Roots HR’s social purpose remains to enhance people management within social sector workforces by offering high-quality, accessible HR services and development opportunities for leaders and managers. Funded by our trading surpluses, the Roots HR Academy proudly offers a variety of free resources and learning opportunities to the social sector
Are you a leader who wants to support the development of your managers?
Do you want to help one of your managers build the skills and confidence to manage people effectively?
If so, we invite you to apply and nominate a line manager within your organisation to be considered for our free, expert-driven line management training programme.
FREE training programme – HR for social sector line managers
As part of our social impact, Roots HR are delighted to reopen applications for our popular and highly effective 8-week, modular FREE training course, “HR for social sector line managers” valued at £1,795 + VAT!
What is it?
Delivered by qualified and well-practised HR and social sector experts and geared towards those in a line management role who are new to line management or have never received training in line management, participants will learn about managing employees on a day-to-day basis.
Via interactive modules, delivered online, we will cover topics including:
- Effective recruitment and selection
- Managing performance
- Handling difficult conversations
- Wellbeing and health workplaces
- Developing your team
- And much more!
By the end of the programme participants will:
- Build their confidence and abilities in managing others
- Understand the main requirements of employment law when managing employees on a day-to-day basis
- Understand how to manage the risks of engaging and managing a team
- Know the key steps to delivering better performance within their team
- Know how to handle difficult situations within their team
- Build a support network through developing relationships with peers from other social sector organisations.
We also offer post-programme support through quarterly catch ups with our expert Consultants.
Who’s it for?
This course is intended for line managers who have been nominated by their manager and:
- Are currently in a line management role
- Are new to line management or have not received formal training
- Work within a small or medium-sized social sector organisation (under 120 employees)
It may also be suitable for individuals who are about to begin managing staff.
In addition to receiving the training, delegates will be able to network with people in similar roles to you within the sector.
Don’t just take our word for it!
Here is some feedback from previous attendees:
“The course covered relevant and important topics and the peer learning was very beneficial. It also provided reassurances in relation to the law, correct and considerate approaches, effective management of potential situations that may arise.”
“I found the trainers to be knowledge and approachable. Good range of relatable topics and easy to follow”
“I came in with zero knowledge, so everything was wonderful, it opened my eyes”
“I enjoyed every minute of this programme. We received lots of useful information and it was great to connect with other managers from small non-profits which is a very special environment (not only different to private or public sector but also different to large non-profits.)”
How do I join?
Managers are required to nominate a delegate via the online application form. The form can be found here, and must be submitted no later than 5pm on Friday 10th July 2026.
When and where?
Once applications have been received and reviewed we will plan in programmes for 2026/27.
About Roots HR CIC
Roots HR Community Interest Company is the UK’s specialist consultancy for human resources for social sector. We enable organisations to continually improve performance and sustainability through better people management, whilst ensuring an understanding of and compliance with employment legislation.
Terms and conditions
Places are limited to 15 for the programme, as such applications will be considered on a first come first served basis.
Successful applications will be notified by no later than Friday 31st July 2026. We will hold a waiting list whereby waitlisted applicants may be offered an opportunity to attend the training programme should any participants withdraw before the start of the programme.
Successful participants will be asked to adhere to our programme expectations as follows:
- To be able to attend each session (please note sessions will not be recorded)
- To ensure that modules are a safe space where experiences can be shared confidentially
- To keep cameras on during each session – reasonable adjustments can be agreed if required (we ask this to help encourage participation and to help build relationships between participants)
- To participate with any discussions, polls etc within each module.
Reasonable adjustments will be made to facilitate participation.
During or after the programme, we will ask you to complete a short evaluation of the training, which may be used for marketing and social media purposes. We will protect your organisation’s identity if you request us to.
Roots HR are providing this free training through their trading surpluses; we reserve the right to amend or cancel this training at any time.