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 45000 - 55000 € 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 in London 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 lead vital adult learning and employment services, shaping pathways for local residents while working closely with a dedicated team committed to community engagement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Adult Learning, Skills and Employment in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the adult learning and employment sectors. Attend local events or workshops where you can meet people who might know about job openings or can give you insider tips.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to express your enthusiasm for community-based learning and employment support. Share stories of how you've made a difference in similar roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation's current projects and challenges. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate that you're not just a good fit, but also genuinely interested in their mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Adult Learning, Skills and Employment in London
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 against 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 can contribute to our community-focused services.
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
Familiarise yourself with the local community and its needs. Research the demographics, challenges, and opportunities in the area. This will help you demonstrate your understanding of how to tailor adult learning and employment services effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams and managed complex programmes in the past. Be ready to discuss specific outcomes you've achieved and how your leadership style fosters collaboration and growth within a team.
✨Highlight Your Strategic Thinking
Think about how you can balance immediate service delivery with long-term development. Be prepared to share your vision for the role and how you would approach programme development in response to community needs and funding priorities.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Strong communication is key in this role, so be ready to discuss how you've built partnerships and engaged with various stakeholders to enhance service delivery.
