Lead Inspector – Private Further Education (Pfe)

Recruitment for Contracted Lead Inspector, Private Further Education (PFE) 2024

Applications are now being accepted for training to become a Lead Inspector, Private Further Education (PFE) for the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI).

PFE Lead Inspectors are responsible for leading inspections of PFE colleges and language schools that fall within the ISI educational oversight inspection remit. ISI inspects these institutions using the ISI PFE inspection framework on behalf of the Home Office/UKVI. ISI engages with inspectors on a self-employed contractual basis. Inspectors are remunerated on a per-assignment basis. Further information will be provided at the time of training.

Please read the below information carefully before you proceed to apply.

Essential Requirements:

The following are essential requirements of the role of PFE inspector. Successful applicants will meet all these requirements:

• Clear understanding of and commitment to safeguarding young people.
• Ability to analyse, gather, record and use evidence to make robust judgements within a limited time frame.
• Strong oral and writing communication skills.
• Ability to lead or form part of a team with varied experiences and backgrounds.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and meet deadlines.
• Ability to report inspection findings clearly and robustly.
• Competent user of standard software applications, including Microsoft Office.
• Ability to work flexibly and independently.
• Strong interpersonal skills; able to build and sustain positive relationships on inspection.
• Ability and willingness to commit to completion of initial training in July 2024.
• Ability and willingness to commit to at least three inspections per year, if required, including time for preparation and report writing beyond the actual inspection after training.
• Ability and willingness to undertake travel to locations across the whole of England and Wales, some of which may be located in remote rural areas.
• Ability and willingness to commit to face-to-face and remote training and assessment as required.
• A degree or relevant teaching qualification (such as QTS, Certificate in FE, PGCE, DTLSS, DELTA).
• An ability to analyse a wide range of evidence and make relevant judgments in a short space of time.

Desirable

• Training in and experience of inspection in a Further Education or work-based learning context (for example with ALI, OFSTED, Estyn, British Council).
• Experience of relevant quality accreditation processes such as IiP, TQS, ISO 9001.
• Experience of supporting international learners and EAL learners.
• An understanding of current immigration rules as they apply to international students and Highly Trusted Sponsors.

Assessment and Selection:

Applicants who are eligible and interested in applying for this role will have to complete the application form using the link: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/ISILEADPFE2024/

Applications close on Monday 3^rd June 2024 at 9am. Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application by the end of the week commencing 3^rd June 2024.

Training:

Successful candidates will have to attend the following initial training:

Wednesday 10^th July and Thursday 11^th July 2024 – face-to-face training in London. For applicants who have not previously inspected in the ISI PFE remit, there is an additional remote training day on Monday 8^th July to familiarize trainees with the PFE inspection framework and procedures.

Candidates will need to meet all associated costs of attending the training.

Recruitment Checks:
Appointment to this role will be subject to successful completion of recruitment checks, which we will administer. Recruitment checks will include the following:

• Identity check
• Right to work check
• Prohibition from Teaching and Prohibition from Management check
• Two References
• Online/social media search
• Qualifications
• A new enhanced DBS check including barring information
• For employed applicants: Authorisation from principal/proprietor/governing body

All recruitment checks must be satisfactorily completed, including a DBS in progress within four weeks of receiving notification that your application has been successful.

Successful candidates will be required to:

• Sign an Inspection Services Agreement
• Subscribe and maintain a subscription to the DBS update service (at your expense)
• Provide signed consent to ISI to carry out your DBS Update Service check

Training Programme:

• Pre-training tasks prior to the face-to-face initial training
• For candidates who do not already inspect in the PFE remit, a two-day training course and follow up assessed activities
• Successful sign-off leading a monitored inspection

Further information about the training programme will be shared with successful applicants closer to time. Failure to complete any part of the training by the deadline provided or to attend the full training course will result in withdrawal from the process.

PFE Lead Inspectors are required to attend regular refresher training in safeguarding and inspection methodology both online and face-to-face. Inspectors are required to undertake a shadow inspection and to lead a monitored first inspection before final accreditation.

ISI engages with inspectors on a self-employed contractual basis. Inspectors are remunerated on a per-assignment basis. Further information will be provided upon request or at the time of training.

For more information about the role, please refer to our website:  https://www.isi.net/about/work-for-us/inspector-recruitment-and-training 

If you require any further information, please contact pfe@isi.net