FE Sessional Lecturer in Counselling ) - Derby, DE22 1GB
About the University
We have one simple promise – to make a positive impact. Through our ground-breaking research, teaching excellence and commitment to sustainable living, we are changing lives for the better.
The University of Derby is a modern university with a modern outlook. Everything we do is driven by delivering excellence and opportunities for our students, our staff and our region.
We have some of the best university facilities in the UK and achieve outstanding results for our teaching and research and have been awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 – making it one of the top universities in the country recognised for its outstanding student experience and student outcomes.
Financially strong and seriously ambitious we offer our employees an inclusive culture that centres itself around staff wellbeing, where you can be confident you will receive all the help and encouragement you need to build a rewarding career with lots of opportunities to enhance your skills.
About the College/Department
At the University of Derby, our Institute of Education and Skills is at the heart of shaping the educators, trainers, and leaders of tomorrow. We are dedicated to inspiring, developing, and empowering professionals across education, training, and lifelong learning to transform lives and communities.
We deliver high-quality programmes that span teacher training, post-16 education, early years, educational leadership, and workforce development. By combining academic expertise with real-world application, we prepare our students to make an impact in diverse educational settings.
Our staff are committed to innovation, inclusion, and excellence; engaging learners with cutting-edge research, sector-leading practice, and a supportive environment where everyone can thrive. We are proud to work with schools, colleges, training providers, and employers across the region and beyond, ensuring that our teaching is grounded in the needs of society and industry.
Whether through developing the next generation of teachers, enhancing workforce skills, or advancing educational research, the Institute of Education and Skills plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of education.
About University of Derby Buxton
University of Derby Buxton is a vibrant and unique campus set in the heart of the Peak District, combining a rich history with a forward-looking approach to education. Based in the iconic Devonshire Dome, the Buxton campus is home to specialist programmes such as hospitality, culinary arts, events, tourism, and hair and beauty.
The campus is designed to provide students with hands-on, real-world learning experiences, supported by industry-standard facilities and strong links to local, national, and international employers. With its blend of practical training, academic expertise, and professional partnerships, Buxton offers an environment where students can develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence to excel in dynamic and competitive industries.
Set within the stunning natural landscape of Derbyshire, the campus also offers an inspiring backdrop for study and personal growth. At Buxton, students are encouraged to explore, innovate, and thrive, making it an exceptional place to learn and build a successful future.
University of Derby Buxton is rated ‘Good’ by OFSTED in all inspection areas, including teaching, learning & assessment, outcomes for learners, personal development, behaviour & welfare; and has a team of dedicated staff who take pride in supporting learners towards their study and career goals. This is a fantastic opportunity to join our team on our journey to becoming an outstanding provider.
About the Role
The Health, Health & Social Care, and Counselling Department delivers industry-focused programmes, including the T Level in Health, that prepare learners for careers across clinical, care, and therapeutic professions. Our team provides high-quality teaching, professional skills development, and meaningful employer engagement to support confident progression into the health and social care sector
You will deliver and assess the Level 4 AIMS Counselling qualification, supporting learners to develop the advanced knowledge, skills, and professional behaviours required for progression into counselling practice. This includes teaching core therapeutic theories, facilitating skills-based workshops, guiding learners through reflective practice, and ensuring all assessment evidence meets AIMS standards and regulatory requirements.
The Role involves maintaining a safe, ethical, and supportive learning environment, modelling professional conduct, and embedding key counselling competencies such as active listening, ethical decision-making, case formulation, and working within recognised counselling frameworks. You will provide constructive feedback, track learner progress, and contribute to quality assurance procedures to uphold the integrity of the qualification. Experience within counselling practice and a sound understanding of sector-specific professional standards are essential.
Salary range from £14.05 - £26.53 per hour.
Your rate of pay will be determined by your qualified teacher status.
If you hold a relevant teaching qualification; the lower rate of £15.16 per hour will apply for non-teaching scheduled work. The higher rate of £26.53 per hour will apply for teaching scheduled work.
If you do not hold a relevant teaching qualification, the lower rate of £14.05 per hour will apply for non-teaching scheduled work. The higher rate of £24.59 per hour will apply for teaching scheduled work.
Please note this is a fixed term position until July 2026.
Actual hours and days will be described in a ‘Schedule of Work’.
About You
You will be an experienced counselling practitioner with the confidence to teach, assess, and support learners working toward the Level 4 AIMS Counselling qualification. You will bring strong knowledge of therapeutic theories, ethical frameworks, and professional standards, and you will be skilled at delivering both theory and practical skills sessions.
You will be able to create a safe, ethical, and supportive learning environment where students can develop core counselling competencies and reflective practice. You will also be able to provide clear feedback, track progress effectively, and ensure all assessment evidence meets AIMS and regulatory requirements.
Organised and collaborative, you will have the ability to maintain accurate records, contribute to quality assurance, and uphold safeguarding, health and safety, and professional expectations. Above all, you’ll be committed to helping learners progress confidently into counselling roles within the wider health and social care sector.
Benefits
* Annual leave accrual
* Teacher’s Pension Scheme
* Suite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family-friendly policies and comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
* Access to a variety of staff discounts at high street retailers
* Discounted onsite gym
* A flexible working environment
* A commitment to personal and professional development
Key Contact
For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Kate Ellis, FE Lecturer in Health/Health Science/Science and T Level Lead Tutor via
For enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via
Important Information
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974 and is therefore subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Any information you provide will be treated in confidence and only used when considering your suitability for the post.
To enable us to process your DBS check please ensure you are able to supply the documentation listed on the DBS website at interview stage.
The University is unable to sponsor the employment of international workers under the Skilled Worker route for this role; however, applications are welcome from candidates who are able to demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.
Please visit our website for more information.
The University of Derby is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our staff, students and children. At the University of Derby, safeguarding is everybody's concern.
Please find our Safeguarding pages including our Safeguarding Policy here
Closing Date: 29 Apr 2026
Area: Teaching and Research
Salary: £26.53 per hour