At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead community-based adult learning and employment services to empower local residents.
- Company: Join High Trees, a supportive and collaborative organisation focused on community impact.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, pension contributions, and employee support.
- Other info: Office-based role with a focus on building relationships within the community.
- Why this job: Shape key services and make a real difference in people's lives.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing community programmes and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 54750 - 54750 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced and motivated individual to join our Senior Management Team and lead one of our core service areas. This is an exciting opportunity to oversee a wide-ranging, community-based service that supports local residents to develop skills, confidence and pathways into employment.
Bringing together our Community Education & Training provision and Employment & Careers services, the role is responsible for ensuring a cohesive offer that supports hundreds of individuals each year from community learning through to work. A core element of our provision is the delivery of high-quality adult learning, including functional skills (English, maths and ICT), ESOL, community wellbeing, family learning, pathways to employment and selected vocational courses.
Our services are shaped by both community need and funding priorities and continue to evolve in response to local demand and emerging opportunities. Employment support also forms an integral part of our wider offer, both through embedded progression support within Adult Education provision and through separately funded programmes for priority groups, including younger jobseekers (18–24) and older residents (50+). This requires a flexible and responsive approach to programme development, partnership working and service delivery.
Our current provision is primarily funded through Lambeth Adult Learning and the Greater London Authority, with a combined annual budget of approximately £750,000 per year. A significant focus of the role will be overseeing the successful delivery of these contracts and services, ensuring high-quality provision, strong performance and meaningful progression outcomes for residents.
We are looking for someone who brings:
- Experience in managing complex community-based programmes, including adult learning and/or employment support
- A proven track record of leading teams and delivering against funded contracts
- Strong organisational and project management skills
- Excellent communication and partnership-building skills
- A strategic but practical approach, with the ability to balance delivery with long-term service development
- A commitment to improving outcomes for local residents
At High Trees, our staff are at the heart of everything we do. We are a supportive and collaborative organisation where people are encouraged to grow, develop and contribute to the wider direction of our work. Our benefits include a generous annual leave allowance, pension contributions, and access to employee support.
This role offers the opportunity to shape a key service area at an exciting point of development, working alongside a committed team to deliver meaningful outcomes for local residents. You will play a central role in strengthening pathways into employment and ensuring our services continue to respond to the needs of the community.
Due to the nature of our services and the importance of community-based delivery, this role is primarily office based and will suit someone who is passionate about working within community settings and building strong relationships with residents, partners and colleagues. While we are committed to supporting flexibility where possible, the majority of the role will be delivered in person across our services and community venues.
Head of Adult Learning, Skills and Employment employer: High Trees Community Development Trust
High Trees is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its staff, fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment. With a generous annual leave allowance, pension contributions, and access to employee support, this role offers the chance to make a meaningful impact in the community while working alongside a dedicated team. As the Head of Adult Learning, Skills and Employment, you will play a pivotal role in shaping services that empower local residents and enhance their pathways into employment.
Contact Details:
High Trees Community Development Trust Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Adult Learning, Skills and Employment
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the adult learning and employment sectors. Attend local events or workshops where you can meet people who might know about job openings or can give you insider tips.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion for community work! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your experiences and successes in managing community-based programmes. Let them see how committed you are to improving outcomes for local residents.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their current projects and challenges in adult learning and employment support. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re keen on being part of our supportive and collaborative team at High Trees.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Adult Learning, Skills and Employment
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in managing community-based programmes. We want to see how your skills align with our mission of supporting local residents in their learning and employment journeys.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of your successes in previous roles. We love to see quantifiable outcomes, like how you improved programme delivery or increased participant engagement.
Communicate Clearly:Use clear and concise language in your application. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make sure your passion for adult learning and community support shines through without any jargon.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at High Trees Community Development Trust
✨Know Your Community
Before the interview, take some time to research the community you’ll be serving. Understand their needs, challenges, and the types of programmes that have been successful in the past. This will show your potential employer that you’re not just interested in the role, but also genuinely care about making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams and managed complex programmes in the past. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them. Highlighting your ability to deliver against funded contracts will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of this role.
✨Communicate Clearly
Excellent communication is key for this position. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. During the interview, make sure to listen actively and respond thoughtfully to questions. This will help build rapport with the interviewers and showcase your partnership-building skills.
✨Emphasise Your Strategic Approach
Be prepared to discuss how you balance immediate service delivery with long-term development goals. Share your vision for improving outcomes for local residents and how you plan to adapt services based on community feedback and funding priorities. This will illustrate your strategic mindset and commitment to the role.
