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.
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.
Safeguarding for Volunteer-led Branches
This session will be delivered by Alex Power and Ffion Jones, from the Headway Safeguarding team.
04/06/2025 (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 al
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.
When Funding Fails: The Crisis Facing Brain Injury Charities – Report Overview
This session will be delivered by Richard Wood and Kirsty McKenzie the Headway UK’s Policy and Public Affairs team
19/06/2025 (12pm - 1pm)
Information Session
Over the last two years, almost 10% of the local Headway network have had to close their doors for good. Headway UK’s new report compiles survey data and case studies from across the Headway network to examine the crisis facing brain injury survivors and the survivors they support. This session will explore the findings in the report including the long delays that many new clients now face to get a funding assessment for their rehabilitation needs, the issues that existing clients are facing when their needs are reassessed, the delays in payments to Headway charities from local authorities and integrated care boards, and the commissioning rates and the cost of providing services for brain injury survivors. Join Kirsty and Richard from Headway UK’s Policy and Public Affairs team to see the results, ask questions, and hear about how we can use the report - locally and nationally - to influence the government to support survivors.
An introduction to risk assessments
This session will be delivered by Paul Beaumont from the 1-11 Compliance Group Ltd
24/06/2025 (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, 27 August and 29 September.
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:
Safeguarding for Volunteer-led Branches
This session will be delivered by Alex Power and Ffion Jones, from the Headway Safeguarding team.
26/06/2025 (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 al
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, 27 August 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.
Data Protection for Volunteer-led Branches
This session will be delivered by Abbie Beckett, The Data Protection Officer for Headway UK from Hope & May.
08/07/2025 (11am - 1pm)
Training session
Headway, like all organisations, needs to be UK GDPR compliant, and as branch volunteers your role includes handling the personal information of lots of people. This training from our Data Protection Officer Abbie will help you to translate the often-confusing data protection jargon into something that makes sense, helping you to understand what it means for you and your role in practice. There will be plenty of time for discussion and questions.
Topics covered will include:
- What is personal data?
- What are the 7 principles of data protection and what do they actually mean in practice?
- What does “lawful basis” mean?
- What documents do Headway have in place to help me, but also what needs to be in place to be compliant with data protection legislation?
- What rights do people have when it comes to their data, and how can we recognise when someone is requesting to exercise their rights?
- Data breaches, and what to do if one happens
- Things we should consider when we’re using photos and other media of the people we work with
Headway Emergency Fund: Everything You Need to Know
This session will be delivered by Jackie Gambrill who leads on the Headway Emergency Fund.
15/07/2025 (12pm - 12:30pm)
Information session
Join Jackie, our Services Co-ordinator, for an overview of the Headway Emergency Fund. Find out what it is, who it supports, and how people can access it. Learn how the Headway network can help ensure this vital support reaches those who need it most.
There will be opportunities throughout to ask Jackie any questions you may have about the Emergency Fund.
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.
Data Protection for Volunteer-led Branches
This session will be delivered by Abbie Beckett, The Data Protection Officer for Headway UK from Hope & May.
23/07/2025 (6pm - 8pm)
Training session
Headway, like all organisations, needs to be UK GDPR compliant, and as branch volunteers your role includes handling the personal information of lots of people. This training from our Data Protection Officer Abbie will help you to translate the often-confusing data protection jargon into something that makes sense, helping you to understand what it means for you and your role in practice. There will be plenty of time for discussion and questions.
Topics covered will include:
- What is personal data?
- What are the 7 principles of data protection and what do they actually mean in practice?
- What does “lawful basis” mean?
- What documents do Headway have in place to help me, but also what needs to be in place to be compliant with data protection legislation?
- What rights do people have when it comes to their data, and how can we recognise when someone is requesting to exercise their rights?
- Data breaches, and what to do if one happens
- Things we should consider when we’re using photos and other media of the people we work with
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:
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.
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.
