Deputy Centre Manager – Dorchester

SWRAC; Thames Centre; On-site; CAD 67,000 - 71,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Casual dress

Company events

Cycle to work scheme

Health & wellbeing programme

Private dental insurance

Private medical insurance

Job summary

SWRAC in Dorchester is seeking a Deputy Centre Manager to support day-to-day centre management, learner support, safeguarding and compliance. The postholder will deputise for the Centre Manager, assist with timetabling and staff deployment, and contribute to staff training and quality improvement initiatives.

The role blends leadership with teaching and learner support, aiming to deliver excellent outcomes and an inclusive centre culture. Salary £36,000–£38,000.

Qualifications

• Level 2 English and Mathematics (or equivalent).
• Qualified teaching qualification, or willingness to work towards.
• Safeguarding training appropriate to the role.
• Full UK Driving Licence.

Responsibilities

• Deputise for the Centre Manager during periods of absence and ensure smooth operation.
• Support staff, learners and resources to maintain a positive, safe and productive learning environment.
• Assist in monitoring the quality of teaching, learning and assessment across programmes.
• Lead staff development and contribute to quality improvement activities.

Education

Level 2 English and Mathematics

Recognised Teaching Qualification

Safeguarding training

Full UK Driving Licence

Job description

Person Specification

At SWRAC, we empower individuals to thrive through practical and relevant educational programs. Our goal is to equip people with the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary to become resilient, confident, and independent. We aim for them to grow in education, secure employment, or engage in meaningful activities, live healthily, be active and responsible citizens, and ensure their safety.

Location: Dorchester, DT2 9SL

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: £36,000 – £38,000 a year

Purpose of the Role

The Deputy Centre Manager plays a key role in supporting the effective day-to-day management of the centre, ensuring high-quality education, learner support, safeguarding and operational compliance. The postholder will also deputise for the Centre Manager during periods of absence, support teaching and learning, lead pastoral interventions for learners and contribute to workforce development through the delivery of staff training, mentoring and quality improvement activities.

The role combines leadership responsibilities with direct involvement in teaching, learner support and staff development, helping to ensure excellent outcomes for learners and a positive, inclusive culture across the centre.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Centre Management

• Deputise for the Centre Manager during periods of absence, ensuring the smooth operation of the centre.
• Support the management of staff, learners and resources to maintain a positive, safe and productive learning environment.
• Assist in monitoring the quality of teaching, learning and assessment across programmes.
• Support achievement of centre performance targets, learner outcomes and attendance expectations.
• Assist with timetabling, staff deployment and cover arrangements.
• Support implementation of safeguarding, Prevent, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, and Health and Safety procedures.
• Contribute to quality assurance activities, audits, inspections and self‑assessment processes.
• Work collaboratively with the Centre Manager and IQA team to share best practice and maintain consistency across provision.
• Assist with maintaining learner records, reports and data systems in a timely and accurate manner.
• Participate in management meetings and provide reports when required.
• Support recruitment, enrolment and transition processes for learners.

Pastoral Support and Student Welfare

• Act as a key pastoral lead within the centre.
• Build positive relationships with learners, parents, carers and professionals.
• Support learners who experience barriers to attendance, engagement, wellbeing or behaviour.
• Lead and coordinate individual support plans and targeted interventions.
• Attend and contribute to annual reviews, professional meetings and multi‑agency discussions.
• Promote learner independence, resilience and preparation for adulthood outcomes.
• Support attendance monitoring and implement strategies to improve learner engagement.
• Assist the Designated Safeguarding Lead and Deputy DSL with safeguarding responsibilities where required.

Teaching and Learning

• Provide teaching cover for tutor absence due to sickness, annual leave or vacancies.
• Prepare and deliver engaging learning sessions that meet individual learner needs.
• Deliver embedded English and mathematics within programmes where appropriate.
• Complete learner documentation, reviews, assessments and progress records in a timely manner.
• Monitor learner progress against Individual Learning Plans (ILPs), EHCP outcomes and RARPA targets.
• Support the quality of teaching, learning and assessment to meet internal and external quality standards.
• Work closely with learning support staff and external professionals to promote positive learner outcomes.

Staff Development and Training

• Deliver induction training for new staff.
• Coordinate and facilitate centre‑based staff development activities.
• Mentor tutors and support staff to promote effective practice.
• Support implementation of organisational policies, procedures and quality standards.
• Maintain training records and identify development opportunities within the centre.
• Share best practice relating to SEND, behaviour support, safeguarding and learner engagement.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Develop positive relationships with parents/carers, commissioners and external agencies.
• Represent SWRAC at meetings, reviews and networking events as required.
• Support partnership working with employers, work experience providers and community organisations.

General Responsibilities

• Promote a culture of inclusion, aspiration and high expectations.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with data protection requirements.
• Uphold all organisational policies and procedures.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties commensurate with the nature and level of the post.

Person Specification

Essential

Qualifications

• Level 2 English and Mathematics (or equivalent).
• Recognised Teaching Qualification (or willingness to work towards).
• Safeguarding training appropriate to the role.
• Full UK Driving Licence.

Knowledge, Skills And Experience

• Experience teaching young people with SEND.
• Experience supporting learners with social, emotional, behavioural or mental health needs.
• Experience working within an educational setting.
• Experience of multi‑agency working with professionals and families.
• Understanding of SEND, EHCP processes and preparation for adulthood outcomes.
• Knowledge of safeguarding legislation and procedures.
• Understanding of behaviour support and positive intervention strategies.
• Knowledge of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion requirements.
• Understanding of curriculum delivery and assessment processes.
• Understanding of Health and Safety and risk management responsibilities.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Effective leadership and team‑working skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and respond flexibly to operational needs.
• Ability to supervise learners effectively and safely.
• Competent IT skills and experience using management information systems.
• Ability to manage challenging situations professionally.
• Ability to analyse data and identify actions to improve learner outcomes.
• Ability to deliver staff training and provide constructive feedback.
• Positive and solution‑focused approach.
• Resilient and calm under pressure.
• Commitment to continuous improvement.
• Professional integrity and accountability.
• Ability to motivate and inspire learners and staff.
• Commitment to inclusion and learner‑centred practice.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills.
• Flexible and adaptable approach to work.

Desirable

Qualifications

• Level 5 Teaching Qualification.
• SEND qualification.
• Behaviour Management qualification.
• Leadership or Management qualification (Level 3 or above).
• Mental Health First Aid qualification.

Knowledge And Experience

• Experience of line management or supervisory responsibilities.
• Experience of staff training delivery.
• Experience of quality assurance and performance improvement activities.
• Experience of managing learner attendance, behaviour or pastoral interventions.
• Experience of coaching or mentoring staff.
• Experience of quality assurance activities.
• Experience of timetabling and resource management.
• Knowledge of Ofsted Education Inspection Framework requirements.
• Understanding of RARPA and accredited qualifications.
• Knowledge of supported internships and employability programmes.

Special Requirements

• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.
• Commitment to equality of opportunity and inclusive practice.
• Willingness to work flexibly to meet operational requirements.
• Commitment to supporting learners to achieve independence and positive preparation for adulthood outcomes.
• Ability to travel between centres as required.

Benefits

• Casual dress
• Company events
• Cycle to work scheme
• Health & wellbeing programme
• Private dental insurance
• Private medical insurance

Ability To Commute/relocate

• Dorchester DT2: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)

Education

• GCSE or equivalent (preferred)

Experience

• teaching young people with SEND: 2 years (preferred)
• line management or supervisory responsibilities: 1 year (preferred)
• working within an educational setting: 1 year (preferred)

Work Location: In person

SWRAC is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Our recruitment and selection practices will reflect this dedication. All successful candidates will undergo Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, along with other relevant employment screening. We are also committed to ensuring genuine equality of opportunity in all aspects of our activities as an employer and educational provider. Please find our full Safeguarding Policy here.

Closing date: 16/09/2026

Please note: We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.