ESOL Lead in Southampton

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a passionate and dedicated ESOL Lead. The information below provides more detail about the role. We offer great benefits including:

• 30 days annual leave per year, pro rata, plus bank holidays, pro rata
• Generous employer pension contribution
• Regular training and development
• Access to a health care plan
• Learning and development opportunities

Role and responsibilities:

• As ESOL Lead, you will play a key role in driving the quality, compliance and continuous improvement of ESOL provision.
• You will work collaboratively across teams to ensure effective delivery and strong learner outcomes.
• Ensure ESOL provision meets funding, quality assurance and regulatory requirements.
• Lead regular performance and compliance reviews with ESOL teams, MIS, quality and admissions.
• Support preparation for Ofsted and other regulatory inspections.
• Produce and analyse reports on learner achievement, quality of provision and initial assessment outcomes.
• Use data insights to identify trends, improve performance and support decision‑making.
• Contribute to and support delivery of the Self‑Assessment Report (SAR) and Quality Improvement Plan (QIP).
• Manage relationships with awarding bodies, MIS and onboarding teams to ensure consistent processes and positive outcomes.
• Act as a key link between curriculum, admissions and quality teams.
• Support the development of a high‑quality, inclusive and responsive ESOL curriculum.
• Improve consistency and impact of initial assessment practices.
• Work with delivery teams to enhance learner experience and achievement.
• Promote high professional standards and a culture of continuous improvement.
• Monitor team performance against agreed targets and support improvement actions.
• Support the development, implementation and monitoring of ESOL‑related policies and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with GDPR, safeguarding, equality, health & safety and risk management requirements.
• Maintain effective relationships with external stakeholders and respond to sector developments and initiatives.
• Provide accurate and timely reports to senior leadership and external partners.

Partnerships and Reputation:

• Ensure that the college develops and maintains a constructive relationship with appropriate external stakeholders relevant to the postholder's areas of responsibility.
• Ensure that the college responds effectively to national and regional Government lead initiatives relating to further education.
• Provide cogent, timely and accurate reports and information as required by SLT and external stakeholders relevant to the postholder's areas of responsibility.

Health and Safety:

• Ensure that the Health and Safety policy and procedures operated by the college are adhered to and that all statutory requirements are met by all staff with postholder's areas of responsibility.
• Actively contribute to the risk management of the college.

Equal Opportunity:

• Adopt and promote a positive attitude towards equality of opportunity for all within the college and ensure that the related policies and procedures are adhered to and that all statutory requirements are met by all staff with postholder's areas of responsibility.

Professional Standards:

• Develop, maintain, and exhibit the quality standards appropriate to the post and promote a culture of integrity and transparency throughout all college activities.
• Undertake appropriate staff development activities that support personal development and the changing needs of the college and its environment.
• Be aware of, and responsive to, the changing nature of the college and adopt a flexible and proactive approach to work.

About Us:

The South Hampshire College Group (SHCG) is a dynamic, purpose driven Further Education organisation with a commitment to Creating Better Futures for learners, employers and communities within South Hampshire and beyond. We pride ourselves on living our values - Collaborative, Inclusive and Aspirational. We also understand the difference exceptional employees can make to us delivering outstanding results and we are always seeking to attract talent who can add value and who will be proud to be part of our growing organisation. South Hampshire College Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Our recruitment practices follow safer recruitment guidance, including enhanced DBS checks, online checks and thorough pre‑employment vetting. We value equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging, and welcome applications from all backgrounds.