Head of Education Skills and Work

Job Introduction

About The Role

We are seeking a dynamic and highly motivated individual to join our Senior Leadership Team as the Head of Education, Skills, and Work. This role is responsible for setting and leading the strategic direction for all education, skills, and work within the prison, with the aim of maximizing opportunities for prisoners to access employment, education, and training upon release. The successful candidate will be instrumental in creating a coherent and effective approach to all areas of Education, Skills, and Work, ensuring that activities are purposeful and aligned with prisoners' future employment prospects.

As a senior leader, you will work in close collaboration with other functional heads, contributing to the delivery of the establishment’s Business Plan, while managing and developing a high-quality, evidence-based strategy for education, skills, and work. You will ensure that all activities are structured around the 5 pillars of the Ofsted Education Inspection Framework, enhancing the quality of education and supporting prisoners in developing the skills required to compete in the labor market.

Main Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic direction for Education, Skills, and Work (ESW) within the prison, ensuring alignment with HMPPS and Sodexo’s education vision and values.
• Develop and implement evidence-based strategies to maximize opportunities for prisoners to gain education, skills, and qualifications, which will enhance their employability on release.
• Oversee the delivery of key functions including education, neurodiversity, employment on release, prison industries, and gardens, ensuring compliance with national frameworks.
• Collaborate with the Head of Reducing Reoffending and other senior leaders to enhance education, skills, and work opportunities, and support effective prisoner resettlement.
• Lead the preparation and management of inspections, including Ofsted, HMIP, and other relevant audits, and ensure actions arising from inspections are effectively delivered.
• Champion a culture of employment within the prison, guiding the Prison Employment Lead and maximizing external relationships with partners such as the New Futures Network, Probation Services, and local enterprises.
• Oversee the delivery of prison industries and activities, including workshops, gymnasium services, and other employment opportunities.
• Line manage and develop staff within the function, setting high expectations and providing coaching and mentoring to ensure consistent performance.
  
  

Essential

Person Specification:

• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to work under pressure.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to coach and mentor others.
• Proven ability to negotiate and influence change at senior levels.
• Experience in managing and leading staff, fostering a high-performance culture.
• A high level of integrity, reliability, and the ability to meet strict deadlines.
• PGCE, Cert Ed, or Level 5 in Education and Training.
  
  

Desirable

• Previous experience within a prison setting.
• Experience in middle or senior management in primary, secondary, or post-16/adult education, including community and voluntary sectors.
• Detailed knowledge of Ofsted/Estyn’s Education Inspection Framework (EIF) and further education and skills criteria.
• Experience working collaboratively with senior leaders, external organizations, and stakeholders.
• Proven track record of developing and delivering effective, engaging curricula.
• Experience using data to set clear education outcomes and monitor progress.
• Knowledge of strategies for supporting learners to secure meaningful ‘next steps’ (e.g., employment, further training).
  
  

Why Join Us?

• Play a pivotal role in transforming the lives of prisoners through education and skills development.
• Work with a diverse, collaborative team of professionals who are committed to making a difference.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
  
  

If you are passionate about making a lasting impact and are driven to support prisoners in accessing education, skills, and employment opportunities, we would love to hear from you. Apply today to join us in shaping a brighter future for prisoners on their journey to rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

Package Description

£52.851.33

Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it’s a chance to be part of something greater.

You’ll belong in a company and team that values you for you; you’ll act with purpose and have an impact through your everyday actions; and you’ll be able to thrive in your own way.

In addition, we offer 20+ Sodexo benefits such as Sodexo retirement plan, discounts to over 1,900 brands to shop online, Gym discount to maintain a healthy lifestyle, a confidential 24/7 employee assistance programme providing independent support to overcome whenever life has its obstacles including emotional support, legal and financial advice.

For further details regarding our Sodexo benefits please see attached.

Ready to be part of something greater? Apply today!

About The Company

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone to build a better life for all. As the global leader in services that improve the Quality of Life, we operate in 55 countries, serving over 100 million consumers each day through our unique combination of On-Site Food and FM Services, Benefits & Rewards Services and Personal & Home Services.

We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities, and we celebrate diversity. We’re an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be natural, and be the best versions of themselves. We recognise that we’re on a journey with regards to diversity and inclusion and would therefore welcome applications for candidates from underrepresented backgrounds.

We’re a Disability Confident Leader employer. We’re committed to changing attitudes towards disability, and making sure disabled people have the chance to fulfil their aspirations. We run a Disability Confident interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria for the job.

Attached documents

• Sodexo Benefits Reward Guide.pdf
• Head of Function Complex - Education Skills and Work JD.docx