Learning and Skills Manager

Serco Limited; Royal Borough of Greenwich; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Pension scheme (6% contributory)

Internal courses and qualifications

Employee Assistance Programme andWell‑

Discounts across retailers

Volunteer day and Payroll Giving

Job summary

Serco Limited in London is seeking a Learning and Skills Manager to lead the delivery of education, vocational training, library services, and employment-focused learning at HMP Thameside. You will oversee programmes, ensure high standards, and collaborate with providers and partners to support rehabilitation and positive outcomes upon release.

The role offers a competitive salary (£33,000 - £49,400 per annum) with London weighting and a strong benefits package.

Qualifications

• QTS/QTLS or working towards one is required or expected.
• Degree or custodial/education experience relevant to learning and employability services.
• Experience leading and motivating teams to deliver outcomes.
• Strong communication, planning, organisational, and stakeholder management skills.
• Good IT literacy and ability to manage multiple priorities with professionalism.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage learning, skills, employment, vocational training, and library services across the establishment.
• Ensure provision meets contractual, operational, and quality requirements.
• Support QA frameworks and continuous improvement activities.
• Manage relationships with education providers and other stakeholders.
• Coordinate self-assessment reports and contribute to audits and quality improvement plans.
• Lead and develop colleagues, fostering a safe and inclusive learning environment.

Education

QTS / QTLS or willingness to work towards one

Relevant degree or custodial/education experience

Experience leading and motivating teams

Strong communication and stakeholder management

Planning and organisational skills

IT literacy and multi-priority management

Job description

Location: HMP Thameside, London, SE28 0FJ

Salary: £33,000 - £49,400 per annum, dependant on experience + London weighting plus excellent benefits

Schedule: Full-time, Monday to Friday 8am -5pm

Ready to impact a better future?

As a Learning and Skills Manager in our Justice and Immigration team, you'll lead the delivery of education, vocational training, library services, and employment-focused learning programmes within HMP Thameside. Your work will help create meaningful opportunities for learners to develop skills, gain qualifications, and build brighter futures beyond custody.

This is a role with real purpose. You'll work collaboratively with education providers, colleagues, and external partners to ensure learning programmes meet high standards, support rehabilitation, and contribute to reducing reoffending. Our work touches lives every day, and you'll play a key role in creating impactful solutions that deliver a positive impact on communities and help people prepare for successful release and employment.

Please note, if successful, interviews will be held week commencing 7th December

What you'll do as a Learning and Skills Manager

• Lead and manage the delivery of learning, skills, employment, vocational training, and library services across the establishment.
• Ensure education and skills provision meet contractual, operational, and quality requirements.
• Support the planning and implementation of quality assurance frameworks and continuous improvement activities.
• Manage relationships with education providers, Careers Information, Advice and Guidance providers, and other key stakeholders.
• Coordinate Self-Assessment Reports and contribute to audits, inspections, and quality improvement plans.
• Lead and develop colleagues, promoting a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environment for all learners and employees.

Does this sound like you?

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS), a relevant teaching qualification, or willingness to work towards one.
• A relevant degree, custodial experience, or significant experience within learning, education, skills, or employability services.
• Experience leading and motivating teams to deliver high-quality outcomes.
• Strong communication, planning, organisational, and stakeholder management skills.
• Good IT literacy and the ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining high professional and ethical standards.

What we offer

• Up to 25 days' holiday plus bank holidays
• Up to 6% contributory pension scheme
• Over 1,100 internal courses available, funding for qualifications and apprenticeships (we currently offer over 60 different apprenticeships), mentoring opportunities, and a focus on internal progression.
• Employee Assistance Programme, Bupa Anytime HealthLine, wellbeing app, 30% off at Serco-managed leisure centres, and 24/7 access to a virtual GP service
• Discounts across around 1,000 retailers, from food and clothing to days out, entertainment and travel
• Paid volunteering day, tax-free charitable giving through Payroll Giving Scheme, donate your pennies from your monthly pay to the Serco People Fund Charity
• Our employee networks support connection by providing spaces for collaboration, learning, and belonging. They represent and empower all our colleagues including veterans, LGBTQIA+ employees, women, parents and carers, people with disabilities, and people from all cultural backgrounds.

Vetting and checks:

This role requires Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance, which involves verifying your identity, employment history, nationality, and criminal record to meet government security standards. In addition, depending on the nature of the role, you may need to obtain formal Security Clearance (such as CTC or SC), which includes more detailed background checks on employment, criminal record, and financial history to ensure suitability for working in secure environments. Please note that UK residency requirements may apply for certain levels of clearance. You will also complete an Occupational Health Questionnaire so we can identify and provide any support you may need to undertake the role effectively.