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Ever considered working in a prison?It might not be what you expect - in fact, it could be one of the most rewarding and meaningful roles you'll ever take on.
For many in custody, education offers hope, structure, and a chance to rebuild. For you, it offers the chance to be part of that transformation - every single day.
In this role you'll be part of a close-knit team, working face-to-face with both colleagues and learners. You'll benefit from clear boundaries between work and home life, with no working from home allowed. That means NO MARKING, NO PLANNING in your weekends or evenings.
Prisons have dedicated education departments, complete with classrooms and fully-equipped workshops where learning takes place. Despite the challenges of the environment, you'll be supported every step of the way by an experienced education team, with access to ongoing training and professional development.
Details of this position:
This position is for a full time Creative Workshop Instructor in prison education.
The role is based near York, in a brand new prison.
We are looking for a passionate Creative Workshop Instructor to lead an inspiring rehabilitation program within the prison setting.
By engaging in creative activities such as furniture upcycling, handmade crafts, and sewing garments for charitable causes, the workshop provides a safe, inclusive environment where participants can build confidence, learn new skills, and find renewed purpose.
- Experience in crafting, upcycling, or production work, especially in a supervisory, leadership or instructional role.
- Strong organisational skills to manage workshop schedules, stock, and reporting effectively.
- A compassionate, patient, and inclusive approach to supporting individuals with diverse needs.
- Awareness of health, safety, and security protocols, preferably in a custodial or structured environment.
Work schedule: Full time 38.5 hours per week
Salary scale: From £28,000 per annum
Annual leave: 30 days per annum
To be considered, suitable candidates will need to meet the following criteria:
- Five GCSEs at Grade 4/C or above (or equivalent), including English Language and Mathematics
- A Degree, or professional qualification, which is appropriate to the work.
- Teaching Qualification
- All candidates for teaching posts must possess a recognised Teaching Qualification
- Knowledge and experience of current teaching and learning strategies
- Excellent team working, communication and interpersonal skills
Suitable candidates will need to be enthusiastic, resilient and have a humanistic approach. This role will not be for everyone, but anyone with a slight interest is encouraged to apply and if suitable, you will have the opportunity to have a discussion with the hiring manager directly over the phone, who can provide more detail and an insight into life working in a prison.
Benefits
- Generous annual leave entitlement.
- A paid Life event day each year
- Cycle to work scheme
- Access to hundreds of discounts via the Additions portal
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Access to online wellbeing centre
- A paid volunteering day each year
- Enhanced Maternity scheme
- Sharesave scheme
- Refer a Friend reward scheme
- Holiday purchase scheme
- Pension scheme
- Life assurance
If you are interested in this position, then please apply via the link. Alternatively, you can contact Izzy to discuss the role in further detail. ( or )
If this vacancy is not of interest to you at this time, but you happen to know someone who might be suitable and interested, then please kindly pass these details on to them.
The successful candidate will be required to obtain the appropriate prison clearance before starting the role and maintain this throughout employment.
Important Notice
Dovetail and Slate is a market leading education recruitment company. We specialise in hiring across the entire spectrum of education, including positions in student support and support services. With our extensive range of roles, we are confident we can find the right match for you, so if the current vacancy does not seem relevant to your expertise, we welcome you to upload your CV or give us a call to discuss your ideal position, with our dedicated team.
Dovetail and Slate is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, applicants, and clients to share this commitment.
This role may involve work with under 18's or vulnerable adults. Any appointment will be made subject to strict vetting and screening checks and receipt of a satisfactory enhanced DBS check. Dovetail and Slate ltd acts as an Employment Agency (perm) and an Employment Business (temp/contract).
Because education matters. Dovetail and Slate Limited (11351060) acts as an Employment Agency.
Because education matters. Dovetail and Slate Limited (11351060) acts as an Employment Agency.
