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Are you practical, organised, and passionate about learning and developing others? We’re seeking a Workshop Instructor – Textile Workshop to support the delivery of a busy, industrial textile workshop producing essential goods such as quilt covers, towels, and bedding for use across the prison estate. 

This role is ideal for someone with a genuine interest in textiles and manufacturing. Previous experience in the textiles industry is desirable, but not essential — full training will be provided for candidates who bring the right attitude, transferable skills, and enthusiasm for hands-on production work. 

You’ll play a key role in developing prisoners’ practical and employability skills in a structured, supportive environment, while ensuring production targets and quality standards are met. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Workshop Induction and Training

Induct Prisoners into the Manufacturing Workshop: Provide comprehensive induction for prisoners, covering health and safety, stock control, machinery, and tool usage.
Tailor Training to Individual Needs: Assess individual learning needs and adapt training approaches, ensuring prisoners receive appropriate support for skill development.Production Management and Quality Control

Set Work Schedules and Manage Standards: Develop and manage daily work schedules, set clear targets, and enforce quality standards to ensure contract obligations are consistently met.
Quality Assurance: Monitor product quality, adjusting production processes as necessary to maintain standards and improve output consistency.Supervision and Prisoner Development

Supervise and Motivate Prisoners: Lead, motivate, and manage prisoners in the workshop, taking responsibility for their discipline, productivity, development, and safety.
Restorative Practices: Use restorative practices to encourage prisoners to take responsibility for their work, fostering a rehabilitative environment that promotes positive behaviour and personal growth.Health, Safety, and Security

Conduct Risk Assessments: Participate in regular health and safety assessments for the workshop, ensuring equipment and materials are used safely and securely.
Tool and Equipment Security: Maintain strict control over all tools, equipment, and raw materials, ensuring they are secure and accounted for in line with Local Security Strategy (LSS) and health and safety protocols.Administrative and Reporting Duties

Record Attendance and Monitor Progress: Log prisoner attendance, approve hours worked, and monitor individual progress and skill acquisition.
Reporting: Provide accurate prisoner reports, including ACCT (Assessment Care in Custody and Teamwork), Security Information Reports (SIRs), and Violence Reduction Incident Reports (VRIRs), as required.Collaboration and Employability Development

Coordinate with Work & Skills Coaches: Work closely with Work & Skills Coaches to ensure prisoners complete their Employability Passport, supporting skill development relevant to future employment.
Promote Employability Skills: Embed employability skills, such as time management, quality control, and teamwork, into daily workshop activities to prepare prisoners for future employment opportunities.Stock and Material Management

Inventory and Material Control: Request and manage materials, estimate usage, and ensure that sufficient stock is available to meet work schedules and production targets.
Self-Audits and Contract Delivery: Participate in self-audits to ensure compliance with Contract Delivery Indicators (CDIs) and maintain high standards of work delivery.Communication and Meetings

Liaise with Prison Staff and Stakeholders: Maintain open communication with prison staff via radio, attending meetings, and contributing to safety and security discussions as necessary.Incident and Security Reporting

Complete Required Documentation: Complete necessary incident and security reports, including VRIRs, SIRs, and IEP (Incentive Earned Privileges) reports when required.PERSON SPECIFICATION        

Requirement

Education and Training

Ideally holds a relevant qualification in manufacturing or industrial operations.Skills, knowledge and abilities

Ability to provide tailored support, understanding individual needs for those with neurodivergent traits, mental health challenges, or physical limitations.
Proven ability to manage a team, set productivity standards, and maintain quality within a structured environment ensuring compliance with health & safety.
Familiarity with health, safety, and risk assessment procedures, particularly in an industrial or workshop setting.
Strong organisational skills for managing attendance, targets, inventory, reporting, and documentation effectively.
Awareness of security protocols within a prison environment, with the ability to ensure tools and materials are securely managed in line with prison security strategies.Experience

Proven experience in manufacturing or a similar industrial field, with practical knowledge of production processes and quality assurance.     
Experience or knowledge of restorative practices and rehabilitation support is desirable as training will be provided.        
Experience with administrative tasks, such as logging attendance, managing wages, and maintaining accurate records, is essential.    
Experience in a custodial setting, including security protocols, is an advantage.  Forward Assist Recruitment is operating as an employment agency. Forward Assist Recruitment is an Equal Opportunities employer; we welcome applicants from all backgrounds