The Network Learning Exchange brings the Headway network together to learn, share ideas, and strengthen the support we provide. Whether you’re interested in training or joining one of our discussion groups, there’s something for everyone - and all sessions are free for staff, trustees, committee members, and volunteers across the network.
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!
E-learning
Alongside our live sessions, we now offer a range of e‑learning courses you can complete at a time that suits you. In partnership with Shepherds Health & Safety Ltd, these short, practical courses cover Equality, Diversity & Human Rights, Manual Handling, and Supervisor Skills, helping you build confidence and skills in your role at your own pace.
Places are limited during this trial period, so we encourage you to book early to avoid missing out.
About our e-learning courses
How it works
Learn at your own pace - no set session times
No need for previous experience
Access your course online within one week of booking
Complete in around 1-3 hours
Pause and return whenever you need
Available courses
Equality, Diversity & Human Rights
Develop your understanding of inclusive practice, equality, and human rights, and how these apply in your role.
Manual Handling
Learn how to carry out safe manual handling techniques and reduce the risk of injury when supporting others.
Supervisor Skills
Build confidence in supervising staff or volunteers, including communication, support, and effective team management.
Click the links above for more information on each course.
Who it's for
These courses are suitable for staff, volunteers, and trustees, and are designed to be practical and accessible whatever your level of experience.
Booking
Complete the form, provide a few details about yourself, and choose the course you'd like to take.
You'll receive course access details from Shepherds Health & Safety Ltd within one week of booking.
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 form.
Network Learning Exchange schedule and booking
Find out what sessions are coming up, and book your place.
November 2026
Introducing the New Headway Website: What You Need to Know
Andrew Taylor & Gemma Beer, Headway UK's Digital team.
02/11/2026 (12:00 - 12:45)
Join Andrew and Gemma from Headway UK’s digital team for an introduction to our new website and the changes you’ll see when using it.
They’ll take you through the new features and improvements, show you how to find and use key areas of the site, and highlight what the changes mean for Independent Headway Charities and Volunteer-led Branches. You’ll also have the chance to ask questions and pick up practical tips to help you make the most of the new site.
Bringing Commercial Discipline to Charity Finance
Tom Harrison, CEO with Headway Essex.
04/11/2026 (10:00 - 11:00)
Many charities struggle to balance mission delivery with financial resilience. This workshop explores how adopting a more commercial mindset can improve financial management, decision-making, and long-term sustainability. Drawing on real-world experience, I will share practical tools, lessons learned, and how to embed financial confidence across your organisation—without compromising your values.
Supporting Brain Injury Survivors in Building Meaningful Relationships
Alison Towner, Sex and Relationship Psychotherapist.
16/11/2026 (10:00 - 12:00)
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 training session will give you the opportunity to reflect on these challenges and discover how you might support them to develop positive, meaningful relationships.
From Vision to Action: Lessons from Building a 3-Year Strategy with an External Consultant
Tom Harrison, CEO with Headway Essex.
17/11/2026 (10:00 - 11:00)
Developing a meaningful strategy can be challenging—especially when working with external consultants. This session offers an honest, behind-the-scenes look at our journey to create a three-year strategic plan. I will share insights on getting the most from consultancy support, engaging stakeholders effectively, and ensuring your strategy becomes a living, actionable tool rather than a document that sits on a shelf.
Inside the Headway Network: Induction for New Staff at Headway Charities
Marie Peacock, Headway of Network.
18/11/2026 (11:00 - 11:30)
An ideal starting point, this session welcomes new employees at local Headway charities and gives an overview of the benefits of being part of an affiliated network.
Join our fast paced 30 minute induction session and discover everything you need to hit the ground running at Headway. You’ll get a clear, friendly introduction to who we are, how our UK wide network works, and the incredible support available to help you thrive in your role at your local Headway charity.
From accessing free training to finding essential resources, this session gives you the confidence, tools and connections you need from day one. Whether you’re new to the sector or new to Headway, it’s the perfect launchpad into our mission of improving life after brain injury.
Ready to get started? We’re excited to welcome you.
Community of Headway Trustees
This session will be hosted by a Headway UK trustee.
24/11/2026 (19:00 - 20:00)
The Community of Headway Trustees brings together trustees from Independent Headway Charities and Headway UK to connect, collaborate, and support one another. Meeting online, we share insights on governance, challenges, successes, emerging themes, and trustee development, while offering space for peer advice and resource‑sharing. Agendas are shaped by the community, and each session is chaired by a Headway UK trustee. To add a discussion item, please email marie.peacock@headway.org.uk.
Trustee Welcome Session (England & Wales)
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)
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)
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)
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
Danielle Duggan our Network Support Co-ordinator.
13/01/2027 (11:00 - 12:00)
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:
Marketing & PR Networking Group
Ali Bazley our Network Support Manager.
13/01/2027 (14:30 - 15:30)
This networking group is for all those across Headway who are involved in, or interested in developing, marketing and PR activity. It focuses on sharing ideas, learning and practical approaches to promoting services, raising awareness of brain injury, and strengthening Headway’s voice across the network.
Sessions are discussion‑based and offer a supportive space to share experiences, challenges and good practice, explore new approaches, and connect with others working in similar roles.
Demonstrating the Difference You Make
Lucy Fowell, Marketing Manager
20/01/2027 (10:00 - 11:00)
Join Lucy Fowell, Headway UK's Marketing Manager, to explore practical ways to understand, capture and communicate the difference your organisation makes. Learn how to identify meaningful outcomes, gather evidence of impact, and use it to engage beneficiaries, supporters and funders.
Justice Project Networking Group
Ali Bazley, Network Support Manager
20/01/2027 (11:00 - 12:00)
This networking group brings together Headway charities and branches who are working with, or interested in developing links with, the criminal justice system. The group focuses on raising awareness of acquired brain injury (ABI) within justice settings and sharing learning on how best to support people affected by brain injury.
Sessions are discussion‑based and provide a space to share experiences, challenges, good practice, and explore how Headway services can build stronger connections with local prisons and justice services.
Hospital Liaison Service Networking Group
Ali Bazley our Network Support Manager.
20/01/2027 (14:00 - 15:00)
This networking group brings together Headway charities working in hospital settings, as well as those looking to develop a Hospital Liaison Service. It’s a space to share learning, evidence of impact, and explore how we can strengthen and sustain these services across the network.
Inside the Headway Network: Induction for New Staff at Headway Charities
Marie Peacock, Headway of Network.
26/01/2027 (14:00 - 14:30)
An ideal starting point, this session welcomes new employees at local Headway charities and gives an overview of the benefits of being part of an affiliated network.
Join our fast paced 30 minute induction session and discover everything you need to hit the ground running at Headway. You’ll get a clear, friendly introduction to who we are, how our UK wide network works, and the incredible support available to help you thrive in your role at your local Headway charity.
From accessing free training to finding essential resources, this session gives you the confidence, tools and connections you need from day one. Whether you’re new to the sector or new to Headway, it’s the perfect launchpad into our mission of improving life after brain injury.
Ready to get started? We’re excited to welcome you.
Fundraisers Networking Group
Ali Bazley our Network Support Manager.
27/01/2027 (10:30 - 11:00)
This networking group is for staff at Headway charities who are responsible for, or interested in developing, fundraising activity. It focuses on sharing learning, ideas and practical approaches to fundraising across the Headway network.
Sessions are discussion-based and provide a supportive space for staff to share experiences, challenges and good practice, explore what’s working for others, and connect with colleagues facing similar fundraising opportunities and pressures.
February 2027
Together is Better Group
Marie Peacock, Headway of Network & Ali Bazley, Network Support Manager.
25/02/2027 (11:45 - 12:30)
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)
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
Danielle Duggan our Network Support Co-ordinator.
14/04/2027 (11:00 - 12:00)
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:
May 2027
Together is Better Group
Marie Peacock, Headway of Network & Ali Bazley, Network Support Manager.
27/05/2027 (11:45 - 12:30)
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.
July 2027
Together is Better Group
Marie Peacock, Headway of Network & Ali Bazley, Network Support Manager.
06/07/2027 (11:45 - 12:30)
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
Danielle Duggan our Network Support Co-ordinator.
14/07/2027 (11:00 - 12:00)
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:
August 2027
Together is Better Group
Marie Peacock, Headway of Network & Ali Bazley, Network Support Manager.
26/08/2027 (11:45 - 12:30)
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.
October 2027
Together is Better Group
Marie Peacock, Headway of Network & Ali Bazley, Network Support Manager.
05/10/2027 (11:45 - 12:30)
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 2027
Together is Better Group
Marie Peacock, Headway of Network & Ali Bazley, Network Support Manager.
18/11/2027 (11:45 - 12:30)
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.
January 2028
Together is Better Group
Marie Peacock, Headway of Network & Ali Bazley, Network Support Manager.
11/01/2028 (11:45 - 12:30)
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 2028
Together is Better Group
Marie Peacock, Headway of Network & Ali Bazley, Network Support Manager.
24/02/2028 (11:45 - 12:30)
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.