Vocational Curriculum Manager

Ever thought about leading education in a prison?It might not be what you expect – and it could be the most purposeful and inspiring step in your career.

For many people in custody, learning essential skills like English, maths, and ICT isn't just about qualifications – it's about confidence, self-worth, and a second chance. As our Vocational Curriculum Manager, you'll be at the heart of that journey, helping shape a curriculum that changes lives.

You'll lead a team of passionate tutors, manage quality and compliance, and make sure every learner gets the support they need to succeed. You won't be on your own – you'll be part of a dedicated, on-site education team with access to professional development, peer support, and the structure that prison-based work brings.

No evening planning. No weekend marking. Just meaningful work, Monday to Friday.Step into a role that challenges you, supports you, and makes a real difference – every day.

Details of this position:

This position is for a Vocational Curriculum Manager (Construction, Trades, Hospitality etc)in prison education.

Through focused teaching across trades such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical, catering, and construction, this role empowers learners to gain essential skills for life beyond custody. The curriculum supports rehabilitation by helping individuals achieve recognised qualifications and develop a renewed sense of purpose.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, design, and oversee a broad range of practical training programmes across trades such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical, catering, and construction, ensuring they reflect learner needs and support progression.
• Lead on quality assurance activities – including lesson observations, data reviews, and improvement plans – to raise teaching standards and learner achievement.
• Manage and inspire a team of vocational tutors and instructors, supporting their professional development and fostering a positive, high-performing workplace culture.
• Ensure compliance with awarding body standards, coordinating internal verification and moderation processes.
• Implement inclusive teaching practices, using learner data to personalise support and help every learner succeed.
• Oversee vocational resources and contribute to effective budget planning and management.
• Work collaboratively with prison services, internal teams, and external partners to strengthen delivery and open up new progression routes for learners.

Work schedule: Full time 38.5 hours per week

Salary scale: Up to £40,000 per annum

Annual leave: 25 days per annum

To be considered, suitable candidates will need to meet the following criteria:

• A teaching qualification (essential)
• Significant vocational teaching experience
• Proven experience in curriculum development and change
• Strong leadership and staff management skills

Suitable candidates will need to be enthusiastic, resilient and have a humanistic approach. This role will not be for everyone, but anyone with a slight interest is encouraged to apply and if suitable, you will have the opportunity to have a discussion with the hiring manager directly over the phone, who can provide more detail and an insight into life working in a prison.

Benefits

• Generous annual leave entitlement.
• A paid Life event day each year
• Cycle to work scheme
• Access to hundreds of discounts via the Additions portal
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to online wellbeing centre
• A paid volunteering day each year
• Enhanced Maternity scheme
• Sharesave scheme
• Refer a Friend reward scheme
• Holiday purchase scheme
• Pension scheme
• Life assurance

If you are interested in this position, then please apply via the link. Alternatively, you can contact Izzy to discuss the role in further detail. ( or )

If this vacancy is not of interest to you at this time, but you happen to know someone who might be suitable and interested, then please kindly pass these details on to them.

The successful candidate will be required to obtain the appropriate prison clearance before starting the role and maintain this throughout employment.

Important Notice

Dovetail and Slate is a specialist education recruitment company. If this role isn't quite right, we welcome your CV and a call to explore other opportunities.

We are committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. All appointments are subject to satisfactory vetting, including a right to work check and, where relevant, an enhanced DBS, PVG (Scotland), or EWC (Wales) check, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.

Dovetail and Slate Ltd (11351060) acts as an Employment Agency and an Employment Business under the Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations 2003.

We are an equal opportunities employer. By applying, you consent to your data being processed for recruitment purposes in line with our Privacy Policy.

Because education matters. Dovetail and Slate Limited (11351060) acts as an Employment Agency.