At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead community-based adult learning and employment services to empower local residents.
- Company: Join High Trees, a supportive and collaborative organisation focused on community impact.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, pension contributions, and employee support.
- Other info: Office-based role with opportunities for meaningful community engagement.
- Why this job: Shape key services and make a real difference in people's lives.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing community programmes and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
We are seeking an experienced and motivated individual to join our Senior Management Team and lead one of our core service areas. This is an exciting opportunity to oversee a wide-ranging, community-based service that supports local residents to develop skills, confidence and pathways into employment.
Bringing together our Community Education & Training provision and Employment & Careers services, the role is responsible for ensuring a cohesive offer that supports hundreds of individuals each year from community learning through to work. A core element of our provision is the delivery of high-quality adult learning, including functional skills (English, maths and ICT), ESOL, community wellbeing, family learning, pathways to employment and selected vocational courses.
Our services are shaped by both community need and funding priorities and continue to evolve in response to local demand and emerging opportunities. Employment support also forms an integral part of our wider offer, both through embedded progression support within Adult Education provision and through separately funded programmes for priority groups, including younger jobseekers (18–24) and older residents (50+). This requires a flexible and responsive approach to programme development, partnership working and service delivery.
Our current provision is primarily funded through Lambeth Adult Learning and the Greater London Authority, with a combined annual budget of approximately £750,000 per year. A significant focus of the role will be overseeing the successful delivery of these contracts and services, ensuring high-quality provision, strong performance and meaningful progression outcomes for residents.
We are looking for someone who brings:
- Experience in managing complex community-based programmes, including adult learning and/or employment support
- A proven track record of leading teams and delivering against funded contracts
- Strong organisational and project management skills
- Excellent communication and partnership-building skills
- A strategic but practical approach, with the ability to balance delivery with long-term service development
- A commitment to improving outcomes for local residents
At High Trees, our staff are at the heart of everything we do. We are a supportive and collaborative organisation where people are encouraged to grow, develop and contribute to the wider direction of our work. Our benefits include a generous annual leave allowance, pension contributions, and access to employee support.
This role offers the opportunity to shape a key service area at an exciting point of development, working alongside a committed team to deliver meaningful outcomes for local residents. You will play a central role in strengthening pathways into employment and ensuring our services continue to respond to the needs of the community.
Due to the nature of our services and the importance of community-based delivery, this role is primarily office based and will suit someone who is passionate about working within community settings and building strong relationships with residents, partners and colleagues. While we are committed to supporting flexibility where possible, the majority of the role will be delivered in person across our services and community venues.
Head of Adult Learning, Skills and Employment employer: Assistancedogs
High Trees is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its staff, fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment. With a generous annual leave allowance, pension contributions, and access to employee support, we empower our team to make a meaningful impact in the community. This role offers the unique opportunity to shape vital services while working closely with dedicated colleagues to enhance pathways into employment for local residents.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Adult Learning, Skills and Employment
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend local events, workshops, or community meetings related to adult learning and employment support. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, be ready to discuss your experience managing community-based programmes. Share specific examples of how you've led teams and delivered successful outcomes. This will help you stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After meeting someone or attending an interview, drop them a quick email to thank them for their time and reiterate your interest in the role. It shows you're keen and keeps you fresh in their minds.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got all the latest job openings listed there, and it’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at High Trees!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Adult Learning, Skills and Employment
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in managing community-based programmes. We want to see how your skills align with our mission of supporting local residents in their journey towards employment.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We’re looking for someone with a proven track record of leading teams. Use your application to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams and delivered on funded contracts in the past.
Communicate Clearly:Excellent communication is key for this role. Ensure your written application is clear, concise, and free of jargon. We want to understand your ideas and how you plan to engage with our community and partners.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to make a difference in our community.
How to prepare for a job interview at Assistancedogs
✨Know Your Community
Before the interview, take some time to research the community you’ll be serving. Understand their needs, challenges, and the types of skills that are in demand. This will help you demonstrate your commitment to improving outcomes for local residents and show that you’re ready to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience managing complex community-based programmes. Highlight specific examples where you’ve successfully led teams or delivered against funded contracts. Use metrics to illustrate your impact, such as the number of individuals supported or improvements in progression outcomes.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
Since this role involves partnership working, be ready to talk about your communication and partnership-building skills. Share examples of how you’ve collaborated with other organisations or stakeholders to enhance service delivery. This will show that you can foster strong relationships, which is crucial for this position.
✨Balance Strategy with Practicality
The job requires a strategic yet practical approach. Prepare to discuss how you balance long-term service development with immediate delivery needs. Think of examples where you’ve had to adapt programmes based on community feedback or funding priorities, showcasing your flexibility and responsiveness.
