Programme Coordinator

Contract: Permanent, full-time 

Location of Work: Westminster Kingsway College, 76 Vincent Square, SW1P 2PD & Hybrid Working 

Hours: 40 hours per week, including very occasional weekends and evening work 

Flexible Working: Due to the nature of the role, you will need to be onsite during training sessions. While there is a core requirement for being present during essential programme times, there is room for flexible working arrangements outside of these hours and outside of scheduled programme times. 

Benefits 

Salary and Leave 

• Annual salary of £28,500 to £30,000 depending on experience.

• Annual Leave: 33 days of annual leave, inclusive of all public and bank holidays. 

Professional Development 

• 1:1 Coaching 

• Supervision 

• Group Reflective Practice 

• Ongoing Training 

Well-being and Support 

• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).

• Wellbeing activities such as staff socials, yoga, mindfulness, and meditation. 

About Us 

Hotel School is an award-winning charity that empowers people who have experienced homelessness and other disadvantages to thrive in the hospitality industry. This dynamic 10-week programme combines theory, hands-on experience, and industry visits to provide the skills and confidence to land a job and excel in it.  

Hotel School provides a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive training environment where students are given the opportunity to build their confidence to learn and grow. Our holistic approach is how we succeed in finding and sustaining long-term employment and progression, even for those who have been unemployed for over 20 years. We support our graduates as they take their first steps into work through mentoring, employer education, and progression management. We work closely to support our graduates for up to one year after graduation, and sometimes longer if needed.  

Hotel School operates as a Psychologically Informed Environment (PIE), meaning our training programme is tailored to address the emotional and psychological needs of the individuals we assist. Within this framework, Hotel School adopts a Trauma-Informed approach when engaging with students and graduates, acknowledging that many may have encountered complex trauma. 

About the Role of Programme Coordinator 

You will have the unique opportunity to make a significant impact on individuals' lives while immersing yourself in the vibrant world of hospitality. You will join a dynamic and passionate team committed to supporting individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds to complete our training and then guide them into sustainable employment within the hospitality industry. Your role will involve promoting and recruiting onto the programme, working closely with students, and providing individualised support to help them overcome barriers, stay motivated, and achieve their training and career goals. 

About You 

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate the following: 

Skills: 

• Compassionate & Determined: Supporting people with multiple challenges is not always easy and requires patience, compassion, and resilience. 

• Composed Under Pressure: Maintain a calm and focused presence in higher-pressure situations. 

• Strong Communication Skills: Ability to effectively engage with diverse individuals, demonstrating active listening, empathy, and clear, respectful dialogue. 

• Organisational Skills: Proven track record of managing multiple tasks efficiently, prioritising responsibilities, and maintaining systems. 

• Adaptability: Skilled in tailoring approaches to meet the unique needs of different individuals, ensuring personalised and effective support. 

• Problem-Solving: Ability to focus on finding solutions, have a can-do approach and the ability to take initiative. 

• Teamwork: Strong ability to work collaboratively to achieve optimal outcomes for students & graduates. 

• Administrative Skills: Confident using MS Office packages, such as PowerPoint, Excel, and email, and our database In-Form. 

Experience: 

• Experience working with people experiencing homelessness and/or other disadvantages and/or in employment services. 

• Understanding of the housing & welfare benefits system. 

• Experience working in the hospitality industry – desirable but not essential.

• Background in using person-centred and/or trauma-informed methods, ensuring compassionate and informed support. 

Key Responsibilities: 

Programme Promotion: 

• Promote the training programme to referral organisations and potential students by delivering inspiring and motivating presentations to attract potential applicants. 

• Build and maintain relationships with referral organisations to enhance programme visibility and referral pathways.

• Manage a dedicated inbox for referrals.

 

Information and Taster Sessions: 

• Coordinate and deliver information and taster sessions both internally and externally to inform and engage potential participants. 

Recruitment: 

• Recruit a target number of applicants for the programme. 

• Conduct interviews, complete assessment paperwork, and evaluate applicants’ learning needs and support requirements. 

• Signpost applicants not suitable to the programme to other suitable organsations. 

Student Assessment and Support: 

• Support and mentor students throughout the training programme. 

• Monitor student progress and work collaboratively to offer additional support in areas such as housing, finances, mental and/or physical health as needed. 

• Provide assistance to students with general queries and address any challenges they may encounter. 

• Help support students exhibiting challenging behavior and support to deescalate.  

• Regularly update referral partners and support agencies on students' progress and identify any ongoing areas where additional support may be needed. 

Reviews and Records Management: 

• Conduct regular reviews with students to track their progress. 

• Maintain and update all required records, including learner records, course content folders, and database entries in accordance with programme requirements. 

Programme Delivery: 

• Work collaboratively with the Training Manager to support the overall delivery of the training programme, including classroom setup and cleanup. 

• Work collaboratively with the Employment & Progression team to ensure students are prepared for work experience. 

• Manage students' travel expenses during the programme. 

• Communicate with students regarding absences or lateness and liaise with trainers as necessary. 

Training Activities: 

• Participate in and support training activities such as external visits and practical sessions. 

• Deliver employability-related workshops. 

• Purchase training equipment and ingredients as needed to support programme activities. 

Transition to Employment: 

• Work with the Employment & Progression team to facilitate a smooth transition for students from the training programme into the Employment & Progression phase. 

• Work collaboratively with the Employment & Progression team and/or other referral partners to identify and/or secure appropriate housing options for graduates. 

How to Apply: 

Please submit a CV (no more than two pages) and a covering letter by Thursday 5th September – 5pm. The covering letter should demonstrate how you meet the above criteria. 

We understand that applicants may not possess 100% of the skills and experiences outlined in the person specification. If you believe you may fit the role and would like an informal chat, please contact Zoe. 

If successful, the next steps once a CV and Cover Letter have been submitted are: 

• An initial call with the Programme Manager. 

• An invitation to a formal interview on Monday 16th September. 

Equal Opportunities: 

Hotel School is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We believe that a diverse team enhances our ability to innovate and work with our students and graduates effectively. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws. 

We welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds and walks of life to apply. If you have any accessibility needs that require an alternative application or interview process, please let us know. 

Enhanced DBS Check:

Due to the nature of this role and Hotel School's commitment to Safeguarding, an enhanced DBS check is required. 

Start date: 

 September or October