South Bank Colleges is a vibrant and inclusive place to work, where staff are united by a shared ambition to transform lives through education. Rated Good by Ofsted in 2025, inspectors praised the college’s “strong culture of inclusion” and the way staff “foster an understanding of diversity” across all campuses. Adult learning was rated Outstanding, and learners spoke of the college as “an integral part of their journey in life.” With a broad curriculum offer, expert tutors and deep links to the local community and employers, South Bank Colleges is a rewarding environment for education professionals to thrive.
This is a significant strategic leadership role, responsible for shaping and delivering a high-quality, inclusive and responsive student experience across the South Bank Colleges. You will lead on safeguarding, wellbeing, learner support, inclusion, SEND, participation and personal development, ensuring that every learner feels safe, supported and empowered to achieve their full potential.
As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will play a central role in delivering the Group's Strategic Plan, championing collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement across all areas of student support and wellbeing.
Key responsibilities
You will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for:
- Student experience and student services:
- Safeguarding and wellbeing across the Group
- SEND and inclusion strategy
- Learner support and participation
- Careers education, information, advice and guidance
- Tutorial and enrichment provision
- Financial and pastoral support for learners
You will act as the Group's Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and Designated Mental Health Lead, ensuring a whole-provider safeguarding culture where learners feel safe, valued and able to succeed.
Working collaboratively across the LSBU Group, you will drive improvements in learner outcomes, remove barriers to participation and achievement, and ensure services are responsive to the needs of students, employers and communities.
You will also lead and inspire teams to deliver high-quality, learner-centred services while promoting a positive, inclusive and high-performing culture that reflects the values and ambitions of South Bank Colleges.
What we are looking for
We are looking for an energetic and strategic leader with significant senior-level experience within Further Education.
You will have:
- Experience leading safeguarding at a senior level within an FE environment
- Experience managing student services and learner support provision
- Strong strategic leadership and data-driven improvement skills
- Excellent communication, organisation and interpersonal skills
- Experience of managing budgets and operational planning
- A clear understanding of the FE sector and current safeguarding responsibilities
- A commitment to inclusion, equality, diversity and belonging
- The ability to inspire, motivate and develop high-performing teams
You will be someone who leads with empathy and integrity, embraces innovation and collaboration, and is passionate about creating exceptional experiences and outcomes for learners.
We are an inclusive and welcoming college that is highly responsive in meeting the needs of our students. Equality, Diversity and inclusion are central to our values and behaviours, and we seek applicants who are fully committed to enhancing our work in this area.
If you feel this is the right opportunity for you and you have the right skills and experience, we look forward to receiving an application from you.
Recruitment Process
The email account you use to apply will be used for recruitment communication. Please ensure that you use an email account that you regularly monitor.
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early, should we receive sufficient applications.