Learning Manager / Pastoral Location: North East England, County Durham, Stockton-on-Tees Job Type: Temporary, Full-Time Primary Industry: Education and Training Job Description The Learning Manager / Pastoral is responsible for overseeing the pastoral care and welfare of learners, ensuring a supportive and inclusive learning environment that promotes personal development, engagement, and academic success. This role involves managing and coordinating pastoral support services, working closely with learners, families, and relevant stakeholders to address any barriers to learning and well-being. The post holder contributes to the development and implementation of safeguarding policies and procedures, offering guidance and support to learners on personal, social, and emotional matters. Key Job Duties Provide leadership and management of pastoral support services, ensuring a consistent approach to learner welfare across the organisation. Develop and implement strategies to support learner engagement, attendance, behaviour, and personal development. Act as a designated safeguarding lead or deputy, ensuring compliance with safeguarding legislation and organisational policies. Identify and respond promptly to learner welfare concerns, liaising with external agencies and support services as required. Support learners in managing personal and social challenges that may affect their educational progress and well-being. Maintain accurate and confidential records of pastoral interventions and outcomes. Work collaboratively with teaching staff, support teams, and families to create a positive and inclusive learning environment. Plan and deliver workshops, assemblies, and group sessions aimed at promoting emotional resilience, mental health, and social skills. Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of pastoral support programmes and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives. Manage a caseload of learners requiring additional pastoral support and provide regular reports on progress to senior management. Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion throughout all aspects of pastoral care and learner support. Required Qualifications A relevant professional qualification in education, social work, counselling, youth work, or a related field. Current and demonstrable knowledge of safeguarding legislation, guidance, and best practise. Qualification or training in safeguarding designated lead responsibilities is essential. Education Educated to degree level or equivalent professional qualification. Additional training or certification in pastoral care, mental health first aid, or counselling is desirable. Experience Substantial experience working in an educational or youth support setting, with a focus on pastoral care and learner welfare. Proven track record of managing safeguarding and welfare concerns effectively. Experience of working with vulnerable learners and liaising with external agencies. Demonstrable experience of leading and managing teams or projects is advantageous. Knowledge and Skills Comprehensive understanding of safeguarding frameworks, legislation, and guidance relevant to education. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport and trust with learners and stakeholders. Effective organisational and time management skills, capable of managing competing priorities. Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion in sensitive situations. Competent in using IT systems and software relevant to record keeping and communication. Demonstrated ability to support learners with diverse needs and backgrounds. Resilience and emotional intelligence to manage challenging pastoral situations. Preferred Qualifications Postgraduate qualification in education, counselling, social care, or a related discipline. Training in mental health awareness, conflict resolution, or restorative practises. Experience of working within further education or training provider settings. Working Conditions This role is based primarily within an educational environment in County Durham, Stockton-on-Tees. Full-time hours are required, with flexibility to respond to urgent pastoral matters outside standard hours as necessary. Occasional travel within the region may be required to liaise with external agencies or attend meetings. The post holder may encounter emotionally challenging situations and must maintain professional boundaries at all times. The role involves regular use of IT equipment and working within a busy team environment. All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQs on the Protocol Education website for further details. All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date. Protocol Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with the DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’, this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants. We offer FREE online safeguarding and Prevent Duty training to all our workers. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and subscribe to the DBS Update Service. Full assistance provided. For details of our privacy policy, please see visit the Protocol Education website.