Head of Adult Skills in Bradford

We are looking for a passionate leader to join our Adult Skills department as Head of Adult Skills. The Head of Adult Skills will lead the Adult Skills Study Programme provision, ensuring there is an engaging, innovative curriculum offer that supports students studying from Entry to Level 2. They will lead a team of Tutors & Support Staff to provide face‑to‑face and remote sessions across a number of College locations. The Head of Adult Skills is responsible for ensuring the achievement of the departmental business plan and departmental targets in relation to curriculum, student recruitment, quality, finance, audit, people and corporate services.

Responsibilities

• Implement the College vision for an outstanding provision aligned to the 4‑year strategy and informed by market research, staff and student feedback, the needs of external stakeholders, the community and employers.
• Plan the FE curriculum to support the delivery of the College strategy and provide a responsive offer to the needs of the Study Programme.
• Optimise the efficient delivery of the curriculum to achieve targets.
• Constantly strive to improve the student experience with a view to further extending opportunities and progression to further study or employment.
• Keep abreast of national qualifications on offer, making decisions for the most appropriate qualifications for students.
• Respond to national, regional and local policies by developing innovative models of delivery and monitoring their effectiveness.
• Build strong links with relevant agencies, including employers, universities and schools to extend student enhancement and enrichment opportunities.
• Line manage curriculum area managers who will have teams reporting to them.
• Work in collaboration with Heads of Department to ensure effective delivery of the curriculum offer.
• Create and maintain outstanding learning environments that engage learners and demonstrate the value of Adult Skills in relation to Higher Education, Employment and the wider community.

The Ideal Candidate

Our ideal candidate will be a learner and quality‑focused individual with a commitment to our vision of working together to transform lives. You should be able to contribute to our journey to Outstanding, creating a positive working and study environment, and Equity, Diversity & Inclusion should be embedded within your core values. We particularly encourage applications from candidates who identify as Black, Asian or from an ethnic minority background, as these groups are currently underrepresented within our management roles.

Education & Training

• Degree or Level 5 professional qualification.
• A recognised teaching qualification.
• GCSE 4 – 9 or equivalent Level 2 qualification in Maths, or be prepared to pass a test before the interview to demonstrate Level 2 ability, and then, if appointed, achieve within an agreed timescale.
• GCSE 4 – 9 or equivalent Level 2 qualification in English, or be prepared to pass a test before the interview to demonstrate Level 2 ability, and then, if appointed, achieve within an agreed timescale.

Experience

• Experience of curriculum development related to 16‑19 Study Programmes.
• Experience of working with employers and stakeholders to design and enhance the curriculum offer.
• Experience of managing people and resources.
• Implementation of strategies to improve attendance and retention.
• Experience of engaging pastoral and enrichment enhancements for students.
• Sound knowledge of funding in FE settings.
• Experience of student pastoral care and positive behaviour procedures.
• Evidence of commitment to high standards of student attendance, punctuality and performance.

Benefits

• Generous annual leave entitlement – equivalent to 38 days of holidays, plus bank holidays.
• Additional college closure days, including a 2‑week Christmas closure.
• Teachers’ Pension scheme, with a generous 23% employer contribution.
• Annual salary reviews.
• Career progression opportunities – 54% of all vacancies are filled internally.
• Free sports and gym facilities.
• Free wellbeing initiatives and access to our exclusive staff indoor and outdoor wellbeing space.
• Confidential employee assistance service and on‑site mental health first aiders.
• Access to Bradford College benefits hub, offering retail, travel, leisure and dining discounts and cashback.
• Discounts on greener travel – cycle to work scheme and local MetroCard and Northern Rail discounts.
• Access to hair and beauty treatments in our student‑led Signature Spa.
• A host of training development opportunities.
• Fantastic campus facilities, a short walk to public transport links in the heart of the City of Culture 2025.
• The opportunity to work for an organisation that is truly committed to creating a better future for all through education and training.

Safeguarding and Vetting

This role is subject to an enhanced DBS check, employment references, health screening and social media search. Please be aware that it is a criminal offence to apply for this post if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity in connection with children and vulnerable adults.