome Session (Scotland)
This session will be led by Marie Peacock, Headway of Network and Maria Burnett, Network Support Coordinator for Scotland.
29/09/2026 (18:30 - 19:00)
Whether you’re stepping into your first trustee role or looking to refresh your knowledge, this session will give you the confidence and clarity you need to thrive. Together, we’ll explore what it truly means to be a trustee, the impact you can make, and the six essential duties every trustee should understand, as set out by the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR). We’ll also cover what to expect in the boardroom, from understanding your responsibilities to contributing effectively as part of a strategic leadership team.
This friendly, informative session is designed to empower you, answer your questions, and set you up for success in your trustee journey.
October 2026
Together is Better Group
Marie Peacock, Headway of Network & Ali Bazley, Network Support Manager.
13/10/2026 (11:45 - 12:30)
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.
November 2026
Trustee Welcome Session (England & Wales)
This session will be led by Marie Peacock, Headway of Network & Ali Bazley, Network Support Manager.
25/11/2026 (12:00 - 12:30)
Whether you’re stepping into your first trustee role or looking to refresh your knowledge, this session will give you the confidence and clarity you need to thrive. Together, we’ll explore what it truly means to be a trustee, the impact you can make, and the six essential duties defined by the Charity Commission. We’ll also look at what to expect in the boardroom, from understanding your responsibilities to contributing effectively as part of a strategic leadership team.
This is a friendly, informative session designed to empower you, answer your questions, and set you up for success in your trustee journey.
Together is Better Group
Marie Peacock, Headway of Network & Ali Bazley, Network Support Manager.
26/11/2026 (11:45 - 12:30)
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.
December 2026
Trustee Welcome Session (Scotland)
This session will be led by Marie Peacock, Headway of Network and Maria Burnett, Network Support Coordinator for Scotland.
02/12/2026 (12:00 - 12:30)
Whether you’re stepping into your first trustee role or looking to refresh your knowledge, this session will give you the confidence and clarity you need to thrive. Together, we’ll explore what it truly means to be a trustee, the impact you can make, and the six essential duties every trustee should understand, as set out by the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR). We’ll also cover what to expect in the boardroom, from understanding your responsibilities to contributing effectively as part of a strategic leadership team.
This friendly, informative session is designed to empower you, answer your questions, and set you up for success in your trustee journey.
January 2027
Together is Better Group
Marie Peacock, Headway of Network & Ali Bazley, Network Support Manager.
12/01/2027 (11:45 - 12:30)
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.
February 2027
Together is Better Group
Marie Peacock, Headway of Network & Ali Bazley, Network Support Manager.
25/02/2027 (11:45 - 12:30)
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 2027
Together is Better Group
Marie Peacock, Headway of Network & Ali Bazley, Network Support Manager.
13/04/2027 (11:45 - 12:30)
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.
