Head of Education, Skills and Work

Permanent, Full Time
£50,000 - £60,000 per annum + Corporate Benefits Package
Car 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

About Serco
At Serco, not only is the nature of the work we do important, everyone has an important role to play, from caring for vulnerable people to managing complex public services. We are a team of 50,000 people responsible for delivering essential public services around the world in areas including defence, transport, justice, immigration, healthcare and citizen services. We are innovators, committed to redesigning and improving public services for the benefit of everyone.

By joining Serco you will have unlimited access to our Global Employee Networks – SercoInspire (Gender), SercoEmbrace (Multicultural), SercoUnlimited (Disability) and (LGBT & Networks). Serco Employee Networks, led by colleagues who are passionate about diversity, inclusion and belonging.

Apply
Please click on the apply button to complete your application. Occasionally we receive a large volume of applications for our roles and when that happens we sometimes bring the closing date forward, so please apply promptly to avoid disappointment.

At Serco, we see people first and foremost for their performance and potential. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that supports the needs of all. As such we will make reasonable adjustments at interview through to employment for our candidates and strongly encourage applications from a diverse candidate pool. We are open to discussions around flexibility and flexible working. We operate a hybrid work structure in many of our business areas. We are proudly Disability Confident Leader employers and holder of the Gold Inclusive Employer Standard. Disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the job will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities at an interview. For help with your application please contact

At Serco we support fair access to employment for those with unspent criminal convictions through the 'Ban the Box' pledge (some may be exempt due to the nature of the role and the security clearance required). Please contact our recruitment team directly on to discuss.