Training & Employment Assistant Manager in Stafford

Reporting to: Training & Operations Manager

Location: Regional role (candidate ideally located in the midlands or the north). Regular travel to northern prison sites (2-3 times a week), remote working in prison and working from home.

The Training & Employment Assistant Manager plays a key regional role in supporting the delivery of high-quality training programmes and strengthening employment outcomes for learners across multiple prison sites. The post holder will work closely with on-site tutors, learners, prison staff, and external employment partners to ensure training standards are met and that learners are inspired and prepared for sustainable employment on release. This role combines operational training and assessment, with a strong focus on employability, progression, and post-release outcomes. It requires regular site presence, excellent relationship management skills, a positive and inspiring can-do attitude, and a learner-centred, rehabilitative approach.

Region covers prison sites across northern and central England and Wales (subject to change and increase as the charity expands).

• Training Delivery & Support
  • Support the Training & Operations Manager and on-site prison tutors in the consistent delivery of hospitality training across regional prison sites.
  • Work alongside on-site trainers, chefs, and front-of-house Managers to ensure training programmes meet agreed standards and learning outcomes.
  • Assist with the delivery of practical and classroom-based hospitality and employability training where required.
  • Monitor and record learner engagement, attendance, and progression, escalating concerns or support needs appropriately.
  • Support the adaptation of training approaches to meet the diverse learning, emotional, and educational needs of incarcerated learners.
  • Support the completion of workbooks and assessments, reporting learner progress and providing guidance for improvements.
  • Adherence to prison guidelines and safety procedures and completing any statutory reporting that is required.
• Employment & Progression Pathways
  • Support learners with employability skills including workplace behaviour, communication, CV development, and interview preparation.
  • Build and maintain relationships with external employers, hospitality partners, and employment support organisations.
  • Assist in identifying suitable employment, work trials, or progression opportunities for learners approaching release or post release.
  • Support and guide graduate learners as they search for employment and help them to identify and overcome any other barriers that they may face, which may impact on their ability to secure employment.
  • Track learner outcomes related to employment, further training, or volunteering post-release.
  • Promote realistic career pathways within hospitality, aligned to learners abilities, interests, and circumstances.
• Learner-Centred Support
  • Provide guidance, encouragement, and practical support to learners throughout their training journey.
  • Recognise and respond sensitively to the emotional and behavioural challenges faced by learners in custody and upon release.
  • Work collaboratively with prison staff and education providers to ensure learners receive appropriate support.
  • Contribute to a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environment that reflects the charity's rehabilitative ethos.
• Quality Assurance & Administration
  • Assist with maintaining accurate records of learner progress, qualifications, and employability outcomes.
  • Support quality assurance processes to ensure training delivery aligns with organisational standards and external requirements.
  • Contribute to reporting, monitoring, and evaluation of training and employment outcomes.
  • Support the Training & Operations Manager with audits, inspections, and reviews where required.
• Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement
  • Work closely with the Training & Operations Manager to align regional activity with organisational objectives.
  • Liaise professionally with prison staff, education providers, and partners to support smooth programme delivery.
  • Represent the organisation positively with external stakeholders and employers.
  • Share best practice and learning across sites to support continuous improvement.

• Essential
  • Supervisory Hospitality industry experience.
  • Experience working in training, employability, or a related support role.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust with learners and stakeholders.
  • A learner-focused, empathetic approach and commitment to rehabilitation and second chances.
  • Ability to work independently across multiple sites while remaining accountable to management.
  • Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
  • Willingness and ability to travel regularly to prison sites.
  • Vetted to work in a prison environment with vulnerable individuals (Vetting process is applied once a candidate is selected, job offer subject to clearing MOJ vetting).
• Desirable
  • Experience working within custodial, education, or similarly challenging environments.
  • Knowledge of employability support, careers guidance, or post-release pathways.
  • Teaching, training, or coaching qualification (or willingness to work towards).
  • Full UK driving licence.

Regional role with frequent travel to prison sites (2-3 times a week), remote working in prison and working from home. Flexibility required to accommodate prison regimes and being on site for restaurant service times (breakfast and lunch). Appointment subject to successful MOJ vetting and security clearance.

We are a charity dedicated to transforming lives through the delivery of training restaurants within prison environments. Our programmes equip learners with vocational hospitality skills, employability support, and the confidence needed for successful reintegration into society. We work in close partnership with prisons, education providers, and employers to ensure learners receive high-quality training and meaningful employment pathways on release.