Head of Department - Participation & Development

We are looking for a Head of Participation and Development. Reporting directly to the Vice Principal for Study Programmes, this is an operational leadership role where you will lead a high performing team of Academic Coaches and be responsible for the vision, leadership and quality assurance of the service, ensuring it delivers an outstanding student experience and acts as a valued partner to every curriculum area.

Working collaboratively with Heads of Department, you will ensure the Participation and Development team provides an exceptional service that complements and enhances the curriculum, delivering high quality tutorials, enrichment, employability, Future Leaders, Advanced Skills and personal development programmes that enable every student to thrive. You will oversee the planning, timetabling, delivery and evaluation of all provision, ensuring sessions are engaging, relevant and consistently meet the needs of learners and curriculum teams alike.

You will champion a philosophy that places students at the centre of everything the service delivers, creating opportunities for learners to become more world aware, develop the skills, behaviours and values required for modern Britain, and build the confidence to progress successfully into higher education, apprenticeships or employment. Through data informed leadership, you will monitor performance, drive continuous improvement and ensure Academic Coaches provide outstanding academic guidance, personal support and progression coaching.

As the Head of Participation and Development, you will oversee the quality of tutorials, enrichment, employer engagement and wider skills development, ensuring the service is responsive, innovative and recognised across the College as a centre of excellence. You will foster strong partnerships with Heads of Department, curriculum teams, Student Experience and wider support services, ensuring seamless collaboration and a high quality, responsive service that supports learner success across the College.

You will be accountable for ensuring the Participation and Development service consistently delivers excellence, with clear performance measures, robust quality assurance and a culture of continuous improvement. Through effective leadership of people, resources and provision, you will ensure every curriculum area receives a professional, high quality service that enhances teaching, learning, student engagement and progression outcomes.

Whilst providing strategic leadership, you will also lead by example, undertaking the role of an Academic Coach when required, maintaining credibility through direct engagement with students and modelling the high standards of coaching, tutorial delivery and student support expected across the team. Through inspirational leadership, you will cultivate a culture of aspiration, participation, belonging and continuous improvement, ensuring Participation and Development becomes a defining strength of the College experience for every learner.

Hours: 35 Hours per week (full time), full year, permanent

Closing Date: Thursday 13th August 2026 at 9am (We may close the application early if sufficient applications are received. Early applications advised)

Interview Date: TBC

Start Date: As soon as possible (subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks)

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

• Hold Level 2 Literacy and Numeracy (or equivalent) - must be evidenced at the interview with original certificates.
• Educated to Degree Level - must be evidenced at the interview with original certificates.
• L4+ Recognised Teaching Qualification - must be evidenced at the interview with original certificates.

HIGHLY DESIRABLE CRITERIA

• Able to demonstrate a solid understanding of the Ofsted FE Tool Kit especially the Participation and Development section.
• Leadership or management experience within Further Education or a related education setting.
• A proven track record of leading, developing and coaching staff to improve performance and deliver outstanding outcomes for students.
• Experience of designing and delivering high-quality CPD that engages staff and promotes pride in professional practice.
• Ability to connect with, inspire and motivate young people, fostering high aspirations and positive engagement.
• A sound understanding of the challenges and opportunities experienced by young people and adults in modern Britain, and the ability to respond through effective personal development provision.
• Working knowledge of the VESPA model and its application to improving student success, engagement and achievement.
• Experience of curriculum timetabling and/or scheduling to support effective service delivery.
• Demonstrable commitment to continuous professional development and keeping professional knowledge and practice up to date.
• Willingness to work flexibly, including occasional evenings and weekends, to meet the operational requirements of the role.

DESIRABLE CRITERIA

• Experience of ensuring inclusive practice that enables Equality, celebrates Diversity and supports students with a range of needs.
• Demonstrable commitment to safeguarding, student wellbeing and creating a positive, trauma-informed learning environment.
• Knowledge and experience of Safeguarding and the PREVENT agenda.
• Clean driving licence and access to a car with business use insurance.