Job Title:Course Manager/ Lecturer in Animal Management

KINGSTON MAURWARD COLLEGE

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title:Course Manager/ Lecturer in Animal Management

Post Reference No:ACOD15

Job Purpose:To teach and assess on FE and HE Level courses across the Animal Management curriculum whilst maintaining and achieving high standards. To provide general support and cover for the development of further Animal Management provision and this will include Course Manager responsibilities.

Reports to:Section Lead Animal, Care & Welfare (ACW), Equine & Commercial Activities (Animals)

Grade/Salary:£22,267 - £25,455 per annum, which equate to academic salary scale points L6b – L9c depending upon skills and experience.

Hours:Full time - 37 hours per week.

Status:Permanent

Safeguarding Status:At Kingston Maurward College we place the safety and welfare of our students at the centre of all our activities. The safeguarding of students underpins the College values and is fully embraced by all College staff.

Kingston Maurward College considers itself a ‘specified place’ for the purposes of safeguarding legislation and therefore all post at the College are regulated Activity. Someone will not be employed by the College if they are barred from working with children or vulnerable adults.

The College recommends that new staff join the DBS Update Service. This means that the DBS is ‘portable’ and can be accessed by employers (with your permission). It means that staff may only ever need to apply for one DBS check.

Upon appointment, subject to joining the Update Service, signing up to this job description confirms your agreement to the College accessing the DBS Update Service to undertake online status checks on your DBS Certificate in relation to your work at the College, at appointment and in the future.

Functional Links With:Section Lead, Functional Skills staff, 1:1 support staff, Animal Park staff and Animal Care Centre senior technicians, Students and Safeguarding Team.

Vision:

The College is looking for an enthusiastic and self-motivated animal management lecturer with the ability to deliver high quality, inspiring lectures and practical teaching sessions suitable for the sector in the 21st Century. This is a new and exciting opportunity for the right person to help shape the future of animal management education in a new £3.5 million, state of the art building. Set within a 300 hectare rural estate, the College has access to a wide range of resources and animals; facilities which offer exciting opportunities for curriculum innovation and development. The successful applicant will have at least a Level 3 Animal Management qualification, strong practical experience of working in the industry as well as being able to demonstrate excellent administrative and organisational abilities in order to perform the role of Course Manager successfully.

Main Tasks and Duties:

• To take active responsibility for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults in College.
• Plan and co-ordinate the teaching/learning timetable for the programme area they lead in consultation with the Section Lead and within the cross college framework.
• Undertake teaching hours as contracted within the broad scope of the Animal Management curriculum across a variety of levels, locations and species (i.e. large and small animals, exotics, reptiles, aquatics etc).
• Plan and review course content in consultation with colleagues within the ethos of continuous improvement.
• Set and mark course work, examinations, assessments and assignments.
• Maintain student welfare and discipline, providing guidance as required in consultation with Student Services if necessary; liaise with parents and other sponsors.
• Monitor the attendance, punctuality and academic progress of students in their group.
• Contribute to writing the Self-Assessment Report by completing course reviews.
• In line with College procedures, maintain contact with parents, guardians and employers, report on progress where appropriate.
• Monitor and track the progress of individual students for all their learning.
• Review student progress at least termly by collecting information against agreed targets; and setting challenging but realistic targets in action plans.
• Evaluate the success of individual students in relation to their past performance and national standards.
• Help students prepare for active participation in the workplace and community and contribute to the development of extra-curricular life.
• Provide reports and references for students as required.
• Maintain student registers and absence reports in line with College requirements and comply with other administrative procedures and College regulation.
• Assist in planning and accompany UK and overseas residential study visits.
• Liaise with employers, training providers, trade associations, parents and other bodies on student vocational and curriculum issues, developing appropriate two-way communication.
• Work closely with the Section Lead and Course Team to identify and develop new curriculum initiatives.

• Use the College Disciplinary Procedure in liaison with the Deputy Principal, Curriculum and Quality.

• To prepare for and co-ordinate course internal verification and liaise with the Section Lead and External Verifier to ensure the effective validation of programmes.
• To provide inspiring and challenging education and training for all learners and promote participation by a wider group of learners.
• To promote and be responsible for risk management in your area in line with the College risk management policy and procedures.
• To promote an active commitment to equality and diversity.
• To prepare student reports, attend parent’s evenings and course information events as required by the College.
• To actively support and contribute to the planning and delivery of English and Maths teaching in vocational programmes as appropriate.
• To undertake any other reasonably assigned duties which are appropriate to the post and the work of the College.
• To develop external contacts to maintain knowledge of industry practice, providing technical advice if appropriate.
• Liaise with technicians to ensure the appropriate provision of materials.
• To undertake such personal staff development as is agreed to be necessary for the development of the role and the individual.
• To undertake an annual appraisal which clearly identifies targets for continued improvement.
• To set a high standard of professionalism. This will include maintaining regular contact with colleagues, students and customers verbally, in writing and via e-mail.
• To monitor customer satisfaction and continually seek ways of improving the service for which the post is responsible.
• To regularly review, adapt, and improve systems and procedures.
• To support the College’s commitment to quality assurance including Investors in People and self-assessment.
• To promote an active commitment to the College’s approach to sustainability.
• To provide or support inspiring and challenging education and training for all learners and promote participation by a wider group of learners.
• To take proactive responsibility for Health & Safety at all times, reporting accidents, incidents and near misses which may affect staff, students, customers and visitors.

More detailed information regarding the key activities expected of a Course Manager are included in Appendix 1: Key Activities of a Course Manager.

This range of tasks should not be construed as definitive or exhaustive due to the changing external environment within which the College operates. Other duties may be required within the general scope of the post.

Person Specification:

• Teaching, assessment and verification qualifications and experience.
• Previous safeguarding experience and/or qualifications.
• Experience of teaching post 16 students.
• Experience of course tutoring/ management.
• Minimum Animal Management (or similar) qualification at Level 3.
• Experience and confidence in working with a range of animals and other practical animal care tasks.
• Some supervisory / management experience.
• Experience of improving student retention and achievement.
• Ability to work in a team and on your own.
• To demonstrate flexibility with regard to working hours.
• An appropriate first aid qualification – either First Aid at Work or ‘Appointed Person’.

• General management experience/qualification.
• National curriculum involvement.
• Marketing experience.
• Experience of facilitating change.
• Mentoring/coaching experience.
• Recruitment and selection of staff.
• Veterinary Nursing qualification or extensive experience.
• Previous experience in teaching HE level.
• Teaching in the age range 14 – 18.
• D32. 33 or AL Assessors Awards.
• D34 or V1 Verifiers Award.

• Have a clear understanding and knowledge of current debates within the FE/HE sector.
• Continuing professional development.

• Knowledge of marketing processes.
• Knowledge re recruitment of students.
• Knowledge of funding methodology.

• Ability to work as a member of a team.
• Highly developed interpersonal skills.
• IT literate.
• Ability to meet deadlines and prioritise workload.
• Ability to write effective management reports.

• Ability to contribute to achieving cultural change.

• Self directed with a high level of personal drive.
• Commitment to achieving excellence through continuous improvement.
• Enthusiastic with ability to motivate.
• Willingness and ability to tackle poor (student/staff) performance.
• Ability to communicate with staff/external bodies at all levels.
• Ability to problem solve.
• Good sense of humour.
• Keen to embrace and deliver change.

• Commercial experience within the Animal Management Sector.

• Prepared to work flexibly to meet work requirements.
• Current driving licence.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults in college.
• Active commitment to equal opportunities.

Terms and Conditions:

• This is a permanent appointment.
• The Contract of Employment will be based on the provisions of the Kingston Maurward Academic Staff Contract.
• The salary for this post will be in the range of £22,267 - £25,455 per annum, which equate to academic salary scale points L6b – L9c depending upon skills and experience.
• Working Hours will be 37 per week during Monday to Friday with flexibility to meet business needs.
• The annual leave entitlement will be 35 working days to be taken during the period 1 September to 31 August plus agreed Statutory Bank Holidays and College closure days .
• The appointment is subject to the satisfactory completion of a 9-month Probationary Period with reviews after 2, 5 and 9 months.
• The notice period will be three months on either side.
• Membership of the Teachers Pension Scheme is available.
• The appointment is subject to the College receiving satisfactory references which will include questions around whether concerns have been raised regarding safeguarding or working with students.
• The successful candidate is required to advise whether they are aware of any health condition or disability which might impair their ability to effectively undertake the duties of the position as outlined above. This disclosure may result in a referral to the Occupational Health Advisor for a medical clearance prior to commencing employment.
• If you do not achieve the required qualifications (if outlined in the Essential criteria of the Person Specification) within the allotted time then the post will not be continued.

Criminal Records – Disclosure and Barring Service check

The College will not appoint anyone who is barred from working with children or vulnerable adults to a Regulated position.

The offer of an appointment with the College will be subject to a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure under the Protection of Children Act 1999 and the Police Act 1997.

This means that when applying for a post, candidates will need to detail all convictions they may have – both ‘spent’ and ‘unspent’. The successful candidate will be advised of the Disclosure process in the letter offering them the appointment. Kingston Maurward College adheres to the Disclosure and Barring Service Code of Practice in applying for Disclosures. Should you require a copy of the Code or our Policy Statements on the Recruitment of Ex Offenders or the Secure Storage Handling, Use, Retention and Disposal of Disclosures and Disclosure Information please contact the College Human Resources Manager.

Applications

Please return the completed Application Form by email to or by post to: HR Department, Kingston Maurward College, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8PY.

The Closing Date for Applications is: Wednesday 8th July 2015 at 9.00 am

Proposed Interview Date: 17th July 2015

Applicants for this position must complete a college employment application form. CVs will not be accepted.

For an informal discussion about the post, please contact Aart Noordijk on 01305 215241 during normal working hours.

For further details on application forms or the recruitment process, please go to our website Alternatively, please contact the HR department by emailing .

The College welcomes applications from people with a disability and will offer interviews to all those who are able to reasonably fulfil the criteria outlined in this Job Description. If applicants with a disability shortlisted for interview require any assistance in attending please contact the College’s Human Resources Manager in order that alternative arrangements are made.

Following receipt of completed application forms, if you have not heard from the College within 2 weeks of the closing date regrettably you will not have been short listed on this occasion. All short listed applicants will be contacted within 2 weeks of the closing date or no later than 3 days prior to the interview date (where an interview date is specified).

Appendix 1: Key Activities of a Course Manager:

1Pre-entry Guidance

• Be involved in decisions about entry criteria and the implementation of the admissions policy and assist with the recruitment and selection of potential students.
• Ensure that initial guidance on progression opportunities is provided. Transpose using the pre-enrolment guidance checklist.
• Assist access to guidance and information on additional learning support, personal support and financial arrangements.
• Complete documentation relating to admissions and enrolment.
• Prepare and disseminate appropriate reading lists.

2The Provision of Pastoral and Personal Support

• Help students to raise personal issues affecting their learning by creating formal and informal opportunities to listen and respond to individuals. Via the disciplinary procedures where appropriate and in liaison with the Section Lead and Deputy Principal – Curriculum & Quality
• Help students access relevant specialist support if required.
• Maintain effective links with colleagues and other professionals to help students resolve problems using the college wide support systems and procedures.

3Induction

• Enable students to settle into work quickly; to understand their rights and responsibilities and the demands of their course
• Contribute to the planning and implementation of induction activities
• Enable students to familiarise themselves with the College environment, services and facilities.
• Ensure that all students receive an appropriate induction to their programme by complying with the College Induction Policy’
• Clarify the College’s obligations to and expectations of the students
• Ensure students have received appropriate Basic Skills Screening for learning support and appropriate analysis of their current levels of skills within their curriculum area.
• Ensure students receive full information about their courses from the programme handbook.

4Progress Review and Target Setting

• Monitor and track the progress of individual students for all their learning.
• Review student progress at least termly by collecting information against agreed targets; and setting challenging but realistic targets in action plans
• Evaluate the success of individual students in relation to their past performance and national standards
• Monitor attendance, punctuality, and performance and prepare regular and clear reports on progress and achievement for students, parents of students under 18 and employers where appropriate.
• Monitor the effectiveness of additional learning support where it is offered throughout the student’s studies and training.
• Evaluate the retention rates of the group against targets and in liaison with the relevant Section Lead devise strategies with the team to improve these rates.
• Provide information to the examinations office to ensure students are entered for appropriate examinations and retention and achievement data is accurately recorded.

5Enrichment

• Contribute to the planning and implementation of tutorial activities.
• Encourage access to enrichment activities undertaken by students for achievement and reference purposes.

6Career, progression and pre-exit guidance opportunities for students.

• Assist with careers education programmes and ensure access to impartial guidance and progression opportunities.
• Help students progress to relevant programmes, courses or employment.
• Ensure students have access to impartial and current information about employment, training and educational opportunities.
• Help students develop the attitudes and skills necessary to maintain lifelong learning including the capacity to work independently.
• Help students prepare for active participation in the workplace and the community.
• Help students access specialist help about their career options and support the development of job-seeking skills.
• Liaise with colleagues and other professionals to maximise guidance support
• Provide reports and references for students as required.
• Record career plans; exit decisions and destination information.
• Ensure guidance meets the needs of the individuals

7Course Team