Director of Student Experience and Wellbeing

At the Education Training Collective (ETC.), we believe that outstanding student experience sits at the heart of exceptional education. We are seeking an inspirational and values-driven leader to join our Senior Leadership Team as Director of Student Experience and Wellbeing.

This is a significant strategic leadership role, responsible for shaping and delivering a high-quality, inclusive and responsive student experience across the Group. 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 and embedding a culture of "One ETC", championing collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement across all areas of student support and wellbeing.

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 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 across the Tees Valley.

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 the Education Training Collective.

We are looking for a compassionate and strategic leader with significant senior-level experience within Further Education or a related environment.

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.

Why join us?

At the Education Training Collective, our people are at the centre of everything we do. We are proud to create a supportive and ambitious environment where colleagues are empowered to innovate, develop and make a meaningful difference to the lives of our learners and communities.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a forward-thinking and values-led organisation at a pivotal time of growth and development.

Benefits include

• Generous annual leave entitlement 35 days per annum plus bank holidays, and up to 3 additional days leave at Christmas.
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with 14.2% Employer Contribution
• 2 Wellbeing days per year - paid days off that empower our employees to recharge, reflect or simply enjoy time as they choose, because your wellbeing matters.
• Access to a comprehensive Health and Wellbeing programme, Virtual Online GP access 365 days per year, employee assistance programme, discounts at high street and online retailers, free on-site parking, and many more employee benefits.

The Education Training Collective is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements, including satisfactory references and an enhanced DBS check.

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated and everyone can thrive.