Head of Education, Skills and Work - HMP Winchester

Role overview

This is a functional management position based inside an establishment. The post holder will lead the prison’s education, skills and work offer, making sure it is high quality, meets prisoner needs, and aligns with regional and national expectations as well as Ofsted standards. The aim is to help prisoners build the learning and workplace capabilities needed to move into employment after release.

The role is non-rotational and includes line management responsibilities. It sits within the Senior Management Team and contributes to the establishment’s Business Plan. Depending on operational accreditation, some operational duties may also apply.

Main purpose

The post holder will set the strategic direction for all education, skills and work activity across the prison. They will create a joined-up approach so that learning, qualifications and work experience are sequenced effectively and support positive next steps such as employment, training or further education after release.

Education, Skills and Work activity must be structured around the five pillars of the Ofsted Education Inspection Framework. The role also involves working closely with other function heads to extend this approach into prisoner residence areas and social spaces.

The post holder will work with education providers, prison industries and local private businesses to make best use of workshops and other work locations, ensuring prisoners gain the skills needed to compete for jobs in the local labour market.

Key duties

• Lead the strategy for all education, skills and work provision across the establishment.
• Develop a strong, evidence-based approach to learning and teaching that reflects HMPPS values, regional priorities and national guidance, while improving outcomes for prisoners on release.
• Oversee delivery of pathways including education, neurodiversity support, employment on release, prison work and industries, and farming and gardens, making sure they meet user needs and comply with national frameworks.
• Work in partnership with the Head of Reducing Reoffending and other function heads to expand opportunities that support resettlement and reduce reoffending.
• Work with the Governing Governor to increase Release on Temporary License activity and build a stronger route into employment for prison leavers.
• Manage quality assurance for education, skills and work using Ofsted’s Education Inspection Framework, and advise senior leaders on inspection priorities.
• Lead preparation for inspections and ensure action plans are delivered, including Standard Audit, HMIP, Ofsted/Estyn, and MQPL survey actions.
• Promote a strong employment culture across the prison and focus on improving post-release employment outcomes.
• Support the Prison Employment Lead in embedding this culture and using the Employment Hub, while building relationships with the New Futures Network, Probation Service, Community Rehabilitation Service providers and other relevant partners.
• Ensure prison industries, retail, catering and PE services, New Futures Network activity, and local private enterprise work are delivered effectively within workshops.
• Manage and develop staff within the function, maintaining high standards and addressing underperformance appropriately.
• If operational accreditation applies, carry out additional operational duties such as chairing adjudications as the Governor’s representative and acting as Duty Governor when required.
• Promote prison service values throughout all activities, including decency, safety, diversity and inclusion, and reducing reoffending.

Experience and capability

The role calls for strong middle or senior leadership experience in primary, secondary, post-16 or adult education, including community and voluntary settings. The successful candidate should have a solid understanding of Ofsted/Estyn inspection frameworks and further education and skills criteria, plus experience working with a wide range of stakeholders.

The post also requires experience in curriculum design and delivery for diverse learner groups, using data to track progress and set outcomes, and leading change in an educational environment. Knowledge of how inspection frameworks apply in prisons, including support for learners with additional learning needs, is important. Experience helping learners move into meaningful next steps such as further training or work is also needed.

Applicants should be able to show innovation and impact in education, along with strong written, verbal and non-verbal communication skills.

Qualifications and operational requirements

• A PGCE, Cert Ed, or Level 5 qualification in Education and Training is required.
• For operational posts, successful accreditation through the Head of Function Assessment Centre is required, or prior equivalent operational status depending on the period of service.
• If HFAC accreditation was gained from 2018 onward, the Incident Management Silver Command assessment must also be passed to be eligible for operational Head of Function roles.
• Completion of the workbook is required.
• If transferring to a Young Persons establishment, the post holder must successfully complete an assessment to demonstrate suitability to work with young people.

Working pattern

The role is based on a 37-hour working week. Operational post holders may also receive a required hours allowance, to be confirmed by the recruiting manager.

This post involves regular unsocial hours, with additional pay at the approved rate. Unsocial hours are any time outside 0700 to 1900 Monday to Friday, including evenings, nights, weekends, and Bank/Public Holidays.

Selection process and security

The recruitment process uses Success Profiles and will assess behaviours, strengths and experience. Feedback will only be provided if you attend interview or assessment.

Successful candidates must pass a criminal record check. People working with government assets must also complete baseline personnel security standard checks.

Nationality requirements

This role is open to UK nationals, Irish nationals, eligible Commonwealth citizens, eligible EU/Swiss/EEA nationals and their eligible family members, and certain other people with the right to work or remain in the UK in line with the stated immigration categories.

Additional information

The role is based at HM Prison Winchester, Winchester, SO22 5DF.

The department notes that AI may be used as a support tool in applications, but all examples and statements must be truthful, factually accurate, and based on the applicant’s own experience. Using plagiarism or presenting AI-generated content as personal experience may lead to withdrawal from the process and possible disciplinary action for internal candidates.

Benefits include access to learning and development, flexible working options, an inclusive working culture, a Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%, annual leave, public holidays, and season ticket advance.

The employer also states that, alongside the salary of £57,398, it contributes £16,628 towards the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.

Support and recruitment information are available through the organisation’s candidate information page.