Head of Department Childcare & Health Salary: Up to £59,238 per annum Contract Type: Permanent Full time 37 hours per week Reference: REC2112 | Closing date: Sunday, 9th March 2025 The Opportunity As our Head of Department – Health, Science, Childcare and Education, you will lead a dedicated and passionate team, ensuring our students receive an outstanding education that equips them for success in their chosen fields. You will create an inspiring and inclusive learning environment, shaping a curriculum that meets industry demands and prepares our learners for meaningful and rewarding careers. Your leadership will drive excellence in teaching and learning, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. By mentoring and supporting our staff, you will empower them to deliver an exceptional student experience. Under your guidance, the department will continue to evolve, providing high-quality education that transforms lives. Building strong partnerships with employers, healthcare providers, and community organisations will be key to your success. These collaborations will offer our students valuable work placements, real-world insights, and exciting career opportunities, ensuring they graduate fully prepared for the next stage of their journey. Alongside shaping the curriculum and enhancing student outcomes, you will oversee budgets, resources, and performance targets, ensuring the department operates efficiently and continues to grow. Your strategic vision will contribute to the overall success of the college, reinforcing our reputation for delivering exceptional education. This is a fantastic opportunity for a motivated and experienced leader to take responsibility for a diverse curriculum area, spanning Further Education (FE), Adult courses, and Higher Education (HE). As part of a dynamic management team, you will coach, mentor, and inspire colleagues at all levels, ensuring an outstanding experience for students and key stakeholders. Your leadership will be instrumental in providing first-class curriculum and business guidance, helping to shape the department’s future. If you are an experiences leader that is passionate about education and want to make a real impact on the lives of students this is your chance to lead a thriving department, drive innovation, and empower learners to achieve their ambitions. In return, you will be part of a forward-thinking college that values your expertise, invests in your professional development, and provides a supportive environment where you can excel. About You We’re looking for a dynamic and collaborative leader who thrives in a high-performing, ambitious environment. Your passion for making a real difference should drive everything you do—whether mentoring, assessing, or providing learner support, you’ll be motivated by helping others succeed and making a lasting impact. Adaptability and innovation are essential in this role. We value fresh thinking and a commitment to continuous improvement, so you’ll be someone who embraces change, enjoys problem-solving, and is always looking for ways to enhance our approach. Your ideas will be welcomed, and your ability to inspire others will play a pivotal role in shaping the department’s success. As a seasoned leader, you’ll have the vision to identify new opportunities and create new roles, where you identify gaps, such as our Youth Learning mentors, that that will enhance our learners’ experience. Your background in education, mentoring, or assessment will be essential, alongside the resilience, initiative, and strategic mindset needed to drive success. With your ability to inspire and empower a team, you’ll foster a culture of ambition, ensuring everyone works towards impactful, high-reaching goals. You’ll also take a strategic approach to data analysis, working with our college systems to drive a solution-focused culture. Your ability to anticipate changes in the labour market will be invaluable in ensuring our curriculum remains innovative, relevant, and ahead of industry trends. We’re seeking someone with energy, drive, and a strategic vision. You’ll have a keen eye for opportunities and the determination to turn them into reality, ensuring our students receive an outstanding learning experience. At the same time, you’ll be instrumental in developing staff, fostering an environment where everyone feels valued, supported, and inspired to excel. Open communication will be at the heart of your leadership, ensuring the team remains informed, engaged, and aligned with the college’s vision. You’ll also bring extensive leadership experience within education, ideally in FE, HE, or a similar setting. A strong background in Childcare, Health, or Social Care is essential, along with in-depth knowledge of industry standards, qualifications, and best practices. You’ll have a proven track record in curriculum design and quality assurance, with a clear focus on improving student outcomes. Exceptional people management skills are a must—you’ll know how to lead, inspire, and develop a high-performing team. Above all, you’ll have the strategic foresight to drive growth, enhance employer engagement, and champion our students’ success. Below is a list of some of the key skills, qualifications and experience we are seeking for this exciting opportunity. Required
* Degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject or a sector-specific leadership qualification.
* Extensive sector experience with regular CPD.
* Proven management and leadership within the sector.
* Track record of improving quality.
* Budget management experience.
* Skilled in coaching or mentoring.
* Strong performance management and change leadership.
Reasons to join us
* We offer substantial annual leave entitlement (Up to 47 days per year including bank and public holidays)
* Holiday purchase scheme to buy additional annual leave days
* Teachers’ Pension Scheme
* We invest in our people through funded CPD opportunities, regular staff development training and paid volunteering days
* Career advancement opportunities with tailored support for staff to progress
* 24/7 access to same day appointments with a GP
* Exclusive discounts and cashback for retail, dining and leisure as part of YouatWork
* Access to health cash plans as members of the Westfield Health Scheme or Health Shield
* Discounted college gym membership with onsite facilities
* Supporting employee mental health through access to free counselling services and the Foundations App
* Discounts schemes for greener travel including Northern Rail, Trainline and Cycle to Work
* Free Microsoft Office 365 for personal use on up to five machines
* Access to discounted hair and beauty therapies at our onsite salon
* On site subsidised Starbucks and food outlets offering a variety of dining options
* Free breakfast provided daily for all staff members
* Our shared purpose - We believe in transforming the lives of both our learners and staff
Closing date for applications is Sunday, 9th March 2025. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early depending on the level of interest. Barnsley College is committed to creating a dynamic and diverse workforce and welcomes applications from all candidates regardless of their gender, disability, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or faith. Disabled applicants who meet the minimum essential criteria will be guaranteed an interview. The College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure from DBS. Please be aware that it is a Criminal offence to apply for this post if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity in connection to children