Head of Green Skills Academy

Job content

Application Deadline:23 June 2023Department:OtherEmployment Type:PermanentLocation:Graig CampusReporting To:Assistant Director of CurriculumCompensation:£46,249 - £50,641 / yearDescriptionThe Green Academy Manager will be responsible for managing all aspects of the Academy, which will provide comprehensive training and educational programs across all sectors and for a range of stakeholders. It will be focused on achieving net-zero emissions and promoting sustainable practices. This role involves developing and implementing strategic plans, overseeing curriculum development, managing delivery teams and staff, and coordinating a regional engagement plan, and ensuring the overall success of the academy.As the Head of the Green Skills Academy at the College, you will play a pivotal role in leading and developing our academy’s initiatives focused on equipping learners, employers and other stakeholders with the necessary skills and knowledge for a sustainable and net carbon zero future. In addition, you will ensure that the Green Skills Academy is at the cutting edge of development and is aligned to national initiatives such as the implementation of the Welsh Government Net Zero Strategy, the commitment to the implementation of the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act and the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This role is not subject specific but will ensure that ’green is the colour of all industries’ as we ensure a sustainable and progressive future for all.The ability to inspire, motivate and influence others are key skills required for this role. Working across the College and in partnerships with employers, the role will require the successful applicant to be a role model for others to follow, whilst maintaining the highest possible standards, working positively and professionally with honesty and transparency. This position specifically includes overseeing the implementation and management of Personalised Learning Accounts (PLAs) within the academy and across the College.To meet future challenges the postholder will support the College’s drive to increase non-core income by engaging in a range of income generating activities. Additionally, the postholder will be required to engage with and embed a range of cost reduction measures, whilst not affecting the quality of provision.The post will involve extensive travel across Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion, flexibility in working hours and will lead to working with a range of stakeholders, including the Dual Sector University.Key ResponsibilitiesLeadership

• Work with the Director of Curriculum to develop the strategic direction of the Green Skills Academy (GSA), ensuring alignment with the institution’s overall objectives;
• Support the college Senior Leadership Team (SLT) with the implementation and delivery of the organisations net zero and sustainability goals.

Curriculum Design, Development, Implementation and Improvement

• Design and develop innovative programs and courses that promote green skills development, sustainability, and environmental awareness and stewardship;
• Identify and establish the provision of green and net zero training and development across all employment sectors;
• Establish the GSA as a Centre for Excellence for IEMA qualification delivery;
• Collaborate with colleagues across the institution and external experts to design and update curriculum, ensuring it meets industry standards, reflects current trends, and incorporates experiential and project-based learning methodologies;
• If appropriate, establish formal Service Level Agreements (SLAs) with third party providers to deliver specialised products and services/

Personalised Learning Accounts (PLAs)

• Manage the planning and delivery of the college’s Personalised Learning Accounts (PLAs) allocation, ensuring delivery meets the Welsh Government’s key priority sectors;
• Develop guidelines and procedures for PLA utilisation and ensure effective tracking, monitoring and reporting of learner progress.

Learner Engagement

• Foster a supportive and engaging learning environment that encourages student participation, motivation, and success;
• Implement strategies to enhance student retention and progression rates;
• Oversee the implementation and management of PLAs, a key initiative aimed at empowering learners to take ownership of their education and career pathways.

Staff Development

• Inspire a team of instructors, administrators, and support staff, providing guidance, mentorship, and professional development opportunities to enhance their teaching effectiveness and commitment to sustainability education.

Management

• Oversee all the day-to-day operations of the Net Zero Academy;
• Oversee and influence the green Academy’s marketing strategy to include the Green Academy website;
• Recruit and manage a team of delivery and support staff, ensuring high-quality provision and effective program delivery;
• Represent the GSA at events, and meetings, raising awareness and promoting the work of the Academy;
• Actively identify funding opportunities, including grants, sponsorships, and partnerships, to support the academy’s operations and growth;
• Monitor expenses, revenue generation, and financial performance, and provide regular reports to the executive team;
• Ensure the efficient and effective management of physical resources (including space allocation) in the area within an agreed budget;
• Ensure all statutory and regulatory requirements in respect of Health, Safety and the Environment in relation to the area are applied and adhered to;
• Meet annual targets for commercial income.

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Establish and maintain partnerships with industry representatives, community organisations, and relevant stakeholders to enhance the academy’s visibility, forge work-integrated learning opportunities, and align curriculum with industry needs.

Quality Assurance

• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of programs and initiatives, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and quality assurance processes;
• Establish a Quality Improvement Plan for all provision within the GSA;
• Ensure the quality of provision of third-party providers is monitored and of a high standard.

Budget Management

• Develop and manage the academy’s budget, allocating resources effectively to support program development, faculty development, student support services, and infrastructure requirements.

Research and Innovation

• Link with the Agricultural Research Centre (ARC) at Gelli Aur to establish a cohesive approach to sustainability and sustainable practice;
• Stay updated on current trends, research, and best practices in green skills development and personalised learning. Integrate innovative pedagogical approaches and emerging technologies to enhance teaching and learning outcomes.

Skills Knowledge And ExpertiseEssential Criteria:

• Degree or Higher Degree
• Extensive experience in the field of further education, preferably in a leadership or management role
• Strong knowledge and understanding of sustainability, green skills, and environmental practices
• Familiarity with personalized learning approaches and strategies, including the implementation and management of Personalized Learning Accounts
• Proven track record in curriculum design, program development, and delivery of innovative educational initiatives
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to inspire a range of stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain partnerships with industry and community stakeholders
• Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks effectively
• Knowledge of quality assurance processes and regulatory requirements in further education
• A passion for sustainability, environmental stewardship, and a commitment to creating a greener future
• Excellent communicator with diplomacy and tact
• Excellent interpersonal and organisational skills
• Ability to lead a geographically dispersed team
• High level of personal integrity and confidentiality
• Ability to work harmoniously with senior colleagues
• Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines
• Commitment to an understanding of FE, HE, 14-19 and WBL

Desirable Criteria:

• Teaching Qualification
• Estyn Peer or Additional Inspector Training

Welsh Language Requirements:

• Welsh Oracy (Listening/Speaking) - Level 0/1
• Welsh Literacy (Writing/Reading) - Level 0/1

(See detailed language descriptions here)Persons are welcome to apply for posts in Welsh and applications made in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application made in English.BenefitsFor a full job description, please click here

• You will receive 28 days holiday, plus bank holidays and five closure days which totals at 41 days holiday per year. You also receive an additional 4 days after 5 years service.
• Extremely generous pension scheme with employer contributions of 20%.
• Award-winning professional learning and development programme.
• Cycle to work scheme
• Free on-site car parking
• Online and instore retail discounts