PROFESSIONAL TUTOR

Permanent

Vacancies based at both North Devon and Mid Devon Campuses

Information for Applicants

Acting Principal: Diane Dimond

Petroc is a highly successful and expanding institution, delivering education and skills training in Devon and beyond.

Petroc is a £34 million institution serving nearly 1,500 square miles of rural Devon.

At the heart of our new identity is a single idea: opening eyes. We are about instilling people with aspiration and empowering them to achieve anything and everything they set their mind to.

Opening eyes is the experience that we deliver to our stakeholders: our learners, our staff and our partners. It is the idea which supports our vision of being an outstanding college at the heart of an outstanding learning community.

We believe in bringing out the very best in people through being open and responsive, stimulating fresh thinking and building both confidence and ambition. And our personality is neatly summarised in three key words: inspiring, bright and challenging.

Petroc is central to the economic, social and cultural needs of our surrounding communities.Over 20,000 student enrolments take place each year with ages ranging from 14 to 80+ years. With a staff headcount of approximately 1,150, the College is one of the largest employers in the area. We pride ourselves on our forward thinking, enthusiastic and diverse staff who make Petroc a vibrant and friendly place that is both flexible and supportive for all.

Petroc delivers significant provision across all Skills Funding Agency programme areas (except agriculture) in a wide range of academic, vocational, work based, recreational and Higher Educational (in collaboration with the University of Plymouth) subjects.

Our students come from Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Dorset and, through distance learning, areas far beyond South West England. Strong links are maintained with all schools and community colleges, as well as other institutions, to ensure comprehensive provision for all young people and adults in the area.

In recent years, the delivery of education and training for employers has expanded very rapidly making the college one of the largest training providers in the South West.

With the nearest University 50 miles away, Petroc’s North Devon Campus based at Barnstaple has seen a very large increase in Higher Education. Further expansion is planned through the Mid Devon Campus based at Tiverton. In total, some 600 people currently study HE at the college, with the majority on Foundation Degree programmes.

Whilst recognising the essential need to raise the skill level of the community and support people in gaining qualifications, the college remains passionate about learning for fun and pleasure and has expanded significantly recreational learning experiences.

In March 2012 The Office for Standards in Education (OFSTED) recognised the achievements of Petroc by grading the college as ‘good’ in virtually all areas with ‘several outstanding features’ including Safeguarding and Science.

Location

Petroc’s direct provision is delivered mainly from campuses in Barnstaple and Tiverton. However the college has a number of leased, off-site premises which are used for other specialist purposes in the Barnstaple, Tiverton and Holsworthy areas.

As an employer

We are committed to being an equal opportunities employer, selecting staff on the basis of ability and the requirements of the post (which are detailed in the Person Specification). As a college we recognise the benefits of having a diverse community of staff.

Benefits and facilities available for Staff include:

  • Continuing Professional Development Centre
  • Childcare Voucher Scheme
  • Cycle to Work Scheme
  • Specsavers Corporate Eyecare Scheme (for VDU users)
  • Sanctuary Spa & Skin Care Centre
  • College Fitness Suite
  • College Theatre
  • Counselling Service
  • Hair & Beauty Salons

TERMS & CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Type

13 positions are 37 hours per week x 40 weeks / 22.2 hours x 40 weeks

Hours of Work

You will be expected to work such hours as are reasonably necessary for the proper performance of your duties and responsibilities. Staff will normally work a 37 hour week. The hours for this post are 37 hours a week x 40 weeks per year or 22.2 hours x 40 weeks.

Holiday

Your holiday entitlement is calculated as part of your annual salary, therefore you will be paid in lieu of holiday as the work is term-time only.

Pay

The salary for this post will be £23,196 - £25,251per annum (FTE)

Probationary Period

As with all Petroc appointments, there will be a 10 month probationary period. This is to provide the opportunity for the line manager to ensure that the employee is on the right track and is progressing in the role as expected. The notice period will be one week during this probationary period.

PensionScheme

You will automatically join the Teachers’ Pension Scheme, which is an index linked final salary scheme. The contribution that you would make would be 6.5% of your gross salary, with Petroc adding 14.1%.

Appraisal

All employees are required to take part in the college’s Appraisal Scheme. You will be appraised on an annual basis. The appraisal is aimed at establishing work targets and to identifying to each employee’s training and development needs. It is not, however, linked to salary, promotional issues or any performance-related pay element.

Induction

All new staff are required to participate in a Staff Induction Programme, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Training and Safeguarding Training as part of their Contract of Employment.

Trade Unions

You will be entitled to join a union at the college and, indeed you are encouraged to do so by college management. This is because college management consults with staff through a Joint Consultative Committee framework upon which recognised trade unions and/or professional organisations are represented. Recognised unions are Unison and TGWU for support staff, UCU and ATL for academic staff and ACM for college managers. If you are appointed to the post you are applying for and wish for more information, the Human Resources Office will put you in touch with the appropriate branch representative.

Criminal Background Disclosure

You are required to disclose any criminal convictions or police cautions on your application form. Failure to disclose this could lead to instant dismissal from your employment at Petroc. This will necessitate you filling in the appropriate application form prior to your interview.

Sick Pay

Petroc offers its employees the benefit of a sickness allowance when absent due to illness. This ranges from one month’s full pay and two months’ half pay, after four months’ service to six months’ full pay and six months’ half pay after five years’ service. More details are contained in the Petroc’s Sickness Policy which is available on the college Intranet.

ID Badges

Photo ID badges are issued to all staff on appointment and can be used for library borrowing as well as for identification purposes. It is a requirement that all staff wear their badges whilst on any Petroc premises.


PROFESSIONAL TUTOR
Permanent

Scale / Scale:£23,196 per annum - £25,251 per annum (FTE)

Hours of Work : 37 hours per week x 40 weeks per year / 22.2 hours per week x 40 weeks
per year

Responsible to :Senior Tutor

Date of Job Description:June 2015

This job description is a current statement of the duties and tasks required of the postholder concerned. The nature of the job description will change from time to time and its terms are always governed and over-ridden by the postholder’s Contract of Employment. The duties outlined in this document do not constitute a comprehensive or exclusive list and duties may be varied from time to time which do not change the general character of the job or level or responsibility entailed.
Petroc has an active Equal Opportunities, Diversity & Inclusion Policy, commitment to which is expected from all staff. Applications are, therefore, invited from all suitably qualified people irrespective of disability, gender or race. In particular, applications with a disability, if they wish to do so, may indicate on the application form details of their disability. / LINE MANAGER / APPRAISER (IF DIFFERENT)
MENTOR
MAIN FUNCTION OF THE JOB
  • To work with students at the point of recruitment and for the duration of their time at college. Working closely with key curriculum areas to equip a case load of students with the skills and attributes required to allow them to successfully achieve their full potential and be ready for their progression.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • To ensure the successful enrolment of the learner in their care, including following up learners who do not attend for during their first few weeks.
  • To deal with any learners who enrol late to ensure that they receive the same level of support through enrolment, induction and transition into College as the other learners in their care
  • To aid all learners to reflect on their skills and experience, inside and outside the curriculum and encourage them to develop new skills and abilities
  • Setting and reviewing each learner’s individual learning plan, set stretching targets and action plans to achieve their goals, and ensure learners make progress which is better than expected from point of entry.
  • To identify support needs, either learning or pastoral, especially where these are affecting the learner’s ability to complete their studies successfully and make referrals as appropriate and maintain effective liaison with appropriate college staff to ensure support meets learners’ needs
  • To take an active part in the organisation of disciplinary procedures, to conduct and arrange meetings in line with the disciplinary procedure and to design and implement action plans collaboratively with individual learners, curriculum areas and parents /guardians where appropriate
  • Work closely within a curriculum area by focusing on their quality improvement areas such as to maintain success, retention and achievement of all learners.
  • Contribute to written references to potential employers or UCAS. Records are subject to the Data Protection Act
  • Using the tutorial scheme of work, be responsible for the planning of a relevant and cohesive tutorial programme which reflects learners’ needs and aspirations and is informed by the embedded principles of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.
  • To prepare learners for their next steps whether that be progression within Further Education, applications for University or employment/supported employment. This may be on an individual basis or via classroom based activities.
  • To ensure that CIS is informed of any changes to the Learner Agreement i.e. change of course/subject, withdrawal from College etc.
  • To ensure that learners have organised work experience related to their course and that the college procedures have been followed, i.e. Health and safety checks made, visit schedules and log books are completed.
  • Participation in staff development activities / personal / professional development
  • Participation in staff briefing sessions
  • Participation in marketing and promotional events
  • Management and review of Petroc theme week events
  • Management of Tutorial VLE for staff & Tutorial Moodle for students
  • External liaison with local schools and agencies to ensure a positive and seamless progression to college
  • Participation in team meetings
  • Participation in the College’s Quality monitoring procedures
  • Complying with College policies

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Delivering the professional tutor entitlement to the learners in their care
  • Completing one to one sessions with learners to help them maximise their potential, identifying risk as necessary
  • Support learners on their programme, in relation to attendance, meeting personal targets, participating in high quality work experience and the completion of their work as part of the study programme and implementing the underperforming learner procedures
  • To assist learners through to their desired destination, whether that be higher education or employment,making the necessary arrangements for progression e.g. making appointments for careers advice and guidance, assisting with the completion of application forms/CVs etc
  • Ensuring a seamless progression to College
  • Setting up and co-ordination of Petroc theme weeks
  • Contribution and updating of Petroc tutorial VLE & Student Tutorial Moodle

PERSON SPECIFICATION:
Candidates will be judged according to the degree with which they meet the following Person Specification:
Education and Qualifications
  • Degree level or equivalent
  • Evidence of continuing professional development
  • Level 5 teaching qualification such as Certificate of Education, P.G.C.E, DTLLS or equivalent
Relevant Knowledge and Experience
  • The role of pastoral support within a further education setting
  • Relevant experience of managing a cohort of learners
  • Relevant tutoring experience
  • Significant experience of learner management, support and development
  • Knowledge of Equal Opportunities, Diversity and Inclusion legislation and policies
  • Knowledge of the schools’ curriculum
Skills
You will need to demonstrate:
Personal Effectiveness
  • Working effectively within a team
  • Flexibility and a capacity to work under pressure and to meet deadlines
  • Excellent time management skills
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Team building and leadership skills
  • Effective ICLT skills
  • Excellent Organisational and administrative skills
  • The ability to establish effective working relationships at all levels across the College and with outside agencies
  • The ability to establish effective working relationships with the tutors within all of the local schools
  • The ability to establish close, effective working relationships with each of the senior tutors
  • Ability to take responsibility, make decisions, prioritise and work on own initiative
  • Flexible working (including some evenings and weekends).
Personal Qualities
  • Ability to relate to and inspire young people of all levels and from all vocational areas.
  • Ability to work within a team
  • An understanding of the needs of young learners
  • A commitment to Equal Opportunities, Diversity and Inclusion
  • A commitment to helping all learners reach their full potential
  • A commitment to self-improvement.
  • Enthusiastic, inspirational and innovative
  • Meticulous record keeping

All positions are subject to the completion of an Enhanced CRB Disclosure

Completed applications should be returned to the Human Resource Office, Petroc, Old Sticklepath Hill, Barnstaple, Devon, EX31 2BQ

by no later than 4.00 pm on 16th July 2015

Applications received after this deadline will not be accepted.

If you have not been called for interview within two weeks of the closing date for this post, you should assume that you have not been shortlisted on this occasion.