Head of Department - Adult Skills

Are you ready to lead transformation in adult education and make a genuine impact across the borough and wider community? At Barking & Dagenham College, we are seeking an ambitious, visionary Head of Department - Adult Skills to lead and grow a vibrant department that plays a critical role in improving lives, boosting employability, and fostering inclusion through adult education. This is your opportunity to shape the future of adult learning and drive positive change that reaches far beyond the classroom. You will join us on a full-time, permanent basis and in return, we will offer a competitive salary of £55,566 - £62,153 pa inc London Weighting.

Key Responsibilities of our Head of Adult Skills:

• Lead Across Key Adult Learning Areas: This role spans the leadership of our Adult ESOL, Adult Maths & English, and Adult Community Learning teams—essential pillars supporting learners from all backgrounds to grow, achieve, and thrive.
• Grow a High-Impact Department: Shape and expand a provision that empowers adults with the confidence, qualifications, and skills they need for personal and professional success. Plan and promote enriching pastoral activities and volunteering opportunities to help adult learners develop essential life skills, build confidence, and connect with their communities.
• Collaborate with Community & Employers: Develop strong partnerships with local employers, charities, and community organisations to co-create opportunities that address skills gaps, enhance employability, and support social inclusion.
• Strategic & Transformational Leadership: Set a clear vision for the department, inspire a passionate team, and lead innovative curriculum delivery to drive outstanding outcomes and learner satisfaction.
• Empower Diverse Learners: Whether it’s supporting learners through ESOL, enhancing literacy and numeracy, or offering community-based education, your work will transform lives through inclusive and accessible education.

Our ideal Head of Adult Skills should have the following qualifications, skills and experience:

• Has a successful track record in adult learning, curriculum leadership, or community education.
• Understands the unique needs of adult learners and is passionate about widening participation.
• Thinks creatively and strategically to deliver real impact.
• Can build and sustain strong external partnerships.
• Leads with authenticity, compassion, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Experience And Qualifications:

• Proven experience in leading ESOL and Adult Maths & English teams.
• Outstanding knowledge of curriculum development and quality assurance processes.
• Knowledge and experience in contributing to fundamental college processes, including the Self-Assessment Report (SAR) and quality improvement planning.
• A creative and innovative mindset, with the ability to develop engaging, learner-centered programmes.
• Strong understanding of Adult Skills Fund (ASF) funding and how to maximise its impact.
• Confident and effective use of digital technology, with a passion for embedding it across curriculum delivery.
• A strategic, future-focused outlook with the ability to drive change and innovation.
• Excellent leadership skills, with the initiative and confidence to inspire teams and deliver results.
• A commitment to continuous improvement, inclusion, and learner success.

For full details and criteria, please see attached job description. All applications forms must be fully completed, showing full education and employment details. An incomplete application will not be considered for shortlisting. We have the right to interview candidates before the application deadline. Barking & Dagenham College are committed to Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Applicants for all jobs will undergo appropriate child-protection screening including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to an enhanced level, costs are covered by the College. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.

Safeguarding: All employment offers are made subject to checks in line with the Keeping Children Safe in Education guidelines. These include (some of which are dependent upon the role and the individual): enhanced DBS including children’s barred list check, DfE teaching/management barred list check, on-line searches, overseas criminal record check, evidence of identity and right to work in the UK, satisfactory references, confirmation of medical fitness, evidence of relevant qualifications and a check of previous employment history. You will be required to become familiar with College’s policies and comply with the requirements to safeguard and protect the welfare of children and young people and vulnerable adults. All staff are asked to complete mandatory training on KCSIE and other key areas, and to read the relevant policies.

Closing date for applications: If you would like to learn more about our Head of Adult Skills role, then please click ‘apply’ today!

About Us: We’re a college that is deeply rooted in its community, bold in its ambition and committed to innovation, focused on equity, opportunity, and learner empowerment. Proud to offer a supportive and collaborative working culture with excellent CPD. We are trusted by over 6,000 learners and apprentices yearly; we provide industry-aligned technical and vocational qualifications across our Barking and Rush Green campuses. We’ve invested over £50m in our facilities over the past 9 years, providing outstanding learning and working environments including our East London Institute of Technology.

By choosing Barking & Dagenham College, you will benefit from: a competitive salary including London Weighting, generous holiday and pension packages, being part of a team passionate about education and success, links with industry and CPD opportunities, free parking, travel to work and technology assistance schemes. Join the team. Be part of it.