Academy Manager

Academy Manager, Based in HMP Styal (Wilmslow) , £29,646 per annum, dependent on experience

The Client

Our client is a national leader in the criminal justice sector, delivering rehabilitation and residential programmes to reduce reoffending and homelessness. They work with individuals who have experienced offending histories, substance misuse, mental illness, homelessness, and long-term unemployment. 

Through structured and supportive programmes, they help participants overcome personal challenges, develop skills, confidence, and resilience, with the ultimate aim of transitioning into stable housing and sustained employment. Additionally, they manage a community café in Preston and operate the regional centre for Lancashire and Cumbria, redistributing surplus food to communities in need across the region.

The Role

As the Academy Manager, you will oversee an Academy workshop within HMP Styal, engaging with our clients Rehabilitation Programmes to provide a wide range of support, including mentoring, training, guidance, and advocacy. The roles primary objective is to meet participants needs and support them in their progress toward further training, accommodation, and employment, thereby reducing the likelihood of reoffending.

The Responsibilities

• Implement requirements for the day-to-day running of the Academy.
• Supervise participants across various Academy workshops.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and maintain documented procedures.
• Develop strong relationships and communication channels within prison settings, in the community, and with internal stakeholders.
• Oversee compliance with all prison regulations.
• Manage stock levels, ensuring deliveries and collections are well-coordinated to prevent disruptions in productivity.
• Motivate and lead staff to maintain a positive, professional atmosphere.
• Gain a thorough understanding of Academy operations.
• Promote a positive work ethic, serving as a mentor and role model.
• Participate in operational tasks, such as dismantling, loading, and unloading, as required.
• Prepare and complete reports to meet deadlines.
• Work with the Release Potential department to assess candidate needs and progress.
• Manage recruitment for the HMP Academy, including overseeing applications and interviews.
• Maintain clean and organised storage and work areas at all times.
• Successfully complete and maintain the National Offender Management Service (NOMS) vetting process.
• Perform other duties as requested by the Operations Manager.

The Person Specification

Essential Requirements

• Strong communication skills with the ability to motivate and empower others.
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise, manage workloads, and keep accurate records.
• A keen social conscience and a commitment to supporting individuals in need.
• A proactive, can-do approach, with the creativity to drive improvements.
• Confidence, resilience, and adaptability in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Willingness to engage in various forms of operational and pastoral training.
• Ability to meet deadlines and work flexibly, including some travel.

Desirable Requirements

• In-date prison (NOMS) vetting.
• Proficiency in computer programmes such as Excel.
• Familiarity with the justice sector, particularly in relation to offending behaviours.
• Understanding of the challenges facing individuals with barriers to employment.
• Operational experience and forklift truck training.
• Full UK driving licence