Some key information
* 30 Days Annual Leave - plus bank holidays - pro rata for part time
* This role provides the opportunity for hybrid working, allowing you to work either from home, or from one of our Council Offices.
* Fixed Term contract until end of July hours per week.
* If applying as a Secondment, please seek approval from your Line Manager first.
What will I be doing?
We're working to improve the lives of people in Somerset and you'll be a key part of that. As the Adult Skills Lead, you will be improving the work aspirations, employability and skill levels of residents for social mobility, and access to opportunities in Somerset. You will lead development of Somerset Council's Adult Skills offer - currently the Community Learning Service and Free Courses for Jobs - providing leadership and management of the provision. You will design a curriculum offer that will equip individuals with the skills they need to progress into further learning, employment, or to progress within work, enabling individuals to reach their full potential.
Your day-to-day work will involve:
* Leadership and management oversight of the Community Learning Service and Free Courses for Jobs provision.
* Working with key partners to determine the skills needs of communities, which enable individuals to move into, stay-in or progress-in work.
* Effective commissioning and management of subcontractors in accordance with council processes and the relevant government funding rules.
* Using data, and other intelligence, to ensure the equality of opportunity for all learners, widening participation and championing inclusive learning.
* Ensuring that robust safeguarding practice is implemented across all delivery, ensuring that all learners are safe and getting the best possible experience from their learning.
* Ensuring the Council are prepared for Ofsted inspections, providing support to the lead nominee.
* Managing the service, and provision, in line with grant funding obligations and that service delivery remains in budget.
What kind of experience or qualifications do I need?
We offer ongoing support, training and guidance to help you be the best you can be. But you will need to be:
* Educated to degree level, have a Level 4 Teaching qualification and Assessors qualification.
* An excellent leader with sound management skills having a track record of successfully managing services within an adult, community or skills delivery environment.
* Experienced in commissioning, and managing, sub-contractors in accordance with council procedures and funding obligations
* Able to work collaboratively with a range of stakeholders to develop and implement effective strategies and systems.
* Knowledgeable of the funding systems for further education and adult skills; and of national, regional and local policy relating to labour market, employment and skills.
We're proud to be here for the people of Somerset. And that means everyone in Somerset. An important part of this is ensuring that we are as diverse and inclusive as the people and communities we serve.
We welcome applications from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences to enrich our team. You can always contact the hiring manager for a chat if there's anything you want to talk about before you apply.
What's in it for me?
We are proud to offer an environment that is supportive and rewarding, working as part of a team who are passionate about the work they do to improve the lives of people in Somerset.
We offer great training and development opportunities, with supportive management. As well as this, we have some fantastic employee benefits available:
* We promote a healthy work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements wherever possible, including working from home.
* Generous annual leave allowance, with the opportunity to purchase additional leave
* Staff discounts in gyms.
* Employee Assistance for the times you may need some support and a variety of employee wellbeing services.
* Auto enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme and optional pension enhancement through our Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme.
* A Flexible Benefits Scheme via salary sacrifice to obtain a cycle for work and health screenings.
* My Staff Shop offering discounts in shops, online shopping, restaurants, cinema tickets, insurance benefits and more
Anything else I should know?
The Salary for the Adult Skills Lead is Grade 10, ranging from £22,368 to £25,062 per annum for 22.2 hours per week.
For an informal chat about the role, you can contact Melanie Roberts, Service Manager – Workforce and Skills at
When completing your application/CV please provide your full employment history and ensure that any gaps in employment are explained. Please start with your current or most recent employment.
If you have all the information you need, just hit the apply button - we can't wait to hear from you.
DBS information
This post requires a criminal background check via the Disclosure procedure.