Senior Instructional Designer in Bristol

We at Best Practice Network share the belief that every child, regardless of their background, should benefit from an excellent education. To achieve that, we support and train the educational professionals who work alongside them to be the best they can be, so in turn, they can transform the lives of children and young people.

We're a friendly, DfE accredited, Ofsted outstanding training company providing apprenticeships, professional development and the DfE's 'Golden Thread' (trainee teachers to school Executive Leaders). We are adaptable, collaborative, and genuinely value the work we do to support the education sector, as much as our trainees do.

Our people are at the heart of our business and our passion and commitment to education is what drives us. As a result, we have seen incredible growth over the last few years both nationally and internationally.

We aim to be an employer where everyone can be themselves, do their best in an inclusive working environment and where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. We want to attract, develop and retain individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives.

Key Responsibilities - To lead design and development tasks that may include:

• Researching, planning and writing high‑quality online course content for the education sector, aligned with programme outcomes, assessment requirements and organisational standards.
• Producing structured interview question sets, prompts and guidance for interviewees (e.g. candidates, mentors, school leaders) that support programme outcomes and quality assurance requirements.
• Proofreading, editing and ensuring the professional layout of written material (including online content, scripts and supporting documentation).
• Using AI tools to generate, refine and repurpose learning materials, including lesson content, scenarios, case studies, scripts and assessment items, ensuring accuracy, tone and appropriateness for education audiences.
• Drafting scripts for animations, explainer videos and talking‑head presentations, working with subject matter experts and the media team to ensure clarity, engagement and pedagogical integrity.
• Planning, developing, creating and implementing new online courses and updating existing programmes, ensuring coherent learning journeys and effective use of digital pedagogy.
• Working closely with the wider design and development team to brief, review and quality check all media and visual assets used in eLearning courses, ensuring consistency with brand and learning design standards.
• Ensuring that all resources are produced in accordance with established QA practices (templates, version control, file management, document classification).
• Keeping up to date with best practice in instructional and media design, including new technologies, AI tools and methods for online learning.
• Providing guidance and advice on best practice in instructional design, learning technology and AI‑assisted content creation.
• Planning deadlines for the delivery of content and manage each project to ensure milestones are met, escalating risks and proposing solutions where needed.
• Spearheading the development and production of video and audio content, collaborating with colleagues to ensure high‑quality media assets, effective storytelling and accessible learning experiences.

Other Responsibilities

• Contributing towards the update and preparation of documentation for new and existing programmes, including handbooks, guidance and assessment materials.
• Undertaking other administrative tasks as may reasonably be required within the general scope and level of the post.

Please note that while the above describes the key activities that the post holder will be expected to perform currently, it is neither exhaustive nor excludes any future developments that may be reasonably required within the general scope and level of the post.

Location: Hybrid model of predominantly home working with occasional expectation of work from Bristol office.

Person Specification

You will:

• Be an eLearning or digital learning designer with experience of writing and producing course content for the education sector (e.g. schools, colleges, training providers, HE, professional development).
• Be confident using AI tools to support content creation, scripting, question writing and resource development, with a strong sense of editorial control and ethical use.
• Be a competent user of eLearning packages such as Articulate Rise, Storyline and Vyond (desirable) and able to create and manage SCORM packages for a VLE or LMS.
• Be a competent user of Adobe Creative Suite, including Premiere Pro, for editing video and supporting the production of high‑quality media assets.
• Be confident in using Microsoft Office applications, including Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Teams, to manage documents, scripts, storyboards and collaborative workflows.
• Have a strong understanding of design and production processes and how text, media and interactivity combine to create effective online learning experiences.
• Ideally have knowledge of print processes and branding requirements to ensure alignment of digital and print materials.
• Have experience of Virtual Learning Environments such as Canvas, Mosaic and BUD, or similar platforms.
• Be confident and professional, with excellent communication skills and the ability to work with people at all levels, including subject experts, media specialists and external partners.
• Have excellent time‑keeping skills and be able to work on your own initiative, prioritising your workload and managing multiple projects.
• Be highly organised with excellent IT and communication skills; comfortable meeting and discussing ideas with clients, stakeholders and team members.
• Have the ability to work independently and accurately, with a willingness to go above and beyond for every design and production.
• Be an enthusiastic individual with a desire to learn and develop within the role, particularly in AI‑enabled content creation and media production.
• Have excellent creative conception skills, strong layout and typography skills, and a keen eye for detail in both written and visual communication
• Have strong leadership skills
• 28 days holiday and get an extra day for each year you stay with us, up to max 33 days PLUS bank holidays
• Health Cash Plan, once you've passed probation, which includes access to a private GP
• From day 1, free life insurance covering up to x4 your salary
• We'll both add money into your pension pot after 3 months
• Choose what flexible benefits you want after you've passed probation - this could be buying extra holiday, dental, topping up your healthcare plan, bikes, gym membership, electric cars and give as you earn
• Learning and development opportunities
• Volunteer days - 3 paid volunteer days a year, with 2 dedicated to Education

By joining us, you will become part of a community that is dedicated to transforming lives and sustaining communities, where your voice is heard, your ideas are valued, and your individuality is celebrated. Together, we will continue to advance our passion for education and build brighter futures for all.

Employment offers are subject to satisfactory vetting checks. These checks will be run in line with the latest guidance and legislation. You will need to already have the right to work in the UK, as we are not able to offer any sponsorship(s) for visa applicants.

This role also requires criminal records checks in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and safeguarding legislation. For roles in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland, this is a DBS check or PVG Scheme in Scotland. The level of check required will determine what you need to disclose.