At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformative education programmes for the UK's academic workforce and inspire change.
- Company: Join the University and College Union, representing over 120,000 education professionals.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, health support, and tailored training opportunities.
- Other info: Diversity is valued; applications from all backgrounds are encouraged.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education while shaping the future of training.
- Qualifications: Experience in trade unions or not-for-profits and strong training design skills required.
Are you ready to lead transformative education and training programmes for the UK's academic workforce? University and College Union has an exciting opportunity!
Salary: £72,414 p.a (inclusive of London Allowance)
Hours: 35 per week
Contract: Permanent and Full Time
Location: Carlow Street, London NW1 7LH
Closing Date: Thursday 20 August at 10.00 am
About Us: The University and College Union (UCU) represents over 120,000 academics, lecturers, trainers, instructors, researchers, managers, administrators, computer staff, librarians and postgraduates in universities, colleges, prisons, adult education and training organisations across the UK. We also have members in the private sector, for example in private training agencies and language schools, as well as members working on a freelance basis. Students training to teach in post-school education also belong to UCU.
About the role: UCU is looking for an exceptional and inspiring individual to lead its Training and Education team. This is a key post for an experienced and ambitious individual to be responsible for managing programmes for both members and UCU activists. The post holder will play a key role in establishing and setting the trajectory of UCU’s education programme.
Main Responsibilities:
- Lead the strategic direction of UCU's national education and training programme in line with organisational and industrial priorities
- Develop national training policy including monitoring and delivery of standards
- Assess learning needs by engaging with branches, regions and stakeholders to prioritise provision
- Design and improve a high-quality learning offer using digital, blended and innovative delivery methods
- Develop and maintain relationships with external stakeholders including the TUC, colleges, tutors and other unions
- Oversee training delivery in response to branch, regional and national demand
- Manage the training budget to ensure spending remains within fiscal boundaries
You:
- Educated to GCSE level or equivalent in maths and English
- Experience working in a trade union, not-for-profit organisation or similar environment
- Understanding of trade union education aims, adult learning methodology and the union learning agenda
- Detailed knowledge of designing, organising and delivering training at strategic level
- Proven experience designing and delivering training programmes using virtual and blended learning methods
- Proven track record delivering programmes or projects within an agreed budget
Further information: We welcome applications from any candidate but are particularly keen to receive applications from women and global majority candidates; if this is you and you are interested in the post, we invite you to join an online briefing on Tuesday 11 August from 2pm. If you’d like to attend, please see the advert on the vacancies page of our website for details.
Benefits:
- Supportive Family Policies: Embrace family life with enhanced Maternity, Adoption, Paternity, and Shared Parental Leave schemes
- Health and Well-being Support: Access to confidential counselling 24/7 through our Employee Assistance Programme; advice and face-to-face intervention from via our Physiotherapy Advice Line; healthcare assessment
- Flexible Working: Take advantage of our Flexitime scheme, allowing you to tailor your work hours within our Work Life Balance policy
- Financial Assistance: Benefit from being enrolled in the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS), childcare support, interest-free season ticket loans, and assistance with the cost of eyesight testing and glasses for DSE use
- Training and Development: Elevate your skills with tailored training, developmental support, and access to live and on demand courses available through our online training platform
Note: working arrangements: UCU requires its employees to work from their office/in the field for at least 60% of their working week. They may apply to work from home for the remaining 40% but UCU cannot guarantee that this will be agreed.
Diversity & Inclusion Monitoring: We need your support to make sure our employees come from a variety of backgrounds, so we especially welcome applications from disadvantaged communities.
Equal Opportunities: UCU is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity. We are happy to accept applications in alternative formats from applicants who, for reasons of disability, may find it difficult to fill in our standard form. Please see our website.
Closing date for applications: Thursday 20 August at 10am.
Interview date: Tuesday 22 September 2026
To submit your application for this exciting opportunity, please click ‘Apply’.
Head of Training and Education employer: University and College Union
The University and College Union (UCU) is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work environment in the heart of London. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, UCU provides generous family policies, flexible working arrangements, and extensive training opportunities, ensuring that staff can thrive both personally and professionally. Joining UCU means being part of a diverse and inclusive team dedicated to advocating for the rights and interests of educators across the UK.
Contact Details:
University and College Union Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Training and Education
✨Connect with Local Educational Institutions
Get involved with universities and colleges in your area, especially those that offer adult continuing education programmes. Attend open days or even guest lectures to network with faculty members and find out about potential job openings before they even get advertised.
✨Leverage Professional Education Networks
Join professional networks focused on adult education, such as the Adult Learning Australia or the International Society for Technology in Education. These communities often have job boards or can point you towards opportunities at places like University and College Union just waiting for the right candidate!
✨Showcase Your Passion for Lifelong Learning
In your interviews, share your own experiences and thoughts on lifelong learning. Highlight any courses or workshops you've taken recently to demonstrate your commitment to personal development and the importance of education. This is a big plus for roles in this field!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don't forget to check out our careers page at University and College Union. Applying directly through our website not only makes your application stand out but also shows you're genuinely interested in joining us. We love seeing candidates who take that extra step.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Training and Education
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Experience in Education:When crafting your CV for the Head of Training and Education role, make sure to emphasise any relevant experience in adult or continuing education. This could be teaching credentials, training sessions you've facilitated, or programmes you’ve developed. The more specific you can be about your contributions and outcomes, the better!
Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills:In the adult continuing education sector, strong communication and interpersonal skills are key. Use your cover letter to share specific examples of how you’ve worked with diverse groups or handled different learning styles. Let us see how you've engaged learners—you’re selling your teaching style here!
Connect Your Passion to Our Mission:At University and College Union, we value candidates who resonate with our mission to empower lifelong learners. Make sure your cover letter reflects your passion for adult education and your alignment with our goals. A genuine connection can really make your application stand out!
Keep it Professional Yet Personable:While it’s important to maintain professionalism in your application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. We’re looking for someone who can connect with our learners, so a friendly, approachable tone can help convey that vibe in your written materials. Apply through our website and let us see the real you!
How to prepare for a job interview at University and College Union
✨Showcase Your Passion for Lifelong Learning
When interviewing for a role in adult continuing education at University and College Union, it's super important to highlight your passion for lifelong learning. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to education and how you've fostered a love for learning in others – this is something hiring managers love to see!
✨Prepare for Adult Education Methodologies
Be ready to dive into your knowledge of andragogy and educational theories during the interview. Expect questions about how you would adapt your teaching styles for adult learners – think about specific strategies you’ve used in the past and be prepared to discuss how they positively impacted your students.
✨Discuss Your Experience with Diverse Learners
At University and College Union, you’ll likely encounter a diverse range of adult learners, so don’t shy away from discussing your experience with different demographics. Be prepared to share your successes in engaging learners from varied backgrounds, and how your approach has adapted to meet their unique needs.
✨Demonstrate Your Ability to Collaborate
Given that this is a full-time role, teamwork will be essential. Be ready to talk about your experiences working in collaborative settings, whether it be with fellow educators, administrators, or community partners. Highlight specific projects where your collaborative efforts contributed to successful educational outcomes.
