1. Purpose & scope
This Policy applies to all learning, training and careers activity delivered by or in partnership with the HEADTURNED Foundation, including:
- short workshops, talks and open days;
- skills programmes and longer learning pathways;
- placements, work shadowing and structured work experience;
- mentoring, careers guidance and portfolio support;
- online learning, hybrid activity and any future accredited programmes delivered through HEADTURNED.
It covers activity for young people, adults changing or developing careers, and professionals seeking specialist skills linked to Sanctuary work, innovation, vertical farming and conservation.
2. Who our learning & careers activities are for
The Foundation's learning and careers work is designed to open up routes into:
- animal care, rehabilitation and Sanctuary roles;
- conservation, biodiversity and rewilding careers;
- vertical farming, food systems and sustainable agriculture;
- technology, design and innovation roles that support climate and ecological solutions;
- creative, media and storytelling roles linked to our mission.
Specific programmes may have age, experience or location requirements, which will be explained clearly in their information materials.
3. Types of learning, training & careers activity
Activities may include, for example:
- introductory open days or taster sessions;
- hands-on workshops or labs (on-site or online);
- structured skills programmes over several weeks or months;
- project-based learning linked to live Foundation work;
- placements or shadowing within Sanctuary, Hub or Farming settings;
- careers advice, mentoring and portfolio review.
Each activity will provide a clear description of what is involved, time commitments, expectations and any costs, bursaries or support available.
4. What people can expect from us
When you take part in a HEADTURNED learning or careers activity, you can expect us to:
- provide clear information about the purpose of the activity;
- communicate schedules, locations and any prerequisites (for example, clothing or equipment) in good time;
- create learning environments that are respectful, inclusive and psychologically safe;
- take reasonable steps to keep participants physically safe, in line with our health and safety arrangements;
- handle personal data in line with our Privacy Notice;
- signpost to additional support where needed—for example, where a participant wishes to explore further routes into study or employment.
Some activities may be delivered with partners (for example, colleges or employers). In those cases, responsibilities will be clearly explained.
5. Participant responsibilities
We ask participants to help keep learning spaces safe and constructive for everyone by:
- treating staff, volunteers and other participants with respect;
- following reasonable instructions from facilitators, especially around welfare, safety and biosecurity;
- attending on time, or letting us know if you can no longer attend a session or programme;
- using equipment, tools and digital platforms in a responsible way, and not for harassment or abuse;
- raising concerns early if something feels unsafe or not as expected.
Serious or repeated breaches of conduct may lead to someone being asked to leave an activity or, in rare cases, to be excluded from future programmes.
6. Safeguarding, wellbeing & support
Learning and careers activities that involve children, young people or adults at risk are run in line with our Safeguarding Policy. This includes:
- appropriate background checks for staff and volunteers where required;
- clear reporting routes for concerns or disclosures;
- careful design of activities that may be emotionally challenging (for example, topics relating to injury, loss or environmental damage).
We aim to make our learning environments as accessible as possible. Where you have particular access, health or support needs, we encourage you to tell us so we can explore reasonable adjustments.
7. Selection, places & attendance
Some activities have limited places. Where selection is needed, we follow our Fair Access & Inclusion Policy, which sets out how we make choices in a way that is transparent and fair.
If you are offered a place, we will explain what is required to confirm it (for example, a short form or acceptance email). If you decide you cannot attend, we ask you to let us know as early as possible so that the place can be offered to someone else.
8. Costs, bursaries & expenses
Some activities may be free to attend; others may involve fees, bursaries, travel support or stipends. Details will be set out clearly in programme information and, where relevant, in any joining documentation.
Where programmes are funded by specific grants or partners, there may be additional terms related to funding conditions. These will be explained in plain language.
9. Feedback, progression & references
We encourage participants to give feedback so that we can improve our learning and careers offer over time. Where appropriate, programmes may:
- provide certificates of completion or participation;
- signpost next steps for study, training or employment;
- offer references or statements of involvement, where agreed.
We do not guarantee employment or further opportunities as a result of taking part, but we aim to design activities that genuinely support people towards their next steps.
10. Concerns, complaints & ongoing review
If you have concerns about a learning or careers activity—for example, the conduct of staff or participants, accessibility, or how a decision was made—you can raise these informally with a member of the team or formally under our Complaints & Feedback Policy.
This Policy will be reviewed regularly and updated as our learning, training and careers work grows, including new pathways linked to the Sanctuary, Innovation Hub, Vertical Farming campus and international partnerships.