FE Sessional Lecturer in Sport, Public Services and Criminology

Institute of Education and Skills

Your core responsibilities will be delivering and assessing BTEC and NCFE provision at Levels 2 and 3 to Sport and / or Public Services, including Criminology. 

Job details

Responsible to

Curriculum Leader

Location

Multi-site

Closing date

Tuesday 17 February 2026

Salary

£26.53 per teaching hour in vocational FE for qualified teachers

Job grade

Atypical (Academic)

Reference

0256-25

Contract type

Permanent

Post type

Hourly paid

Adaptive working type

Onsite
This role will be based on site, primarily in the named location.

Please note: applicants already contracted to full-time positions within the University are not permitted to undertake additional contracted hours due to the weekly working time directive.

We have one simple promise – to make a positive impact. Through our ground-breaking research, teaching excellence and commitment to sustainable living, we are changing lives for the better.

The University of Derby is a modern university with a modern outlook. Everything we do is driven by delivering excellence and opportunities for our students, our staff and our region.

We have some of the best university facilities in the UK and achieve outstanding results for our teaching and research and have been awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 – making it one of the top universities in the country recognised for its outstanding student experience and student outcomes.

Financially strong and seriously ambitious we offer our employees an inclusive culture that centres itself around staff wellbeing, where you can be confident you will receive all the help and encouragement you need to build a rewarding career with lots of opportunities to enhance your skills.

University of Derby Buxton is a vibrant and unique campus set in the heart of the Peak District, combining a rich history with a forward-looking approach to education. Based in the iconic Devonshire Dome, the Buxton campus is home to specialist programmes such as hospitality, culinary arts, events, tourism, and hair and beauty. 

The campus is designed to provide students with hands-on, real-world learning experiences, supported by industry-standard facilities and strong links to local, national, and international employers. With its blend of practical training, academic expertise, and professional partnerships, Buxton offers an environment where students can develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence to excel in dynamic and competitive industries. 

Set within the stunning natural landscape of Derbyshire, the campus also offers an inspiring backdrop for study and personal growth. At Buxton, students are encouraged to explore, innovate, and thrive, making it an exceptional place to learn and build a successful future. 

University of Derby Buxton is rated ‘Good’ by OFSTED in all inspection areas, including teaching, learning & assessment, outcomes for learners, personal development, behaviour & welfare; and has a team of dedicated staff who take pride in supporting learners towards their study and career goals. This is a fantastic opportunity to join our team on our journey to becoming an outstanding provider.  

About the team

The Curriculum Area of Education, Sport and Public Services comprises of BTEC, NCFE and T level courses at levels 1 to 3. The provision is mainly at the Buxton Campus with additional bespoke provision in the Buxton community as well as additional Sport courses at the Kedleston Road Campus in Derby.  Retention and Achievement in the curriculum area is very high and the vast majority of learners achieve high grades.  Team members are experienced, and student-focused group of professionals committed to delivering outstanding education and training. We provide a supportive and nurturing environment where learners can thrive both academically and personally.

We take pride in offering a high-quality curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience, including work placements, employer involvement, and enrichment opportunities that broaden students’ perspectives and readiness for employment or further study. Our strong partnerships with early years settings and educational providers across the region ensure that our learners gain meaningful, real-world experience.

The team is committed to continuous improvement, curriculum innovation, and delivering education that reflects current practice and employer expectations. As part of the University of Derby, our learners benefit from clear pathways to higher education and access to excellent resources, such as the simulation suite to put learning into practice.

Learners benefit from teachers who teach across a range of disciplines and courses.  The main core responsibilities are delivering and assessing BTEC and NCFE provision at Levels 2 and 3 to Sport and / or Public Services, including Criminology. The role also involves the administration duties relating to teaching, including monitoring learners progress and devising suitable teaching, learning and assessment tools. Teaching is mainly delivered Monday to Friday during the day, however there may be occasions outside of these times such as Parents Evenings, Information, Advice and Guidance Evenings and some Saturdays for Open Events.   

Actual hours and days will be described in a ‘Schedule of Work’.

Salary: £24.59 per teaching hour in vocational FE for unqualified teachers or £26.53 per teaching hour in vocational FE for qualified teachers

Potential interview date - 27th February 2026

The ideal candidate will be able to teach across sport, public services, and criminology, although teachers typically specialise in their own subject areas. As an FE Sessional Lecturer, you will play a vital role in delivering high-quality teaching and learning across a range of programmes, including Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications. This includes contributing to the development of learners preparing for careers in sport / public services related sectors.

The role also includes participation in recruitment activities, open events, and external moderation processes, as well as maintaining accurate records, supporting learner progress, and upholding high standards of safeguarding, quality assurance, and student support. You will collaborate with colleagues to continually enhance teaching practices and learner outcomes.

  1. To teach effectively (including the necessary preparation) using a variety of methods on appropriate programmes as directed by the subject Curriculum Leader.
  2. To assess and record students’ progress on a regular basis by appropriate means e.g. marking, internal verification, learning agreements, action plans etc.
  3. To respond to the personal and social needs of students in the learning situation.
  4. To prepare programmes of work and lesson plans, set assignments, tests, examinations, marking schemes.
  5. To ensure that all appropriate administrative records are accurately completed and maintained in accordance with College procedures, e.g. enrolment forms, attendance registers, student Individual Learning Agreements.
  6. To ensure that students behave in a responsible manner to a high standard of safety in classrooms, practical areas and around the College and University campus.
  7. To comply with the requirements of Health & Safety, other relevant legislation and College documentation.
  8. To comply with copyright and software licensing legislation and related University procedures.
  9. To undertake appropriate training and Continuing Professional Development activities as requested by the Curriculum Leader.
  10. To work with support staff, programme and course teams as appropriate.
  11. To ensure that the College’s Quality Assurance Procedures are completed and actioned.
  12. To contribute to the marketing activities of the College.
  13. To comply with the requirements of Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults, Prevent, Health and Safety and other University and College policies including Equal Opportunities, Risk Management and Equality and Diversity.
  14. Attendance at the following Boards/Meetings, where it is appropriate and where meetings can be arranged to fit in with other commitments:
    • Development meetings
    • Probation and Development Review
    • Course/Team meetings
    • Any relevant meetings associated with internal and/or external periodic scrutiny (e.g. OFSTED)

All staff should be aware of the importance of their own and the University’s joint responsibility to safeguard and promote the wellbeing of children and vulnerable adults.

Essential Criteria

Qualifications

  • Hold or be willing to undertake a Level 3 teaching qualification e.g. Certificate in Education
  • Level 2 Qualifications (either in Functional Skills or GCSE A-C) in both English and maths or a willingness to achieve within an agreed timescale
  • Relevant vocational qualification

Experience

  • Demonstrable evidence of ability to engage with learners to support high quality learning outcomes

Skills, knowledge & abilities

  • Highly developed communication skills
  • Ability to use own initiative
  • Ability to work effectively on your own and with a small team
  • Well-developed administrative and organisational skills
  • Ability to work flexibly within a team
  • Good time management skills
  • Knowledge of the latest developments in Education and Training

Business requirements

  • Completed DBS check with child barred list
  • Prohibited from Teaching check
  • A commitment to the principle of widening participation
  • A commitment to continued professional development
  • A commitment to the College’s values and behaviours
  • Willingness and flexibility to travel and work between College and external sites in a cost effective and timely manner
  • Willingness to provide support at College events from time to time e.g., Parents Evenings, interview evenings and Open events, (some of these events occur outside of normal working hours, such as evenings and weekends)

Desirable Criteria

Qualifications

  • Assessor Awards

Experience

  • Experience of delivering teaching or training programmes to post 16 age group
  • Experience of Internal and External Verification processes
  • Practical experience of promoting equality and diversity

Skills, knowledge and abilities

  • A knowledge of appropriate progression routes for students
  • Annual leave accrual
  • Teacher’s Pension Scheme
  • Suite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family-friendly policies and comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
  • Access to a variety of staff discounts at high street retailers
  • Discounted onsite gym
  • A flexible working environment
  • A commitment to personal and professional development

Find out more about rewards and benefitsFind out more about rewards and benefits

For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Stuart Harrowing, Curriculum Leader Education and Sport via s.harrowing@blc.ac.uk

For enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via recruitment@derby.ac.uk.

Visa Sponsorship Eligibility

The University is unable to sponsor the employment of international workers under the Skilled Worker route for this role; however, applications are welcome from candidates who are able to demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.

 

DBS check

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974 and is therefore subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Any information you provide will be treated in confidence and only used when considering your suitability for the post.

To enable us to process your DBS check please ensure you are able to supply the documentation listed on the DBS website at interview stage.

 

Equity, diversity and inclusion

The University of Derby is committed to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion, regardless of age, disability, trans status, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief (or none), sex and sexual orientation.

We are Disability Confident Employers, demonstrating our commitment to disability inclusion, and invite applicants to highlight adjustments they may require to ensure equitable participation in our recruitment processes.

Further, we are committed to ensuring an environment which is trans and non-binary-inclusive for all our staff, students, partners, and visitors, and continuously review our policies, guidance and training.

When applying to join the University, you can choose your preferred title, including the gender-neutral title 'Mx'. We also ask our candidates if they would like to share their preferred pronouns. This is voluntary but demonstrates our commitment to inclusivity for trans and non-binary candidates. Once employed, you can add pronouns and preferred names onto our system.

The University of Derby undertakes anonymised shortlisting during the staff recruitment process. This means that, when shortlisting, panel members will not be able to see an applicant’s name and will see an applicant number instead. This demonstrates the practical steps we are taking to remove barriers to recruitment by minimising the possible impact of our unconscious bias.

However you identify, we actively celebrate the knowledge, experience and talents each person brings. Our students come from a wide range of backgrounds; therefore we are particularly interested to hear from applicants who will help our leaders and teams be more reflective of our student population.

Read more about equity, diversity and inclusion at the University of Derby.

 

Environmental Sustainability

At the University of Derby, we are passionate about embedding sustainability into everything that we do. We aim to bring environmental sustainability into all aspects of the University, including teaching, research and operational activities. In line with the University's strategic framework, we expect all our staff to embed sustainability into their working practices and support the University's objective to reach net zero carbon by 2050.

 

Don’t miss your chance – join the team and make a difference today!

How to apply

You can apply by submitting an online application. Once you have signed in or registered with us you will be able to begin your application. If you are creating an account for the first time, please ensure you provide an email address that you access regularly as this will be our main means of contacting you regarding your application.

The University reserves the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

If you require any assistance, including the provision of any documentation in an alternative format, please contact the Recruitment team at recruitment@derby.ac.uk.

Please note all applications must be submitted online by Midnight GMT on the closing date of the vacancy.

Further details

Download FE Sessional Lecturer in Sport, Public Services and Criminology job descriptionDownload FE Sessional Lecturer in Sport, Public Services and Criminology job descriptionDownload conferment packDownload conferment pack

The University of Derby is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our staff, students and children. At the University of Derby, safeguarding is everybody's concern.

Please find our Safeguarding pages including our Safeguarding Policy.