Dear Colleague

I am delighted that you are considering applying to be our new Deputy Principal for Curriculum, Quality and the Student Experience. I hope the information we have provided gives you a clear sense of who we are and the ambitions we have for our students, staff, employers and the wider community.

At , governors and staff are united in our passion and commitment to our students, and excellence in education and employment in Nottingham is at the core of our purpose and mission. We are one of the largest colleges in the country and as such, our organisation is complex and our operations are vast. Being Deputy Principal at Nottingham College means providing the vital leadership required to deliver an agenda of transformation, improvement and sustainability.

Supporting a growing and local economy, delivering an exciting and unique experience for students and leading excellent vocational and academic education and training from entry level right through to university level will all be priorities for our new Deputy Principal. Therefore, we are looking for a highly talented and ambitious senior leader with the experience, track record and credibility to take up one of the most significant Deputy roles in the FE sector today.

You will have particular strengths in strategic planning, curriculum innovation and development, and quality and performance improvement. You will know how to work with local and regional stakeholders to translate economic and employment priorities into excellent education and training solutions and most importantly, your leadership style and approach will inspire people to commit to our strategic priorities and plans. You will be unwavering in your commitment to delivering a truly excellent student experience and you will have the resilience, determination and leadership wisdom to thrive in a fast- paced environment.

We have retained FE Associates to support us with this crucial appointment. Interested parties are advised to contact lead consultant, [email protected], for an initial discussion ahead of the closing date and prior to submitting an application.

If you feel you have the breadth of experience and leadership talent to make a real difference, we look forward to receiving your application.

Carole Thorogood Chair of Corporation Nottingham College was created by the merger of New College Nottingham and Central College Nottingham on the 8 June 2017.

With a clear mission to deliver ‘Excellence in Education and Employment in Nottingham’ the college is focused on combining outstanding academic and vocational education in a curriculum co-created with, and powered by, employers and communities, delivered by the best talent drawn from the FE sector and beyond. The team at Nottingham College are united in our passion and commitment to our students and we work together to overcome challenges whenever they may arise, to give students the very best college experience that can be offered.

As one of the largest colleges in the country, college operations are of a commensurate size and scale. We employ more than 1300 staff, across 10 campus sites. Almost half of our staff are teachers and lecturers with the majority of these having spent time in industry. Our other staff are professionals working in support functions from customer service, finance and accounting, HR, IT, marketing and estates management.

Every year we help more than 34,000 local people gain skills and qualifications which change their lives. By helping them into higher education and employment, we help Nottingham and prosper by ensuring that our businesses are able to find the people they need in order to grow. Our staff know the difference that education makes to people’s lives - they see it every day. Working with local businesses, they are constantly developing and delivering excellent education that meets their needs and those of students, creating opportunities and prosperity for both.

34,000 £70m students income

1,300 staff 10 campuses 300+ courses and apprenticeships

92% positive 2,500 student employer destinations clients

Nottingham College will transform further and Nottinghamshire through excellent education and employment for our students, their families, employers and the wider community.

Our local businesses face a number of strategic challenges if Nottingham and Nottinghamshire are to be transformed into one of Europe’s most productive, high-value economies and a key engine of UK growth. In response, we will meet employer needs by providing people with job-related skills and qualifications as well as the softer skills which allow people to succeed in the workplace. We will create opportunities to progress by offering clear pathways from education to employment and from entry to degree level, exploiting the College’s strong entry level offer and investment in student support and pastoral care. We will invest in specialist staff, facilities and competencies to respond to employers’ needs, to serve changing and growing markets as well as national, regional and local priorities. We are committed to meet the future needs of Nottingham, especially in Construction, Engineering and Automotive, Science and Health Science, Digital and Creative Industries, Care, Health and Early Years, A Levels and GCSEs and through the development of innovative STEM programmes.

Our estates strategy has been designed around a hub and spoke model. At the centre is our flagship City Hub (opened November 2020). Across Nottingham, a series of specialist centres of excellence will meet the needs of key growth sectors of the local economy as well as supporting English and maths, A Level and higher education provision. Highfields Campus, located on University Boulevard, houses our specialist engineering courses and includes a variety of impressive workshops including fabrication, welding, robotics, electrical, programmable logic as well as lathe and milling workshops. The campus hosts a ‘hub’ which is home to the reception, library and canteen. The centre is also environmentally friendly by the collection of all rain water from the site which is then released into a reed bed, in order to reduce the amount of water going into the drains.

Arthur Mee Centre (Stapleford) is home to our supported learning (SLDD) courses and includes a range of specialist resources available such as: a sensory room, accessible IT software and hardware and accessible sports equipment.

At Stapleford, we offer flexible learning programmes from Pre-entry Level through to Level 1. All courses are designed to support students to increase their confidence, self-esteem, self-awareness and independence. All our programmes include employability, vocational, personal and social development, maths, English and IT skills. We offer a flexible curriculum to meet the needs of students with higher support needs and ensure having fun and great experiences are compulsory! Our new City Hub campus opened its doors to students in November 2020 and is now in full swing!

The City Hub consists of an impressive six storeys of state-of-the-art facilities and resources for more than 2000 students and nearly 300 staff. Housing our performing arts centre, our catering and hospitality curriculum, our business, computing and IT provision, our creative and digital media, travel and tourism, science and early years provision. We are very proud to say that it’s at the forefront of vocational learning and skills development for the future.

The City Hub is a landmark building for Nottingham, representing a £58m investment in education and enterprise. It forms an important part of a scheme to regenerate this area of the city to provide a fitting entrance to the southern part of .

The role is rich and diverse, and requires a proactive and innovative education leader who wishes to be deeply involved across all areas of Nottingham College’s portfolio and has the energy and ambition to lead and succeed in a complex organisation.

The successful candidate should possess proven leadership and management credentials, and the vision, strategic and operational know-how, and capability to enhance Nottingham College’s performance. A strategic thinker, you will balance seeing the big picture with an innate curiosity and desire to understand the complexity and key drivers in the various parts of the organisation. You should have passion for education, its ability to transform lives and equip people for work and life. You will combine well-honed technical skills with the intuition of an experienced, rounded education leader.

It is imperative that the new Deputy Principal has sufficient ‘finger on the pulse’ to provide the assurance to the Chief Executive, Executive Leadership Team and the Governing Body of the progress within the curriculum, while possessing the intellectual capability, horsepower and desire to contribute and influence the overall strategic direction of the college.

You will be a highly visible leader who champions our ‘One Team’ approach and an approachable member of staff with the ability to work collaboratively while providing constructive challenge and holding senior colleagues to account.

Possessing an open manner and a ‘no surprises’ management style which will build trust and respect amongst their colleagues at all levels throughout the organisation.

You should have empathy with emerging technology and how it can be utilised to enhance learning, deliver efficiencies and transform services not only within curriculum areas but across the College as a whole. Job Title: Deputy Principal Curriculum, Quality and the Student Experience. Reporting to: Chief Executive Officer. Responsible for: Curriculum planning, development, delivery Quality, including acting as Ofsted Quality Nominee Student Services Libraries/Learning Resources Centres Designated lead for safeguarding

Job Purpose

Accountable to the Chief Executive, the Deputy Principal Curriculum, Quality & the Student Experience is a key leadership role within Nottingham College and will advise the Executive Team and Governing Body on all academic and quality matters ensuring excellent performance in all areas of activity (Further Education, Higher Education, Schools Liaison and Apprenticeships) with a clear focus on leading Nottingham College to Ofsted Outstanding with the student experience at its core.

The post holder will work closely, positively and proactively with the College Executive and provide effective leadership to the wider College Leadership Team. The Deputy Principal will lead on the development and implementation of a refreshed, relevant and fit for future purpose curriculum, ensuring the needs of employers, Local Enterprise Partnerships and other stakeholders is understood and clearly reflected in the curriculum portfolio.

The Deputy Principal Curriculum, Quality & the Student Experience carries overall responsibility for effective stewardship and enhancement of quality, college-wide, and is the lead point of contact for all curriculum partnerships, awarding bodies, inspection agencies (Ofsted, FEC, QAA) etc.

The Deputy Principal Curriculum, Quality & the Student Experience will also be collaboratively engaged in partnership with the Executive Team in ensuring that the interests of learners and stakeholders remain at the heart of every discussion and action and that the voice of all members of the Nottingham College community is heard.

Duties and Responsibilities Curriculum Lead the design, development and implementation of the college-wide Curriculum Strategy to underpin the College’s strategic objectives and to respond to regional / national strategies and directives. Lead the innovative and creative development and realisation of a modernised market-led, costed college-wide curriculum plan, influenced by sector and leading practice, which maximises resources to deliver an outstanding offer. Ensure all sector developments/government education and training policies are reflected as appropriate in the College curriculum offer. In conjunction with the Chief Financial Officer, ensure appropriate resources are in place to meet the needs of a current, responsive and sustainable curriculum. Quality Lead Nottingham College’s quality improvement recovery strategy to fulfil the ambition of achieving an Ofsted Outstanding grade. Be the overall lead i.e. (Ofsted Nominee) for all inspections and academic partner institutions/awarding bodies; and ensure the College is compliant with inspector/external scrutiny regimes; from inception to end reporting points e.g., Executive Team/Corporation Board. Be the Head of Centre for all awarding bodies. Provide effective leadership and stewardship for all academic quality and standards, college-wide. Continue the implementation of regular performance review to ensure standards are being met. Lead the preparation for, and production of, the Self-Assessment Report (SAR) and Quality Improvement Plan (QIP). Maintain regular monitoring processes for the QIP. Ensure curriculum managers and staff access and use the performance dashboards in place and accessible to measure and monitor the performance of all aspects and dimensions of the College’s curriculum portfolio, e.g. Student Progression Student Achievement Student Retention/Attrition Staff Utilisation Staff Profiles/Qualifications, etc. Act as the lead Executive Team member for standards, quality and the student experience and provide authoritative advice and guidance on curriculum, quality and standards to the Corporation Board, Learning and Quality Committee, Academic Board and other committees as required.

Teaching and Learning Lead on the implementation of the Teaching and Learning and Assessment Strategy to ensure that all students receive a high-quality experience, and that staff are supported to achieve excellence in their practice. Teaching and Learning continued... Implement Teaching, Learning and Assessment reviews and establish improvement plans and staff development that arises from these. Work with the Chief Financial Officer to further develop and deliver an enhanced and effective blended learning environment and strategy, which promotes effective learning and teaching.

Student Experience Ensure the student experience, in its entirety, is in keeping with externally benchmarked sector- leading best practice. Provide strategic leadership for the College’s Additional Learning Support and Learner Engagement Teams, including safeguarding, student voice, tutorial and guidance, 14-16 provision, and the re-engagement offer. Be responsible for the safeguarding and welfare of children and vulnerable adults amongst staff and students across the College.

General Provide effective and inspirational people leadership, acting with purpose and integrity at all times, and ensuring the academic/skills profile of staff fully meets the current and planned needs of the College. Provide effective management, leadership and development to all reporting staff through a fully comprehensive suite of performance objectives and reflected through the College’s professional development review (PDR) scheme. Ensure the development; implementation and impact evaluation of all relevant policies, strategies and plans to effectively address all those work streams which fall within their portfolio e.g., quality and standards; teaching and learning etc. ensuring timely and comprehensive reporting to relevant committees/forums. General continued... Deputise for the Chief Executive at external events and represent the College to maintain and develop effective links with the business community and employers, schools, local authorities, the local community, external academic and professional bodies, the media, professional bodies and the appropriate government departments and agencies. Fulfil Senior Post Holder responsibilities in respect of dismissal, hearings, appeals and grievance appeals as required, dealing fairly and objectively with matters as reflected by an Employer of Choice. Play a full role in the business planning and strategic planning cycles in line with the strategic direction of the College. In conjunction with the Director of People & Development Services, ensure appropriate staff development is available and provided for curriculum leaders, managers and staff across the College in support of the College’s strategic direction and the College’s commitment to being an Employer of Choice and a Learning Organisation. Be an outstanding Ambassador for the College, building and sustaining effective relationships with a range of stakeholders, including our community and other partnership organisations, and where appropriate, achieving regional and national recognition for the College’s achievements. Ensure, within the areas of responsibility, that line managers operate within budget, achieve targets and achieve on-going improvements and efficiencies in overall performance. Engage with a range of key external stakeholders and partners, so as to position Nottingham College at the forefront of regional and national developments, in education, training and skills. In the interests of effective and efficient working undertake any other duties as required by the College and determined through consultation with the Chief Executive. General continued... Support the work of the College’s Governing Body by attending and participating at Corporation committees and providing appropriate and accurate reports including advising on strategy and policy development. Participate and contribute to College committees and chair the College’s Safeguarding Committee. Provide positive and people-responsive leadership by creating a dynamic, supportive and innovative environment that encourages commitment to the College and the achievement and maintenance of high standards and performance, college-wide. Ensure close co-operation with other executive colleagues over the College budget, staffing, resources and development, ensuring effective and efficient deployment. Ensure all Health and Safety requirements are met by positively contributing to a safe learning and working environment ensuring compliance with health and safety and safeguarding policy and procedure. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of the sector developments relevant to the remit of the role/position, act in accordance with best practice and provide professional advice, based upon the same. Develop and maintain policies and practices which ensure equal opportunities, challenge discrimination and promote achievement and inclusion across the College. Work with the Executive Team and the Board to identify, evaluate, manage and control risk to ensure, as far as possible, that they are eliminated or reduced to a level that is acceptable to the College. General Responsibilities of the Executive Leadership Team As a lead member of the Executive Leadership Team and Governing Body, ensure that Nottingham College provides the highest quality services, acts at all times in line with its values, and delivers the best possible outcomes for its learners, customers and stakeholders. As a lead member of the Executive Leadership Team and Governing Body, ensure Nottingham College works within its resource allocation and maintains a consistent focus on quality, agility and innovation. Ensure that the Nottingham College community ‘voice’ is heard and that the interest of learners remains at the heart of all discussions and decisions. Provide appropriate challenge to the Executive Leadership Team and governing body. Contribute to the development and embedding of the vision, aims and business objectives of Nottingham College. Ensure that Nottingham College values diversity and promotes equality and inclusivity in all aspects of its business. The College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment which includes the Prevent duty and the promotion of values to help prepare students for life and work in modern British society. Knowledge and Experience A proven track record of leading large curriculum teams or areas to successful outcomes. Detailed knowledge of current educational developments, policy and the associated impact. A successful track record of curriculum development, innovation and delivery to a high standard. Proven experience and knowledge around the delivery of high-quality teaching, learning and assessment. In-depth knowledge and understanding of Ofsted inspection arrangements, awareness and experience of regulatory and inspection frameworks, accreditation and validation processes. Experience of working with or reporting to a Board. Experience of successfully working with and through a team of people. Experience of working within an accountable and transparent culture. Experience of managing staff successfully in a challenging context. Experience of successfully managing a budget, ensuring good value for money and high levels of efficiency. Evidence to demonstrate an ability to develop successful partnerships with a wide range of external stakeholders including local authorities, employers, businesses, academic institutions, professional organisations and government agencies. Skills and Abilities Strategic vision and the ability to articulate and implement strategy. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Exceptional team building skills and experience of operating a strong performance management system. Effective leadership skills at College, local, regional and national levels. Able to encourage and motivate staff and other stakeholders in the achievement of goals. Strongly analytical, with the ability to make sound, well-considered decisions and judgements. The ability to take advantage of opportunities and challenges to position the College to maximum advantage. The ability to initiate and develop innovative but workable strategies to maximise College performance.

Personal Qualities Demonstrate a clear commitment to embedding the College values & behaviours. Strong empathy with the needs and aspirations of students. A passionate and relentless commitment to continually raise standards of achievement. High standards of personal and professional integrity. A personal commitment to the principles of equality, diversity inclusion and belonging. Emotionally resilient with the ability to maintain a sense of perspective and humour.

Qualifications and Professional Development Educated to degree level. Relevant post-graduate management qualification or equivalent. Evidence of relevant and recent Leadership/Management professional development activity. Teaching. We have retained FE Associates to support us in finding an outstanding individual to inspire practice across our organisation.

We encourage all interested parties to arrange a first stage discussion with our lead consultant, [email protected], before the closing date and prior to submitting an application.

Once you have obtained the full information from the FEA jobs site (https://www.fea.co.uk/nc-dp) and discussed the role with Matt Atkinson, you must email your application to [email protected] in advance of the closing date and time (see Key Dates on the next page).

Application/Email Checklist Please ensure your email includes 3 documents necessary for your application to be considered: 1. An up to date CV which includes: a.Your full postal and email addresses and your telephone contact details. b.2 referees - preferably your current employer or failing that, a previous employer. Please include telephone numbers, full postal and email addresses of both referees. References are usually sought after the interview process and we will not contact referees without your prior approval. c.Save this as a Word document with your name i.e. Surname, First Name - CV nc-dp. 2. A supporting statement a.This should explain your motivation for applying and respond to the experience, skills and personal attributes elements of the person specification. This should be a maximum of 2 sides of A4 and should not reiterate your CV. b.Ensure your full name is saved at the top of the document. c.Save as a Word document with your name i.e. Surname, First Name - Supporting Statement nc-dp. 3. The equality and diversity monitoring form a.This is a word format document with tick boxes. Please click in each tick box that applies to you. b.Save this as a Word document with your name i.e. Surname, First Name – E&D nc-dp. c.NB: This form is located with the candidate information pack on the FEA jobs page for this role. Closing date: Wednesday 21 July 2021

Interview dates: Thursday 29 and Friday 30 July 2021