Sessional Lecturer

Durham County Council; North East; Hybrid; GBP 28,000 - 44,000; Part time

Job summary

Durham County Council is seeking Sessional Lecturers to deliver high-quality learning opportunities for DurhamLearn across a range of subjects. The role may involve travel between centres and employer premises, including daytime and evening sessions, with some weekend work.

The ideal candidate will have a Level 4 teaching qualification and a relevant professional or graduate qualification. L2 English and Maths are essential; Assessor/IQA desirables and ESOL options may apply.

Qualifications

• Minimum Level 4 teaching qualification (DTLLS, CertEd or equivalent).
• Professional, vocational or graduate qualification in the subject; NVQ Level 3+ or equivalent.
• L2 English and Maths; ESOL options may include CELTA/TEFL/TESOL Level 5 if delivering ESOL.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality learning opportunities for DurhamLearn across multiple settings.
• Travel between centres and employer premises; some day/evening/weekend work.
• Support learners with additional needs and challenging behaviour as required.

Skills

Teaching

Student support

Assessment

Education

Level 4 teaching qualification (DTLLS/CertEd)

Professional/vocational or graduate qualification in the field

L2 English & Maths

Job description

An opportunity has arisen for Sessional Lecturers to deliver a wide range of high-quality learning opportunities for DurhamLearn at Durham County Council.

WHAT IS INVOLVED?

We are particularly keen to recruit lecturers for:

• Business and Professional Skills
• ESOL
• Digital Skills
• Maths and English
• Health and Social Care (Adults and Children)
• Education
• SEND/Supported Employment

You will be required to deliver good or outstanding teaching and learning using innovative methods whilst taking in to account the needs of individual learners.

The ideal candidate will have some experience of teaching and supporting learners with additional needs or with challenging behaviour and is able identify and address the differing needs of a wide range of learners.

The Sessional Lecturer opportunity may involve travel between centres and to employer premises including regular day time and evening working and the possibility of some weekend working. The working conditions could include classrooms, workshops/employer premises or in community venues. This may involve long periods of standing, manual handling, lifting, carrying and erecting of resources as well as some lone working before and after classes.

WHAT WILL I NEED?

Required qualifications:

• A minimum Level 4 teaching qualification - DTLLS, CertEd or equivalent.
• A professional, vocational or graduate qualification in the field to be taught, Vocational and professional qualifications need to be at least at NVQ Level 3 or equivalent and at least one level above the level to be taught,
• Vocational qualifications or CPD must demonstrated relevant and up-to date knowledge of the subject area.
• L2 in English and Maths or appropriate equivalent
• For Apprenticeship and some vocational delivery, Assessor Award and IQA Award desirable.
• For ESOL delivery, CELTA or equivalent L5 TEFL/TESOL or Level 5 with English & ESOL Specialism.Please refer to the attached person specification for the full criteria.

If successful, you will be required to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service Enhanced Disclosure.

Our commitment to safeguarding: Durham County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore if successful in your application, an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be sought inclusive of a check of the Children’s Barred List and due to the position working in regulated activity. Applicants should be aware that the DBS check will disclose both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings, in line with current legislation

INTERVIEWS

Interviews will be held on 24th September 2026.

We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.

OUR OFFER TO YOU

We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years’ continuous local government service), membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme, and a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable. Explore the full range of rewards and benefits on our website.

Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions.

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION

We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled and neurodivergent people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.