Assistant Manager: Vocational HMP

Dovetail and Slate; Hemel Hempstead; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days annual leave

Generous pension scheme

Cycle to Work scheme

Volunteer day

Job summary

Dovetail and Slate is seeking an Assistant Manager - Vocational to join the senior management team on-site at HMP The Mount. You will oversee and elevate the vocational curriculum spanning Motor Mechanics, Painting & Decorating, Art, Music, Media, and PSD, driving outstanding educational outcomes.

The role requires Level 5+ teaching qualifications, IQA, leadership, and Ofsted EIF knowledge; responsibilities include IQA, staff coaching, and inspection readiness for success.

Qualifications

• Level 5+ teaching qualification and Level 3 Maths/English qualifications.
• Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) qualification or willingness to achieve.
• Significant teaching experience with staff management and vocational curriculum oversight.
• Strong knowledge of Ofsted EIF and quality assurance mechanisms.
• Desirable Level 5 Operations/Departmental Manager qualification and experience in secure custodial environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deputise for Education Manager in day-to-day operations across the education department.
• Oversee vocational curriculum delivery across Motor Mechanics, P&D, Art, Music, Media, PSD.
• Lead IQA/EQA processes and use MoJ MIS to analyse performance and drive targets for recruitment, retention and achievement.
• Coach and develop teaching and support staff through formal appraisals, probation reviews, and CPD.
• Support inspection readiness and contribute to SAR and QIP, including delivering cover teaching when needed.

Skills

Leadership

Quality assurance

Staff management

Educational leadership

Ofsted EIF knowledge

Education

Level 5 Teaching Qualification (PGCE/Cert Ed/DTLLS)

Level 3 Maths qualification

Level 3 English qualification

Job description

Assistant Manager - Vocational

Location: HMP The Mount (Bovingdon, Hertfordshire)

Salary: From £35,000 per annum

Contract: Permanent, Full-Time

The Opportunity

We have an exciting leadership opportunity for an Assistant Manager - Vocational to join the senior management team on-site at HMP The Mount. Working alongside the Education Manager, you will oversee and elevate the vocational curriculum-spanning Motor Mechanics, Painting & Decorating, Art, Music, Media, and Personal & Social Development (PSD)-fostering a high-performing teaching environment that delivers outstanding educational outcomes.

What You Will Be Doing

• Operational Leadership & Deputising: Support the Education Manager with day-to-day operations across the education department, managing learner inductions, allocations, and conduct, while stepping in to lead the department when required.
• Vocational Curriculum Management: Oversee delivery and continuous improvement across diverse trade and creative departments (e.g., Motor Mechanics, P&D, Art, Music, Media, PSD), ensuring qualifications align with employer expectations and awarding body standards.
• Quality Assurance & Performance: Lead internal quality assurance (IQA/EQA) processes, developmental observations, learning walks, and deep dives. Use MoJ management information systems to analyse performance and drive targets for recruitment, retention, and achievement.
• Staff Development & Coaching: Manage and mentor teaching and support staff through formal appraisals, probation reviews, and tailored CPD plans, fostering a supportive, high-performing culture.
• Inspection Readiness & Delivery: Contribute directly to the Self-Assessment Report (SAR) and Quality Improvement Plan (QIP) in line with Ofsted's Education Inspection Framework (EIF), while delivering cover teaching sessions when necessary.

What We Are Looking For

• Teaching Credentials: Essential Level 5+ Teaching Qualification (PGCE, Cert Ed, DTLLS, or equivalent) alongside Level 3 qualifications in both Maths and English.
• Quality Assurance: Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) qualification (or willingness to achieve upon appointment).
• Leadership Experience: Significant teaching experience with proven success in staff management, vocational curriculum oversight, and quality improvement within FE, adult learning, or prison education settings.
• Inspection Knowledge: Strong working knowledge of Ofsted's Education Inspection Framework (EIF) and quality assurance mechanisms.
• Desirable Criteria: Level 5 Operations/Departmental Manager qualification and prior experience within secure custodial environments.

Our Benefits Include:

• 30 days annual leave (plus bank holidays)
• Paid volunteering day each year
• Generous pension scheme & Life Assurance
• Cycle to Work scheme & Holiday purchase scheme
• Enhanced Wedding Leave & Enhanced Maternity Scheme
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme & online wellbeing portal
• Access to hundreds of retail discounts via the Additions portal

Important Notice

We are committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. All appointments are subject to satisfactory vetting, including a right to work check and, where relevant, an enhanced DBS, PVG (Scotland), or EWC (Wales) check, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.

We are an equal opportunities employer.