Job Role: Functional Skills Lead (Justice)
Location: HMP Onley
Salary: From £35,000
Contract: Permanent
 
Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Functional Skills Lead (Assistant Manager) to support the Education Manager in delivering high‑quality education within a prison learning environment.
In this leadership role, you will oversee Functional Skills, Personal & Social Development, and Work‑Based Learning programmes, ensuring excellence in teaching, learning, and assessment. You will play a key part in maintaining compliance with Ofsted and Ministry of Justice standards, driving continuous improvement, and supporting staff to deliver outstanding outcomes for learners.
This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled education professional with strong leadership and curriculum development experience who is passionate about improving opportunities for learners in custody.
 
Key Responsibilities
Curriculum & Quality Management

• Support the Education Manager in coordinating curriculum delivery and ensuring robust quality assurance.
• Lead on quality improvement activities, including lesson observations, deep dives, and learning walks.
• Develop, implement, and promote a standardised curriculum that meets the needs of learners and employers.
• Oversee IQA/EQA planning and support teams to maintain compliance.
• Contribute to annual self‑assessment reporting, quality improvement planning, and resource budgeting.

Staff Leadership & Development

• Line manage and support teaching and support staff, using effective HR strategies to improve learner outcomes.
• Induct, coach, and mentor new and existing team members to develop teaching practice.
• Coordinate and deliver CPD based on quality findings and staff development needs.
• Set, monitor, and review staff targets to ensure contractual and performance expectations are met.

Operational & Partnership Responsibilities

• Maintain strong partnerships with internal prison departments and external agencies to enhance learner opportunities.
• Ensure adherence to safeguarding, equality, health & safety, and all prison security regulations.
• Deputise for the Education Manager when required and support day‑to‑day operational management.
• Deliver classroom teaching where necessary to support the needs of the provision.

 
Essential Criteria

• Level 5 Teaching Qualification.
• Significant teaching experience.
• Proven experience in curriculum development, quality assurance, and staff management.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to influence, support, and motivate staff.
• Level 3 English and Maths.
• Full driving licence and access to transport.
• Comprehensive understanding of the Ofsted Education Inspection Framework (EIF).

 
Desirable Criteria

• Level 4 Internal Quality Assurance Award (or willingness to work towards).
• Level 5 Operations or Departmental Manager qualification.
• Evidence of ongoing CPD.
• Experience working within secure environments and commitment to reducing re‑offending through education.

 
How to Apply
For a confidential discussion or to apply, please contact:
Robert Rowe 07935 141342 rrowe@trigonrecruitment.co.uk