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.
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
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.
Occupational Therapists Network
This session will be hosted by Ali Bazley, Network Support Manager.
05/11/2025 (3:30pm - 4:30pm)
Discussion group
The first week of November is Occupational Therapy (OT) Week, a fantastic opportunity to recognise and celebrate the unique contributions Occupational Therapists make across Headway services. To mark the occasion, we’re launching a new Occupational Therapist Networking Group through the Headway Network Learning Exchange. The initiative begins with an informal and welcoming online session on Tuesday 5th November at 3:30pm, where we’ll explore what you’d like from the network and how we can shape it together.
Whether you’re newly qualified or have years of experience, your insight is invaluable. Following this session, we’ll establish a dedicated OT Network Group - an opportunity to share experiences and best practices, offer and receive peer support, explore clinical supervision, and strengthen professional development and collaboration. For more about OT Week, visit: www.rcot.co.uk/support-the-profession/campaigns/ot-week.
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.
Safeguarding for Volunteer-led Branches
Ffion Jones, Network Engagement Lead.
19/11/2025 (6pm - 7pm)
Training
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.
Safeguarding for Volunteer-led Branches
Ffion Jones, Network Engagement Lead.
20/11/2025 (12pm - 1pm)
Training
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.
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
These discussion groups will take place on 15 April 2026 & 15 July 2026.
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
These discussion groups will take place on 15 July 2026.
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:
