Working under the direction of the Learning Design Manager, the postholder will contribute to the creation of engaging, evidence-informed courses and resources, ensuring they align with ETF’s professional standards, sector needs and organisational priorities. The role will focus on the practical application of instructional design principles, supporting the development of learner-centred content within the Learning Management System (LMS) and wider digital platforms.
The Learning Design Officer will play a key role in enhancing the learner experience, maintaining course quality, and supporting the delivery of scalable, accessible and impactful professional development. This aligns with the wider team remit to ensure ETF’s online offer is high-quality, up-to-date and user-focused.
Learning design, instructional design and product development
- Support the design and development of online, blended and asynchronous learning programmes and resources.
- Apply instructional design principles to create engaging, inclusive and accessible learning content (e.g. structuring learning pathways, defining learning outcomes, sequencing activities).
- Develop digital learning materials including scripts, storyboards, assessments, multimedia briefs and interactive content.
- Work with external stakeholders and associates to ensure all content aligns with ETF Professional Standards, CPD principles and evidence-informed pedagogical practice.
- Build, upload and maintain courses within ETF’s Learning Management System(s), ensuring content is accurate, functional and user-friendly.
- Support course updates and annual amends cycles to ensure content remains current and relevant.
- Test and quality assure learning materials, including functionality, accessibility and learner journey.
- Support improvements to user experience through feedback, analytics and user testing.
Quality Assurance and Continuous Improvement
- Contribute to course quality assurance processes, including peer review and feedback cycles.
- Use learner feedback, engagement data and evaluation findings to support course enhancements.
- Maintain high standards of accuracy, consistency and usability across all learning products.
- Support pilot testing, focus groups and user testing activities where required.
Stakeholder and SME Engagement
- Work collaboratively with subject matter experts (SMEs), associates, suppliers, trainers and internal teams to co-design high-quality learning content.
- Support stakeholder engagement activities to gather insight and feedback that informs course design.
- Contribute to effective communication with internal and external partners involved in content development.
Project Support
- Support the Learning Design Manager in project delivery, including planning, tracking and coordinating development activity.
- Manage allocated workstreams or modules within larger course development projects.
- Ensure tasks are delivered on time and to agreed quality standards.
Systems and digital platforms
- Support the effective use and continuous improvement of the LMS and other learning systems
- Ensure content, user experience and data management processes are optimised
- Contribute to wider organisational developments in digital infrastructure and learning technologies
Strategic contribution
- Contribute to the development of ETF’s wider learning and digital strategy
- Keep abreast of developments in digital pedagogy, edtech and FE policy, ensuring ETF remains at the forefront of practice
- Undertake other duties commensurate with the role
Key relationships
This role will work closely with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, including:
Internal stakeholders
The postholder will work closely with:
- Learning Design Specialist
- Professional Development and Delivery colleagues (Trainers, Programme Leads, Product teams)
- Research and Evaluation team (for evidence-informed practice and impact insights)
- Digital / IT teams supporting LMS platforms
These relationships are essential to ensure the learning design function is integrated across ETF and contributes to a coherent product offer .
External stakeholders
The postholder will engage with:
- Suppliers and sector specialists
- Delivery partners, Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and associates
- FE providers and practitioners contributing to content design or testing
- Sector bodies / stakeholders, e.g. Department for Education
These relationships are critical to ensure ETF’s online learning offer remains relevant, credible and responsive to sector needs.
The ethical use of Generative AI at ETF
At ETF, we embrace generative artificial intelligence (AI) with a strong ethical foundation, using it to unlock new levels of productivity, creativity, and impact across all roles.
We believe AI is not just a tool - it’s a powerful partner in helping you work smarter, save time, and focus on what matters most. That’s why we expect every employee to use Co-Pilot actively and routinely as part of their daily workflow. Together, we can harness the full potential of AI to elevate our work and shape a future where innovation thrives.
As part of our commitment to continuous improvement, you’ll be expected to demonstrate how you’re using generative AI in your work through performance assessments. If you need support or training, please reach out to one of our AI Champions - they’re here to help you build confidence and unlock the full value of these tools.
