Academy Manager in Preston

This role is for one of our HR clients in the charity sector.

Location: Based in one of our Lancashire based prison workshops

Salary: Up to £ dependant on experience

About Recycling Lives (Social Enterprises) Ltd

Recycling Lives Social Enterprises (RLSE) is a national leader in the criminal justice sector, delivering rehabilitation and residential programmes to reduce reoffending and homelessness. We work with individuals with histories of offending, substance misuse, mental illness, homelessness, and long-term unemployment. We deliver structured, supportive programmes to allow participants to overcome personal problems and develop skills, confidence, and resilience to move into work and stable housing. We also run a community café in Preston and are responsible for the operation of the FareShare Regional Centre for Lancashire and Cumbria, redistributing surplus food to communities in need throughout the region.

The Role:

To manage an Academy workshop within a HMP workshop in Lancashire. Engage with RLSE Rehabilitation Programmes. Providing support such as building work ethics, advocacy, mentoring, training, advice, and guidance, to meet the needs of participants and help them to progress into training, accommodation and sustained employment and ultimately to reduce the likelihood of reoffending.

Key Responsibilities:

• Implement the requirements for the day-to-day running of an RLSE Academy.
• Supervise participants within various RLSE Academies.
• Implementation of company policies and ensure that documented procedures are maintained and followed.
• Build strong relationships and communication channels within prisons, in the community and within Recycling Lives.
• Ensure compliance with all prison requirements.
• Manage stock levels and arrange for deliveries/collections as required, ensuring that productivity is not disrupted.
• Motivate staff and maintain a positive and professional atmosphere.
• Develop a high level of knowledge of RLSE Academy operations.
• Promote a good work ethic and be a positive mentor and role model.
• Participate in dismantling, loading & unloading when required.
• Complete reports within timely deadlines.
• Liaise with the Release Potential department in relation to candidates needs and progressions.
• Manage the recruitment of candidates alongside of the release potential team into the RLSE HMP Academy, including the application and interview process.
• Ensure all storage and work areas are kept clean and tidy at all times.
• Successfully complete the National Offender Management Service (NOMS) vetting process and renew when necessary.
• Any other duties as requested by the Operations Manager.

Person Specification:

Essential

• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to motivate and empower others.
• Excellent organisational skills, the ability to prioritise and organise workloads effectively and maintain accurate records.
• A keen social conscience and a desire to go the extra mile to help those in need.
• A proactive can do attitude and the ability to have new ideas and make improvements.
• Confidence, resilience, and the ability to adapt within a fast-paced, ever-changing work environment.
• Willingness to engage in various types of training, both operational and pastoral.
• The ability to work to deadlines.
• A flexible approach to work including willingness to travel.

Desirable

• In date prison (NOMS) vetting.
• Experience with computer programmes, such as Excel.
• Working knowledge of the justice sector, including offending behaviours.
• Knowledge of the issues affecting individuals with multiple barriers to progressing to sustained employment.
• Operational experience.
• Forklift truck training and experience.
• A full UK driving licence.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age.