Education & Employability Lead

NHS Lothian is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best.

To this end, NHS Lothian welcomes applications from all sections of society.

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* PLEASE NOTE:

We cannot accept late applications, so please ensure your application is submitted by the deadline provided***

The Workforce Development Team, part of the Corporate Education Department, aims to inspire and inform career journeys, widen access plus provide pathways and opportunities to our current and future workforce. This is achieved by delivering employer‑led work programmes such as apprenticeships, employability programmes and engagement with young people in education settings and beyond.

The team are looking for a dynamic and innovative Education and Employability Lead. You will be based at the Comely Bank Centre, Edinburgh; however, you will be required to have a blended approach with some home working and requires a high degree of flexibility and travel across the Lothians to provide positive outcomes and quality service to those who we support on our programmes of work.

In a fast‑paced environment, you will be responsible for line managing a team of Education & Employability Support Manager, Administrators and providing HR and mentoring support to service managers and programme participants. Therefore, experience of managing and leading a team within a similar environment is essential.

You will be responsible for the leadership of multiple operational deliveries the Workforce Development Team's employability and apprenticeship programmes, ensuring that all work streams and projects that support these programmes of work are completed successfully.

We are seeking highly skilled individuals with experience in delivering, managing and evaluating employer‑led education and learning programmes and strategies within a workplace or education setting to support widening access to sustainable career pathways. Experience of working with participants from a wide range of backgrounds, including young people and those with barriers to employment, is essential.

You will have experience in employability, apprenticeships, widening access, education and training delivery, project management and Quality Improvement, and a diverse skill set across all areas. You will also require strong skills in leadership, innovation, influencing change and applying change management strategies, facilitation, and engagement. In addition you will be adaptive, innovative, resilient, and can work with multiple partners and stakeholders to achieve planned outcomes.

You will possess the following formal education standards: SCQF level 9 in Education, Youthwork or Health and Social Care related subject, in addition, evidence of additional formal learning or equivalent knowledge showing an understanding of a range of principles and concepts of the work area (e.g. PDA in youth work, a post‑graduate certificate in careers advice, PDA supported employment, PGCert education).

More detail of essential experience and knowledge is listed within the attached person specification; please read this in full as only candidates who match all essential criteria will be considered in the shortlisting process.

We expect a high degree of interest in this post and may close the application process prior to the closing date once a suitable number of applications has been received.

This is a great time to develop your career and join a forward‑thinking service with professional and personal development opportunities.

For further information on what is included in the role and what skills/experience are being looked for, click on the links at the bottom of the screen to the job description and person specification.

Marc Beswick, Head of Careers Development & Employability

Email: marc.beswickt

We anticipate interviewing successful shortlisted candidates in person during the week beginning 9th of February 2026.

This post requires the post holder to have a PVG Scheme…