Cluster Manager – Bedford

Do you want to lead services that genuinely change outcomes for people in custody? At Get Set UK, we deliver Careers, Information, Advice and Guidance (CIAG) services inside prison settings. Our work supports individuals to build realistic plans for employment and reintegration. We are looking for a Cluster Manager to lead CIAG delivery across multiple prisons. This is a leadership role that combines frontline credibility with operational accountability. If you are calm under pressure, structured in your approach and confident leading in secure environments, this role will suit you well.

What This Role Is Really About

Leading within a prison-based environment requires discipline, maturity and resilience. You will:

• Lead and develop CIAG Advisors across multiple custodial sites
• Deliver approximately 30% frontline CIAG activity alongside your team
• Drive performance against contractual and organisational targets
• Ensure strict compliance with safeguarding and prison security requirements
• Maintain high-quality careers guidance delivery aligned to standards
• Build strong relationships with prison leadership and stakeholders

This role requires travel across the cluster and consistent presence on site. When you are in a prison, you work within structured routines and security procedures. It is purposeful work. It also requires strong leadership judgement.

What You Will Do

You will:

• Manage, coach and performance-manage CIAG Advisors
• Monitor KPIs and service outcomes across your cluster
• Conduct quality reviews and ensure consistency of practice
• Address underperformance constructively and decisively
• Represent Get Set UK in prison and stakeholder meetings
• Ensure compliance with safeguarding, data protection and MOJ security requirements
• Use performance data to identify trends and drive improvement
• Maintain accurate reporting and governance oversight

The Standard We Work To

We are looking for someone who can evidence:

• Leadership accountability: You take ownership of performance and standards across sites.
• Security discipline: You respect and will comply fully with prison procedures and vetting requirements.
• Emotional steadiness: You remain calm and professional in challenging environments.
• Performance focus: You understand targets and hold teams to consistent standards.
• Quality judgement: You can distinguish between minor issues and material risks.
• Follow-through: You ensure actions are completed and standards are sustained.

What You Will Bring

Essential:

• Experience leading teams in employability, offender rehabilitation, skills or related services
• Experience managing performance in a target-driven environment
• Level 4 IAG qualification or willingness to work towards
• Strong understanding of safeguarding and compliance in regulated environments
• Confidence using data to monitor and improve performance
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle

Desirable:

• Experience working within prison or secure environments
• Knowledge of MOJ or custodial service frameworks

A Day in the Life of a Cluster Manager

My week involves travelling between prisons in the cluster, reviewing delivery and supporting Advisors. On site, I may observe a CIAG session, review case notes and discuss performance trends with Advisors. I meet prison stakeholders to review service impact and address any operational challenges. If performance is behind, I work with the team to reset expectations, clarify priorities and implement practical recovery plans. I also monitor compliance and safeguarding standards closely. In custodial settings, detail and procedure matter. The role requires planning, resilience and the ability to balance people leadership with operational accountability.

Security and Vetting Requirements

This role is subject to enhanced DBS checks and rigorous prison security vetting. Appointment is conditional upon successful clearance. You must be comfortable working within strict custodial procedures and structured environments.

Our Values

At Get Set UK, we are Ambitious, we take Pride in what we do, we are Considerate, we Own It and we Inspire. We are looking for people who bring these values to their work consistently.

Why Join Get Set UK?

You will be supported, trusted and given the opportunity to make a genuine difference. You will benefit from:

• Wellbeing support including GP access, counselling and Headspace
• Pension, discounts and salary sacrifice options
• Enhanced benefits with service
• Development and progression opportunities
• A culture built on ambition, pride, ownership and support

Eligibility

You must have the full right to work in the UK to be considered for this role. Visa sponsorship is not available. This role is delivered within a secure custodial setting and requires enhanced prison security vetting. Candidates must be able to meet strict clearance standards and comply fully with all security procedures. Employment will be subject to successful clearance. Please consider carefully whether you are comfortable working within a secure custodial environment before applying.

Additional information

We reserve the right to close applications early, so we encourage early applications. Get Set UK is a Disability Confident and Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals and are committed to supporting physical and mental wellbeing at work. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process. This role is subject to satisfactory recruitment checks and a commitment to safeguarding learners and clients. Get Set UK does not accept unsolicited CVs from agencies.