Danielle Neal

A highly skilled and passionate professional with over a decade of experience in the third sector, specialising in learning and development, programme management, and inclusive leadership. Proven expertise in designing impactful training solutions, fostering stakeholder relationships, and driving organisational growth through strategic initiatives. Adept at promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion, with a track record of empowering teams and creating opportunities for underrepresented groups. Experienced in using data and feedback to drive continuous improvement and ensure the effectiveness of learning programmes. Dedicated to supporting personal and professional growth through coaching and transformative learning experiences.

Throughout my career, I have developed a strong passion for learning and development (L&D), coupled with extensive experience in programme management, volunteer strategy, and coaching. With over a decade of experience, I have honed my skills in designing and delivering impactful training solutions, creating inclusive environments, and fostering growth within diverse teams. My journey has allowed me to build a strong foundation in L&D, where I have been able to directly contribute to organisational success through the development of tailored learning strategies and effective employee development initiatives.

Paint the Town Green

As a Learning & Development Strategy Consultant at Paint the Town Green, my role revolved around the design and implementation of bespoke learning programmes tailored to the specific needs of participants. I had the privilege of crafting workshops focused on self-employment and customer service, which required me to adapt my approach to cater to the diverse needs of learners.

A significant part of my responsibilities involved developing and executing onboarding processes. This included developing comprehensive learner screening, profiling, and code of conduct policies, ensuring that each participant was well-prepared and aligned with programme goals. My focus on learner engagement was reinforced by my ability to build strong relationships with external stakeholders, including employers, training providers, and community groups. These partnerships enhanced the learning outcomes for participants and opened up progression opportunities within the industry.

One of the key aspects of my role was evaluating the effectiveness of training initiatives. I implemented comprehensive evaluation frameworks to measure programme success, using data and feedback to inform continuous improvements. This approach ensured that training programmes were not only impactful but also responsive to evolving needs and expectations.

Building Heroes

During my time at Building Heroes, I significantly developed my L&D expertise. Initially serving as Academy Manager, I was responsible for managing performance reviews, coaching, and delivering training that aligned with the strategic goals of the organisation. I led the development and execution of a volunteer strategy that promoted a positive volunteer culture, enhanced recruitment, and retention processes, and empowered volunteers to achieve personal and professional growth.

As part of my volunteer management role, I designed, delivered, and assessed training materials that equipped staff and volunteers with the skills and knowledge needed to support one another effectively. I also managed the volunteer recruitment and retention processes, including improving policies and recognising volunteer contributions. This role required me to work closely with internal stakeholders to evaluate the effectiveness of training initiatives and make adjustments based on feedback.

One of the proudest moments in my career at Building Heroes was contributing to the development of a culture that prioritised personal and professional growth. I used data-driven insights to design training programmes that directly aligned with the needs of both volunteers and staff. My ability to adjust and refine these training initiatives helped improve overall programme delivery and positively impacted employee and volunteer engagement.

In addition, I was entrusted with managing programme budgets, including forecasting and adjusting expenditure as necessary. This involved close collaboration with team members to ensure resources were optimally allocated and that we remained aligned with both short- and long-term goals. I was also the primary point of contact for all communication related to assigned programmes, which further developed my ability to manage complex projects while maintaining a clear focus on the needs of the team and organisation.

Charity for Civil Servants

In my role as Volunteer Learning & Development Manager at the Charity for Civil Servants, I played a key role in implementing the charity’s strategic objectives, particularly around volunteer engagement and training. My responsibilities included managing the recruitment and induction process for volunteers across the UK, ensuring that they were effectively integrated into the organisation.

I facilitated various training and development workshops designed to support the continuous learning of volunteers. This required me to tailor content to meet the specific needs of diverse volunteer groups while ensuring that learning objectives aligned with the charity's strategic goals. I also leveraged my skills in data management to track volunteer engagement and satisfaction, using this information to improve future training offerings.

Throughout my tenure, I worked closely with other departments and external partners to support the charity’s involvement in key events and meetings within the Civil Service sector. This role allowed me to build strong relationships across the organisation and within the broader sector, further enhancing my ability to collaborate and support diverse learning needs.

In addition to supporting the development of training programmes, I contributed to the planning and organisation of major events, including the Volunteer Awards. These events highlighted the dedication of our volunteers and showcased the charity’s commitment to their personal and professional development.

Transferable Skills and Strategic Impact

A key aspect of my L&D experience has been my ability to build strong relationships with key stakeholders, from senior leadership to external partners. Whether at Paint the Town Green, Building Heroes, or the Charity for Civil Servants, I have consistently demonstrated my ability to connect with people and work collaboratively to design and deliver impactful training solutions.

At Building Heroes, for example, I used my skills in programme management and stakeholder engagement to refine volunteer policies and develop strategies that encouraged retention and maximised volunteer potential. This was a direct reflection of my ability to lead and implement learning strategies that supported organisational growth.

Furthermore, my experience working with diverse groups has strengthened my commitment to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in all aspects of L&D. At Paint the Town Green, I ensured that equity and diversity principles were embedded into every training programme, recognising the importance of inclusivity in learning environments. This commitment to EDI continues to inform my approach to training design and delivery, ensuring that all employees and volunteers have the opportunity to grow and succeed.

Continuous Learning and Development

Throughout my career, I have remained committed to my own professional growth. I hold a Level 5 qualification in People Management and Professional Coaching, which has enabled me to develop a deeper understanding of the strategic aspects of L&D. These qualifications have provided me with the knowledge and skills necessary to design and implement effective training programmes while also allowing me to support the growth of others through coaching and feedback.

In conclusion, my extensive experience in L&D, combined with my qualifications and passion for creating inclusive learning environments, has enabled me to support both individuals and organisations in achieving their full potential. I look forward to continuing to drive positive change through strategic L&D initiatives, empowering teams to reach new heights and fostering a culture of continuous learning.

I hold a BA (Hons) in Business and Tourism Management, which provided a strong foundation in business principles, management strategies, and the tourism sector. Throughout my degree, I developed key skills in project management, strategic planning, and organisational behaviour, which have been instrumental in my career, particularly in roles that require a blend of business acumen and people management.

In addition to my degree, I have completed Level 5 qualifications in People Management and Professional Coaching. These qualifications have further enhanced my expertise in leadership, team development, and coaching. The People Management qualification has equipped me with the knowledge to drive organisational success through effective HR practices, while the Professional Coaching qualification has strengthened my ability to guide and mentor individuals, fostering both personal and professional growth.

Together, these educational achievements provide a robust blend of business knowledge, management expertise, and coaching skills, enabling me to support the development of individuals and teams effectively in diverse environments.