Vocational Training Lead

Trigon Recruitment Ltd; England; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is seeking a Vocational Training Lead to oversee curriculum delivery and quality assurance in a prison education setting. This leadership role requires a Level 5 Teaching Qualification, significant teaching experience, and strong management skills. Responsibilities include leading quality improvement, coaching tutors, and ensuring compliance with Ofsted and Ministry of Justice standards. The ideal candidate will have a clear understanding of educational frameworks and the ability to influence outcomes positively.

Qualifications

• Significant teaching experience required.
• Proven experience in managing curriculum development and quality systems.
• Driving licence and access to transport necessary.

Responsibilities

• Oversee vocational curriculum delivery and quality assurance.
• Lead quality improvement initiatives and manage teaching staff.
• Ensure compliance with regulations and deliver teaching sessions as required.

Skills

Strong leadership and communication skills

Curriculum development experience

Ability to influence and motivate

Education

Level 5 Teaching Qualification

Level 3 English and Maths

Job description

Job Title: Vocational Training Lead

Location: HMP Onley

Salary: From 35,000

Contract: Permanent

Role Overview

We are recruiting an experienced Assistant Manager (Vocational Skills) to support the Education Manager in overseeing vocational curriculum delivery and quality assurance within a prison education setting. This role involves managing vocational programmes, ensuring high standards and compliance with Ofsted and Ministry of Justice requirements.

You will lead on quality improvement, coach and support tutors, and drive innovation to meet challenging performance targets. This is a leadership role requiring strong management skills, curriculum development experience, and a commitment to improving learner outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

Curriculum & Quality Management

Support the Education Manager in managing vocational curriculum delivery and quality assurance.

Lead on quality improvement initiatives, including lesson observations, deep dives, and learning walks.

Develop and promote a standardised vocational curriculum aligned to learner and employer needs.

Monitor and coordinate IQA/EQA schedules and support teams with compliance.

Prepare annual self-assessment reports, quality improvement plans, and contribute to budget planning.

Staff Leadership & Development

Manage and supervise teaching and support staff using HR strategies to maximise learner success.

Induct new staff and provide mentoring and coaching to improve teaching practice.

Coordinate and deliver local CPD based on quality trends and observations.

Set and monitor staff targets to ensure contractual obligations are met and exceeded.

Operational & Partnership Responsibilities

Maintain positive internal and external partnerships for the benefit of learners.

Ensure compliance with safeguarding, equality, health and safety, and prison security requirements.

Deputise for the Education Manager when required and manage day-to-day operations.

Deliver teaching sessions as needed.

Essential Criteria

Level 5 Teaching Qualification.

Significant teaching experience.

Proven experience managing curriculum development, quality systems, and staff performance.

Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to influence and motivate.

Level 3 English and Maths.

Driving licence and access to transport.

Clear understanding of Ofsted Education Inspection Framework (EIF).

Desirable Criteria

Level 4 Award in Internal Quality Assurance (or willingness to work towards).

Level 5 Operations or Departmental Manager Qualification.

Evidence of continuous professional development.

Experience in secure environments and commitment to reducing re-offending through education.