Candidate pack

DIRECTOR – MATHS, ENGLISH AND ESOL

WELCOME TO THEWESTON COLLEGE GROUP

£61mturnover

850+staff members

30,000enrolments

4campuses

174full-time courses

200+part-time courses

70apprenticeship

frameworks and standards

£18minvested in new

training facilities over the last 12 months

2,500business partners across the country

99%A Level pass rate

97%apprentice employer

satisfaction rate

9thlargest college group

in the country

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Plus achieving:

T Q’A P

F H F E

Teaching Excellence Framework

Welcome to Weston College and can I take this opportunity to thank you for your interest in joining us as a senior member of staff. The College is the fifth in my career and I am extremely proud to work with a team of staff at all levels who show immense dedication and passion for the learner. I joined the College in January 2001 and it would be fair to say that the challenges and opportunities have been great – many realised through hard work and dedication of staff across the organisation.

We are a large College, but we are a caring college, wherever possible I still interview for every post and recognise the significant value that able and committed staff bring to this organisation. I am conscious of the major challenges that our sector faces, but despite this much has been achieved by Governors and staff. The learner is our business, as is enabling career routes for our learners and meeting the training needs of business and industry. Our accolades have been significant, including Ofsted Outstanding in December 2013; Beacon Awards; Queen’s Anniversary Prize; TES Leader of the Year; Lloyds Bank Employer of the Year (2019); TEF Gold; Investors in People Platinum Status.

To work at Weston College, you need to be a special individual with the ability to think outside the box and harness opportunities. You must be resilient and be ready to advance our profile further. This is a role for someone with entrepreneurship, capacity for hard work and dynamism. Equally it is not a role for someone who wants a 9-5 role, with limited responsibilities or a quick route to promotion – this is Weston College where we enhance the lives of our learners and staff alike.

With best wishes,

Dr Paul Phillips, CBEPrincipal & Chief Executive

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DEAR CANDIDATE

I joined the Governing Body of Weston College many years ago, but in 2019 I was privileged to achieve the role of Chair of the Governing Body of Weston College. In this role I am supported by a team of Governors, including two Lead Governors, Chris Carter and Jo Midgley. Chris’s background is as a highly successful lawyer and lead of a practice in Weston super Mare and Jo is the Pro-Vice Chancellor, Student Experience at UWE Bristol. My own background in is Finance and has also included major work in the Arab Emirates et al. Together Chris, Jo and I make up the Remuneration Committee of the College, where senior appointments are made for the organisation.

If you are successful you will be joining a college led by Dr Paul Phillips. Paul joined us in 2001 and since that time the College has grown in size, reputation and standing in the West of England and indeed FE sector of the UK. The College is singularly focussed on the journeys of each and every learner and we have had significant success through our development. At the current time we are exploring international development opportunities as well as entering into new delivery contracts, many of which emanate from the levy opportunities now available.

From my perspective as Chair, I am obviously focussed on the ongoing development of the College. We as a Governing Body are also looking at the need for expansion of our Leadership Board so that we fill existing vacancies and maximise the support for the Principal. I look forward to receiving your application.

With best wishes,

Andrew Leighton-PriceChair of Governors

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DEAR CANDIDATE

MISSION, VALUES AND AIMS

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Our Mission‘Creating brighter futures’ is the underpinning mission and purpose of the Weston College Group. It is driven to achieve this for all its learners and staff through the development of a learning and working culture that is inclusive, aspirational and focused on assuring success and progression.

Our Values • We will put the Learner first • We will be Entrepreneurial in approach and innovative in our thinking • We will be Ambitious and aspirational • We will value Diversity and celebrate success • We will Enable collaboration and work in partnership • We will be Responsive to the needs of individuals, business and the community • We will provide a Safe and sustainable place to study and work • We will be LEADERS in our field and have a reputation for excellence.

Our Aims • Provide a safe, supportive and inclusive learning culture where learners can thrive • Meet the needs of employers, the local economy and regional skills shortages through a curriculum offer that puts employability at its centre • Develop partnerships, collaborations and models of learning that increase opportunity for different groups of learners within their immediate locality • Enable learners to succeed, progress and meet future challenges by providing high quality teaching, learning and assessment • Harness and use technology to support innovation in learning and smarter, more efficient working practices • Remain a financially robust, sustainable and resilient organisation that can continue to develop and invest in its facilities, infrastructure and workforce.

Weston College is a general college of further and higher education in Weston-super-Mare, delivering education and vocational training to students aged 14 and above. It is regarded as one of the top further education colleges in the UK, and is the only college in the West of England to be rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted. The College provides education to approximately 30,000 learners across the UK.

University Centre Weston (UCW) offers over 40 courses across a number of vocational and academic subject areas. UCW delivers the courses in partnership with Bath Spa University and the University of the West of England, Bristol. UCW is rated ‘Gold’ in the Teaching Excellence Framework, meaning the learning, teaching and outcomes it provides for students are of the highest quality in Britain.

Weston College’s Offender Learning Services is a top-performing provider of offender and detainee learning. The service is recognised for its excellent teaching, learning and assessment; the positive outcomes it achieves for learners; and its partnership approach to business planning, which ensures that the curriculum meets learners’ and employers’ needs.

Inspirational Events and Investments Limited is a subsidiary company of the Weston College Group. It runs the Winter Gardens Pavilion, Lasseter’s Restaurant, the Florentine Bistro, and the Lauriston Hotel. The company was incorporated in March 2017 and has already made a significant contribution to the regeneration of Weston-super-Mare.

Forward Futures Limited is the College Group’s in-house recruitment agency. It provides high calibre associates to the Weston College Group and its key services, such as offender learning. Forward Futures is often the first step for applicants interested in beginning a career with the College, either on a cover/supply or longer assignment basis.

OVERVIEW OF THEWESTON COLLEGE GROUP

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Post Title: Director – Maths, English and ESOL

Post Number: -

Grade: Leadership Spine SLD 1-4

Job PurposeThe Director will report to a Deputy Principal (Curriculum) and be responsible for the following across all provision types (Further Education):

• Design, development and implementation of an effective maths and English curriculum strategy for the College• Delivery of high quality maths, English and ESOL courses across the College to 16- 19 year olds, adults and work based learners• Strategic leadership of the Maths Centre for Excellence ensuring it is effectively profiled and supporting research and best practice dissemination across its network• Develop and lead a programme of CPD and professional development for curriculum staff so they can effectively embed and develop numeracy and literacy within curriculum delivery• Represent the College externally at stakeholder events and policy groups relating to maths, English and ESOL.

Key SkillsetThe role will require the post holder to demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and be adept at developing teaching, learning and assessment strategies, curriculum innovation and approaches that enable strong learner engagement. Whilst the post holder will have key responsibilities for faculty/departmental outcomes they will also demonstrate active listening skills with the ability to coach and support teams. Equally, the post holder will be prepared to deal with any issues of non-compliance etc. and bring about robust solutions to resolve matters.

The role will demand the capacity for exceptional team working and negotiating skills across the Group, as well as the ability to manage upwards and engender confidence from Corporate Leadership Board, governors and other key stakeholders. The ability and willingness to form networks and strategic partnerships outside of the College will be critical.

The successful post-holder, will be an impressive role model, who demonstrates the drive to realise “Outstanding” for the Weston College Group, whilst also conducting themselves in a highly corporate and professional manner, engendering confidence and trust in their judgement, and problem-solving and decision-making ability. Candidates must also be able to demonstrate a track record in responding quickly and robustly to a wide and varied scope of situations, requests, and responsibilities.

The role will demand an approach that looks at alternative ways of working, mitigates risks, drives down costs, and strives for ways to constantly improve and lead the field as well as add value proactively. Strong communication skills are essential for this cross college role, as well as the ability to collaborate with curriculum leads and service heads

JOB DESCRIPTION

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to find solutions that support efficient ways of working and delivery approaches that support teachers and learners to excel.

Key Duties The post holder will be responsible to a Deputy Principal for the following:

• Design, implementation and review of a coherent maths and English curriculum strategy that supports students and staff to develop their maths and English skills.• Managing the delivery and assessment of a portfolio of maths and English courses that includes GCSE, functional skills and ESOL• The design and development of a curriculum that has a clear intent and supports learners and apprentices of all abilities and backgrounds to make good or better progress.• Leading, motivating and developing a team of staff to deliver outstanding teaching, learning and assessment.• Ensuring differentiated approaches are adopted to the delivery of maths, English and ESOL to learners and apprentices that support outstanding outcomes.• Ensuring learners are provided with appropriate IAG, initially assessed and put on the appropriate level of course/qualification.• Developing the capacity of all teachers, trainers and assessors to effectively develop the literacy and numeracy skills of their learners through the planning, co-ordination and delivery of staff CPD and professional development opportunities.• Timetabling provision and allocating resources to ensure good staff utilisation, high student engagement and parity of experience for learners across the college.• Curriculum and business planning provision that responds to changes in funding, qualification design and accountability measures. • To raise the profile of English and Maths to students and staff across the organisation• Develop the reporting and monitoring of student performance in English, maths and ESOL that supports positive progress outcomes for learners and apprentices• Oversee and ensure that the Maths Centre for Excellence meets its operational objectives and develops a strong reputation for its work across its network.

Generic Tasks and Duties In addition to the requirements of the post above, all members of the team are responsible for:

• Leading the selection process and actively participating in the recruitment and appointment of staff.• Ensuring that effective measures and systems are in place to cover staff absence and minimise the impact of absence on the learning experience for students. • Ensuring that department procedures and controls for delegating budgets for materials and equipment are effective and closely monitored. • Monitoring all expenditure and ensuring that spending is kept within the budget allocation. As a budget holder, compliance with the college’s financial regulations and procedures is imperative.• Managing effectively and efficiently relevant resources, including space, materials, and staffing, including raising the profile of this area of work, at all times.• Ensuring that specified college procedures and policies are followed by all employees assigned to the directorate. • Being responsible for the performance management of staff, to include the effective implementation of the college’s staff appraisal system.

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• Undertaking responsibility for the Health and Safety of all activities as detailed in the college’s Health and Safety Policy Statement and Operating Manual. • Being a member of the College Management Team, and representing the Department and the College on internal and external committees, as required. • Actively undertaking and leading key quality activities, to include lesson observations and quality reviews. • Supporting other areas of the Group in areas related to the directorate, as requested or instructed by the Principal or line manager. • Complying with all college policies and procedures. • Complying with Information Security requirements, in line with Weston College policy. • Carrying out such other duties as may be required by the Principal, commensurate with the grade of post.

TargetsThis role has key targets that are required for the success of this post. These targets will be set and agreed annually, normally prior to the start of the academic year. Targets will be process monitored and updated on a termly basis.

The following is a list of areas for which targets will be set. Whilst this list covers key areas it is not exclusive and is likely to change in line with external and internal strategies.

• Student and apprentice attendance to learning sessions and assessments• Student and apprentice progress outcomes • Student and apprentice satisfaction• Quality of teaching, learning and assessment• Outcome of external quality assessment visits including Ofsted• Key strategy milestone targets• Curriculum growth targets• Development of key projects.

Flexibility in the RoleGiven the nature of this role and structure of Weston College, it must be accepted that, as the College’s work develops and changes, there will be a need for adjustments to the role and responsibilities of the post. The duties specified above are, therefore, not to be regarded as either exclusive or exhaustive. They may change from time-to-time, commensurate with the grading level of the post and following consultation with the member of staff.

Equality & DiversityThe College is committed to the principles of Equality and Diversity, for all members of society. The College will take action to discharge this responsibility, but many of the actions will rely on individual staff members at Weston College embracing their responsibilities with such a commitment, ensuring a positive and collaborative approach to Equality and Diversity. This will require staff to support the College’s initiatives on Equality and Diversity, which will include embracing development and training designed to enhance practices and the experiences of staff, students, and visitors to the College with an inclusive approach that celebrates differences.

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Health and Safety All members of staff have a duty to maintain the safe and clean conditions of their workplace area and to cooperate with Weston College on matters of health and safety. This will include assisting with risk assessments and carrying out appropriate actions as required. Staff are required to refer to Weston College’s Health and Safety Policies in respect to their specific duties and responsibilities.

Staff DevelopmentAll staff are required to participate fully in Weston College’s staff development programmes and have a responsibility to identify their own professional development needs in conjunction with their line manager.

Communication and Working RelationshipsInternal Communication / Working Relationships

The role will work require a strong working partnership with the other senior managers and the Corporate Leadership Team.

Liaison with:• Principal and Chief Executive Officer.• Deputy Principals.• Directors.• Deans of Faculty• Heads of Department• Cross-college Service Managers.• Funding agencies.

External Communication / Working Relationships

Liaison with:• Employers.• Business partners.• Subsidiary companies.• Social enterprises.• The Local Enterprise Partnership / WECA.• Colleges.• Universities.• Schools.

Conditions of ServiceThe College standard Contract of Service for Management Spine staff applies.

Line Management ResponsibilityThe post holder is responsible for the line management of the following:• Strategic Lead – Maths Centre for Excellence• Subject Area Manager – Maths• Head of Foundation English for Class Based Learning • Head of Foundation English and Maths for Work-based and Community Learning• Maths and English Administrators

SalaryLeadership Spine SLD 01-04: £52,548-£61,822

HoursHours of attendance: 37 hours per week.

Annual leave: 318.5 hours per annum, inclusive of statutory bank holidays and college closures.

The College reserves the right to direct up to five days of annual leave entitlement for efficiency purposes.

Weston College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

NoteThis job description is current as at the date of your appointment. In discussion with your line manager, your post description may be varies at any time to reflect or anticipate changes in or to the post and you may be required to undertake other duties commensurate with the grade of the post.

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Person Specification

Specific Requirements E D

Five GCSE at grade C or above (or equivalent), including Mathematics and English.

All applicants must be able to provide evidence of a Level 2 Qualification in Mathematics and English, or be willing to undertake the Qualification whilst in post.

Degree-level qualification, or significant relevant experience.

Significant, relevant leadership and management experience.

Teaching Qualification.

Management Qualification.

Practicing Ofsted Inspector (Associate).

Extensive experience of developing successful curriculum and quality strategies and approaches within one or more College / training provider settings.

Experience of successful curriculum design and business development that is underpinned by sound financial planning.

Strong experience of leading a team to successful outcomes.

Strong communication and persuasive skills, both verbal and written.

Ability to inspire, motivate, support, and lead staff and learners.

Influencing skills at a senior level.

Ability to review and evaluate complex material and data.

Clear commitment to and desire to be ‘outstanding’.

Ability to manage workload and complete tasks in a timely manner.

Detailed working knowledge of:• Education Inspection Framework• Self-assessment• Curriculum development and driving change• Quality review and improvement process• Internal and External Verification process and practice• FE and HE curriculum inc apprenticeships and other

Knowledge and use of software to monitor student and staff performance.

Highly professional in conduct and approach.

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training schemes

Qualities identified and determined by:E = Essential D = Desirable

HOW TO APPLYTo applyVisit www.weston.ac.uk/jobs and complete the online application form.

For any enquiriesPlease contact the Weston College Group Human Resources Department at HR@weston.ac.uk

Knightstone CampusKnightstone RoadWeston-super-MareBS23 2AL

Loxton CampusLoxton RoadWeston-super-MareBS23 4QU

South West Skills CampusLocking RoadWeston-super-MareBS22 8NL

WCGMAR-1848492676-378

Teaching Excellence Framewor k

Winter GardensSouth ParadeWeston-super-MareBS23 1AJ

Construction Training CentreLocking Head DroveWeston-super-MareBS24 7NA

01934 411 411www.weston.ac.ukenquiries@weston.ac.uk