At Places for People, we hire People, not numbers! So, if you like the sound of one of our jobs, please apply - you could be just who we’re looking for! Of course, experience and track record are important, but we’re more interested in hiring someone that embodies our People Promises. That’s someone that does the right thing, is enthusiastic and motivated to grow, believes in Community spirit, is respectful and enjoys their work. As the UK’s leading Social Enterprise we’re dedicated to creating inclusive and thriving Communities for both our Customers and Employees.
So, what are you waiting for? Join a community that cares about you!
More about your role
This is an exciting opportunity to manage and lead the apprenticeship offering for our training arm, PfP Thrive. As the Head of the Apprenticeship Academy, you will oversee the entire apprenticeship process, from contracting and enrolment to funding, compliance, and end-point assessment. Working closely with business development, you’ll maximise eligible intakes of both internal and external apprentices – from new hires to those wishing to upskill or make a career change.
You’ll manage a team of apprenticeship tutors – they may be teaching trades such as plumbing, electrics and carpentry from our newly purpose-built site in Derby. Or they may be teaching skills such as customer service, housing management or leadership and management from one of our learning hubs throughout the country. All the time, you’ll ensure high-quality delivery through curriculum design support, facilitating effective CPD programs, conducting observations, and effective resource planning.
As the on-site senior leader at the Academy in Derby, you’ll be the Designated Safeguarding Lead, providing a safe and secure environment for all of our apprentices, establishing high levels of conduct and behaviours as well as managing complaints and appeals where necessary.
You’ll ensure compliance with ESFA and Ofsted requirements to ensure we secure maximum funding, whilst overseeing any relevant audit activities from the relevant bodies which will be undertaken by your Quality and Governance Officer.
This role will be based at our new Training Academy facility in Derby. Due to the nature of the role, it is expected the successful candidate will be on site on a full-time basis

The essential criteria is listed below

• Must have prior experience of running a successful apprenticeship training academy including being lead nominee for Ofsted inspections, knowledge and understanding of ILR returns/ESFA Funding regulations, Quality Assurance implementation and Governance reporting
• Must have prior experience of leading a team of Apprenticeship Skills Coaches/Tutors including supporting them in apprenticeship curriculum design and delivery
• Must have expertise in all aspects of apprenticeship programme delivery from enrolment, skills scans and commitment statements through to gateway an end point assessment
• Experienced in safeguarding and prevent regulations and requirements, this role will be the Designated Safeguarding Lead

More about you
The ideal applicant will have a strong understanding and experience of apprenticeship funding, governance, and compliance, including ESFA and Ofsted requirements. With exceptional experience in people and stakeholder management, you can engage effectively with your team, various third parties and awarding bodies at all levels.
A strong people manager, you’ll be experienced in developing and growing teams, setting high standards and providing high levels of support.
Your skills in curriculum design, teaching and presentation standards, project and people management ensure high-quality program delivery. Ideally, you have experience with educational software and dealing with various governing and awarding bodies.
You should hold or be working towards a safeguarding qualification and a relevant professional qualification in learning, development, or education, along with experience in leading multi-disciplinary teams in a highly regulated environment.
The benefits
We are a large diverse and ambitious business, which will give you all the challenge you could wish for.

We know that there’s always more we can do to make you smile, that’s why we offer a comprehensive benefits package with each role, yours will include:

• Competitive salary, with a salary review yearly
• Pension with matched contributions up to 7%
• Excellent holiday package – up to 35 days annual leave with the option to buy or sell leave
• Cashback plan for healthcare costs – up to £500 saving per year
• A bonus scheme for all colleagues at 2%
• Training and development
• Extra perks including huge discounts and offers from shops, cinemas and much more

What’s next?
If you meet the criteria and are ready to make the next step in your career then apply following our simple 5 minute application process, upload a CV and a supporting statement which demonstrates how you meet the requirements of the role. If you have any questions please email the recruitment team recruitment@placesforpeople.co.uk
If you are a Places for People customer and you’re looking for support with your application, please contact our skills and employment team on skillsemployment@placesforpeople.co.uk.
Please note that we may bring the closing date forward, if we receive a large number of quality applications. If you are interested in this role we would advise applying immediately to avoid disappointment.
If you are using a mobile device such as an iPad then ensure your CV is stored in the cloud, we currently support Google Drive, OneDrive and Dropbox.
If you are a recruitment agency please note we operate a PSL and do not take cold call

• Competitive salary, with a salary review yearly
• Pension with matched contributions up to 7%
• Excellent holiday package – up to 35 days annual leave with the option to buy or sell leave
• Cashback plan for healthcare costs – up to £500 saving per year
• A bonus scheme for all colleagues at 2%
• Training and development
• Extra perks including huge discounts and offers from shops, cinemas and much mor