Head of Education, Skills and Work - HMP Fosse Way
| Posting date: | 11 November 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | Not specified |
| Additional salary information: | £50000-60000 per annum |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 07 December 2025 |
| Location: | Leicester, LE18 4WS |
| Company: | Serco Limited |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 305906-43775142 |
Summary
Serco Limited
Permanent, Full Time
£50,000
- £60,000 per annum + Corporate Benefits PackageCar Included
HMP Fosse Way based in Leicester, is a large, complex, and high-profile site representing a modern approach to rehabilitation through education, skills, and employment. Housing approx. 1,700 male prisoners, we are seeking an exceptional leader to take on the role of Head of Education, Skills and Work (ESW) — a key member of the Senior Management Team responsible for designing, delivering, and continuously improving a high-quality, Ofsted-compliant learning and employment offer.
You will lead a dual model of provision that integrates commercial education partners, self-delivered teaching, and industry-led employment. The role demands strategic vision, strong partnership management, and the ability to drive excellence across all aspects of education and work activity.
Key Accountabilities
- Set and lead the strategic direction for all ESW activity, fully aligning with Serco’s national ESW strategy and the wider Justice & Immigration vision.
- Develop and deliver an integrated education and employment model combining external provider delivery, in-house teaching, and industry-led learning.
- Manage contractual performance and quality assurance of all education and skills partners, ensuring compliance, value for money, and achievement of Contractual Delivery Indicators (CDIs).
- Oversee a robust Quality Assurance Framework that meets Ofsted and HMIP standards, ensuring inspection readiness and continuous improvement.
- Build strong partnerships with employers, training providers, and agencies to enhance vocational opportunities and post-release employment outcomes.
- Provide leadership and line management to all ESW teams, promoting a culture of accountability, innovation, and high performance.
- Maximise the commercial and social impact of the prison’s industries and workshops, ensuring meaningful employment and skills pathways for residents.
- Embed provision for neurodiversity and additional learning needs across all education and work environments.
- Manage ESW budgets effectively, driving efficiency and reinvestment in innovation and quality improvement.
- Represent HMP Fosse Way in regional and national ESW networks, contributing to best practice across Serco’s justice estate.
What you’ll need
You’ll have substantial experience leading large-scale education, skills, or employability programmes
- ideally within complex or custodial settings, and a strong grasp of Ofsted’s Education Inspection Framework. You’ll bring proven expertise in contract and partnership management, quality improvement, and data-driven performance delivery.You’ll hold a minimum Level 5 qualification in Education and Training (PGCE, Cert Ed, or equivalent), with experience in vocational or industry-based learning, neurodiversity strategies, or the justice sector considered highly advantageous.
Why Serco
A place you can make an impact
- The nature of our business means you will do interesting work that matters – delivering essential services that touch people’s lives.
A place you can count on
- Our diverse UK-wide operations offer unrivalled opportunities to learn and develop. You’ll be able to broaden your experience and apply your skills in new ways.
A place for you
- We are a motivated team who will encourage you and help you to succeed within a supportive and safe culture.
What we offer
- Up to 6% contributory pension scheme
- Serco Benefits package – discounts which include cinema, merlin entertainment, online shopping, mobile phone plans and leisure centre memberships.
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Opportunities to gain additional qualifications
- Free on site parking
- Use of on site gym
- Subsidised meals
Permanent, Full Time
£50,000
- £60,000 per annum + Corporate Benefits PackageCar Included
HMP Fosse Way based in Leicester, is a large, complex, and high-profile site representing a modern approach to rehabilitation through education, skills, and employment. Housing approx. 1,700 male prisoners, we are seeking an exceptional leader to take on the role of Head of Education, Skills and Work (ESW) — a key member of the Senior Management Team responsible for designing, delivering, and continuously improving a high-quality, Ofsted-compliant learning and employment offer.
You will lead a dual model of provision that integrates commercial education partners, self-delivered teaching, and industry-led employment. The role demands strategic vision, strong partnership management, and the ability to drive excellence across all aspects of education and work activity.
Key Accountabilities
- Set and lead the strategic direction for all ESW activity, fully aligning with Serco’s national ESW strategy and the wider Justice & Immigration vision.
- Develop and deliver an integrated education and employment model combining external provider delivery, in-house teaching, and industry-led learning.
- Manage contractual performance and quality assurance of all education and skills partners, ensuring compliance, value for money, and achievement of Contractual Delivery Indicators (CDIs).
- Oversee a robust Quality Assurance Framework that meets Ofsted and HMIP standards, ensuring inspection readiness and continuous improvement.
- Build strong partnerships with employers, training providers, and agencies to enhance vocational opportunities and post-release employment outcomes.
- Provide leadership and line management to all ESW teams, promoting a culture of accountability, innovation, and high performance.
- Maximise the commercial and social impact of the prison’s industries and workshops, ensuring meaningful employment and skills pathways for residents.
- Embed provision for neurodiversity and additional learning needs across all education and work environments.
- Manage ESW budgets effectively, driving efficiency and reinvestment in innovation and quality improvement.
- Represent HMP Fosse Way in regional and national ESW networks, contributing to best practice across Serco’s justice estate.
What you’ll need
You’ll have substantial experience leading large-scale education, skills, or employability programmes
- ideally within complex or custodial settings, and a strong grasp of Ofsted’s Education Inspection Framework. You’ll bring proven expertise in contract and partnership management, quality improvement, and data-driven performance delivery.You’ll hold a minimum Level 5 qualification in Education and Training (PGCE, Cert Ed, or equivalent), with experience in vocational or industry-based learning, neurodiversity strategies, or the justice sector considered highly advantageous.
Why Serco
A place you can make an impact
- The nature of our business means you will do interesting work that matters – delivering essential services that touch people’s lives.
A place you can count on
- Our diverse UK-wide operations offer unrivalled opportunities to learn and develop. You’ll be able to broaden your experience and apply your skills in new ways.
A place for you
- We are a motivated team who will encourage you and help you to succeed within a supportive and safe culture.
What we offer
- Up to 6% contributory pension scheme
- Serco Benefits package – discounts which include cinema, merlin entertainment, online shopping, mobile phone plans and leisure centre memberships.
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Opportunities to gain additional qualifications
- Free on site parking
- Use of on site gym
- Subsidised meals
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident.