Sebastian Carro

Strategic Learning & Development leader with over 15 years' experience heading enterprise-wide L&D functions across multi-site, operational, and regulated environments. I combine Occupational Psychology rigour with commercial pragmatism to design and deliver learning strategies that drive business performance, strengthen leadership capability, and build psychologically safe, high-performing cultures. My approach is evidence-based and data-driven, translating organisational objectives into practical, impactful development programmes that work for both frontline teams and professional populations.

I have a proven track record of leading national training functions, managing multi-million-pound learning budgets, developing high-performing L&D teams, and embedding continuous improvement methodologies (Lean Six Sigma, ISO 45003, DMAIC) into learning operations. Certified at CIPD (Learning & Development Practice), with an MSc in Occupational Psychology and BPS Level 2 Test User accreditation. I bring scientific rigour, commercial acumen, and the ability to influence at all levels, from the boardroom to the shop floor.

Training Manager – Operational Performance at ISS Facility Services UK (2026-06 – Present)

Leading operational performance training across a national, multi-site facilities management organisation. Driving stakeholder engagement and strategic alignment across diverse business areas while contributing to the execution of the overall L&D strategy. Overseeing digital learning content development within the LMS, delivering regional training initiatives for mobilisations and onboarding, and designing customer service and retail excellence programmes that enhance service quality and operational consistency.

National Training Lead at Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (2021-08 – 2025-12)

Led the national L&D function for an organisation serving over 4 million members, designing and delivering high-standard training programmes aligned with statutory and organisational goals. This role demonstrated the full spectrum of Head of L&D capability:

• Strategic Leadership: Designed and oversaw blended learning pathways incorporating digital, virtual, and simulation-based methods, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for all participants.
• Team Leadership: Managed and developed a national team of trainers, establishing CPD frameworks and prioritising wellbeing for trainers and learners.
• Compliance and Governance: Ensured all training met regulatory, ethical, and organisational standards (NHS, CQC, NMC, safeguarding legislation), supported by robust evaluation and quality assurance frameworks.
• Organisational Development: Embedded ISO 45003 principles to identify and mitigate psychosocial risks such as stress and burnout, maintaining a physically and psychologically safe learning environment.
• Continuous Improvement: Championed data-driven improvement using Lean Six Sigma and DMAIC cycles to streamline processes, eliminate waste, and promote efficient, collaborative delivery.
• Stakeholder Partnership: Collaborated with subject specialists, senior leadership, and external partners to foster a culture of continuous learning and ensure compliance amidst evolving contexts.

Academic & Group Contributor at International Safeguarding Conference (ISC) 2026 (2026-01 – 2026-04)

Convened and led a preparatory thematic working group of safeguarding experts across Northern Europe. Piloted the use of Blended Learning technology to collect and synthesise qualitative data. Guided the working group in exploring core safeguarding principles through an intercultural lens, facilitating comparative SWOT analysis. Contributed to collaborative framework development and academic-practitioner integration.

Training & Development Lead at London Borough of Islington (2014-05 – 2021-08)

Led the training and development function for a group of 380 staff, delivering L&D interventions addressing talent management, management development, leadership, and soft skills development. Key achievements:

• Strategic Needs Analysis: Identified, planned, designed, and delivered programmes and initiatives in line with organisational development objectives, obtained through regular stakeholder communications.
• Learning Technology Management: Directly managed a Talent Management System feeding from an LMS, a Performance Management Tracker, and a permanent Stakeholder Opinion Survey (EOS) gathering regular, relevant data.
• Onboarding and Induction: Developed, updated, coordinated, and delivered the contract induction programme, ensuring all new recruits were introduced to the vision, core values, and legal obligations of the Borough.
• Budget Management: Managed and tracked the L&D budget, maintaining contracts and renewals for multiple e-learning platforms.
• Performance and Capability: Conducted regular audits on working teams to assess performance and determine development areas; coached site managers on a 1:1 basis on all aspects of management and leadership.
• Talent Development: Supported learners through Apprenticeships at all levels.

Team Moderator & Facilitator (Remote) at CQ Net – Learn What Really Matters (2016-10 – 2022-01)

Facilitated team meetings and discussions, promoting open dialogue and constructive feedback to foster a culture of transparency and mutual respect. Mediated conflicts and disagreements, finding mutually beneficial solutions and maintaining harmonious working relationships. Identified opportunities for process improvement and implemented strategies to enhance team efficiency and productivity; coordinated and delivered training sessions to enhance team skills and knowledge.

Learning Manager at Accent Services. Borough Contracts (2013-08 – 2014-04)

Provided training and operations support on a consultancy basis for new business launches, including TUPE staff training needs, statutory and HR content delivery, management and leadership skills, budgeting and finance, conflict management, and due diligence documentation.

Training Manager at BNP Paribas Real Estate (2011-01 – 2013-06)

Provided training and general HR services at BNP Paribas Real Estate premises.

Contract Manager at WSH – RAW (2008-03 – 2011-01)

Delivered training and operations support across multiple high-profile clients including Veolia Environmental Services (2010), Philip Morris International (2009), and EMI Records (2008).

Various Positions at BAXTERSTOREY, BMI, SODEXHO, WHITE STAR LINE (2002-05 – 2008-04)

MSc in Occupational Psychology – Birkbeck, University of London

Level 7 in CIPD Learning and Development Practice – Kingston College

BSc (Hons) in Psychology – The Open University