Learning & Development - Working for Essex
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Life-long learners

At Essex County Council we have developed inspirational and diverse learning opportunities to support our people to grow both personally and professionally.  Learning is a continual process, as we learn all the time from our experiences, interactions, training courses and a diverse range of other resources we consume on a daily basis, be it books, magazines or podcasts.  We encourage our people to be curious and look for opportunities to grow through experiences to learn on the job, from others (within the team, as well as the organisation and the wider system) and more formal learning which will enable you to flourish in your career.

A learning organisation

We are committed to building an organisation which enables every one of us to be the best we can be. We want to ensure that in our organisation learning is part of everything we do, enabling us to be the best in our daily roles and beyond.

Your growth, your way

Learning is part of everything we do. From day one, you’ll have the tools, support, and opportunities to shape your development—whether you’re building new skills, gaining professional qualifications, or preparing for your next career move. Here’s a snapshot of what we offer:

  • Online Learning Hub – A large suite of on-demand training and tools to support your development anytime.
  • Flagship learning events – Including LearnFest, our annual celebration of learning.
  • Apprenticeships – From entry-level to postgraduate (Levels 2–7), for new and existing colleagues.
  • Professional qualifications – Financial support and guidance to achieve accredited qualifications.
  • Coaching and mentoring – Opportunities to build confidence, share knowledge, and gain fresh perspectives through informal coaching and mentoring opportunities.
  • Expert-led learning – Access to subject matter experts and the chance to share your own expertise.
  • Career pathways – Structured development for leadership, management, and specialist roles.
  • Onboarding support – Resources to help you settle in and thrive from day one.
  • Specialist development – For example, through the Essex Social Care Academy for social care professionals.

We’re committed to helping you grow — because when you succeed, we all succeed.

A woman behind a podium on stage giving a talk to to a room of people
A woman smiling while speaking with two other women.
Four women and a man staanding up and listening to a presentation
Four women watching a man and a woman present in front of a televion about Learning and Development
Woman placing the letter I onto a board to spell TIM
Two women listing to a man talking.
Man pointing to a television with the Essex Council Learning website on the screen
a group of four women working together on a conputer laptop
Female pointing to a sticky note on a wall
Presentation slide above a man on stage at Learn Fest

Discover LearnFest: your path to growth and innovation

At Essex County Council, we believe in the power of continuous learning and collaboration. That’s why we created LearnFest—our flagship learning festival designed to inspire curiosity, share knowledge, and strengthen our culture as a true learning organisation.

Since its launch in 2019, LearnFest has evolved into a dynamic programme blending virtual and face-to-face experiences, offering colleagues opportunities to connect, learn, and grow. From thought-provoking keynotes and interactive workshops to immersive sessions in unique settings, LearnFest brings together diverse formats to suit different learning styles. Many sessions are supported by recordings and resources, enabling reflection and practical application long after the event.

Guided by future-focused themes, LearnFest explores areas such as:

  • Digital frontiers – Harnessing technology to innovate and transform the way we work
  • Sustainability pioneers – Leading initiatives that create lasting impact for our communities and environment
  • Change leaders – Building resilience and confidence to thrive in a world of constant change

LearnFest is open to all employees, with tailored opportunities for leaders to foster a culture of growth and innovation. It has become a cornerstone of our development approach—empowering individuals and teams to shape the future together.

The feedback we have received has been incredible:

“One of the best LearnFest events I’ve ever attended!”

“Interactive, engaging, and full of practical tools I can use straight away.”

“Inspirational speakers and creative formats made learning fun.”

See what LearnFest is all about in the video below:

Group of people clapping at the end of a talk in the couty hall main reception
welcome image with writing saying Base Camp, Welcome to learn fest.
A woman writing sketch notes on a Stick Pad with a red pen
Two women working together at a table during the learn fest
Two women smiling during a conversation.
Crowd shot of a number of people in the audience listening to a talk
Woman holding an ipad behind a podium giving a talk
Three women working together with Sharpies and A2 pad of paper
A group of attendees clapping at the end of a presentation.
Three women working on a card sorting exercise against a wall.
A woman stood being a microphone on a stage giving a talk
Two women ad three men leaning against a balcony rail watching a presentation

My Learning platform

Our strong learning culture is supported by My Learning, our state-of-the-art learning platform to which all our employees have access to. On this platform, you can access new development opportunities and resources, strengthen your skills and share your learning, knowledge and skills with your colleagues across the whole organisation. My Learning offers a personalised learning experience, by curating learning content that is relevant for your role and of interest for you. Its powerful search engine will allow you to browse the ample catalogue of learning resources by topic or type of learning (workshops, online courses, videos, reading materials, curriculum).

The key benefits of My Learning include:

Personalised development -The platform provides content tailored to your role and interests, helping you grow in the areas that matter most to you.

Access to a wide range of resources – From workshops and online courses to videos and reading materials, you’ll have everything you need to learn in the way that suits you best.

Career growth opportunities – Continuous learning supports your professional development and opens doors for progression within the organisation.

Flexible, anytime learning – Learn at your own pace and on your own schedule, making it easy to balance development with your day-to-day responsibilities.

Collaborative knowledge sharing – Connect with colleagues across the organisation, share insights, and build a strong network while learning together.

With us, you’ll learn and grow.

Lyndsey
Senior Occupational Therapist
Pay and Reward
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