David Firmin

I have possessed a passion for Teaching, Learning and Assessment throughout my career including 12 years in management positions in various areas such as Entry to Employment 16-18, Adult short courses, 16-18 Study Programme, Apprenticeships, and 14-16 Independent school for excluded children, and an alternative learning provision. I am a versatile, creative and result driven professional with the drive and skill set to excel in a fast-paced management role to enhance the organisations delivery and income targets. I have comprehensive experience of interviewing techniques, conducting appraisals, disciplinary processes, motivating, challenging, coaching, negotiating, proven problem-solving skills and working collaboratively with a wide range of organisations and people. I am accountable to deliver success, exceed targets, and raise attendance and have the ability to adapt whilst maintaining a competitive and professional service. I have delivered lessons in English, Creative Art, Tutorials, Employability skills, PSD and Health & Safety. I can offer high- level communication and inter-personal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment. I am competent in the use of ICT systems including Microsoft, Excel spreadsheets and PowerPoint.

Curriculum Manager: 14-16 Centre- Alternative education provision- August 2019- Present time

Bridgwater & Taunton College

Effectively managing a team of 15 staff and supporting 60 Learners who were Home Educated and possess barriers to learning, including social, emotional, and mental health difficulties. Identification and implementing support from interviews, school reports, assessments and EHCP information to create Pen Portrait overviews & monitor impact. Learners with Dyslexia are provided with cover overlays and larger font worksheets with tasks delivered in small chunks to aid understanding. Also, any referrals to Wellbeing or reporting Safeguarding concerns. Information used to ensure correct levels of support available to achieve exam success. I created a supportive and safe environment with the course designed to provide a mix of Vocational experience, social interaction, and academic achievement. The role focused on implementing quality processes, delivery, and assessment, ensuring that ILP’s were updated to include positive and negative progress and engagement. Designing of the curriculum and building strong professional relationships with parents/carers, students and internal/external colleagues supporting staff to ensure Learners achieve their full potential, empowering them with support, advice and guidance to build the confidence and skills to successfully progress onto further education. I delivered high standard lessons in English, Creative Arts, and tutorials, in addition to being the lead internal verifier for the BTEC Cooking & BTEC Construction qualifications

Curriculum Learning Leader: March 2019-June 2019 - Fixed Contract Catch-22 (Include)

Managing an independent school for Learners who have been excluded from mainstream school due to severe behaviour, emotional & mental health issues. I provide comprehensive management support, learning structure and create engaging activities to deliver an alternative education. I find this job very rewarding and feel that I make a positive impact on young people’s lives and welfare. I manage teachers, training and support staff and strive to raise Learner’s expectations and standards with an emphasis on safeguarding and working closely with support services and monitor transition and improvements to progress learners into college to encourage improved behaviour to enable them to benefit from further learning opportunities and employment. Additional learning needs are supported in School and on work experience.

Apprenticeship Training Manager: Jan 2016 – March 2019- Position made redundant City of Bristol College

Providing proactive and energetic leadership in the delivery and monitoring of targets to exceed timely success for Apprenticeships & managing Functional Skills delivery across all of Work Based Learning.

· Improving learner outcomes, attendance & retention. Ensuring Learners supported in the workplace for any additional learning needs and workplace adjustments. Timely success rates increased each year.

· Audits conducted thoroughly in preparation for Awarding Body External Visits with all programmes achieving Direct Claims Status confirming my professional delivery standards.

· Energetic and passionate in raising quality of Teaching, Learning & Assessment through learning walks, observations, sharing good practice and introducing new strategies.

Curriculum Manager - Business, Finance & Law faculty: Dec 2014 - Jan 2016 City of Bristol College

Managing the day to day running of Faculty delivering courses to 16–18-year-olds.

· Delivered People Management-support, motivation for performance delivery.

· Maintained attention to detail in designing & timetabling yearly Curriculum.

Curriculum Manager – Into Work: Aug 2013 - Dec 2014 City of Bristol College

Delivering bespoke courses to unemployed adults to prepare them for the world of work.

· Confident in regular networking with employers and organisations, attending & organising Job fairs.

· Liaised with Department for Work & Pensions for employer specific courses where successful learners were granted an interview & job position.

Foundation Learning Manager: July 2011 – Aug 2013

Brunel & Gordano Training

Managing the day to day running of four learning centres and ensure processes are implemented

· Supporting disadvantaged 16-18 years olds to obtain qualifications, work experience & further progression.

Employer Engagement & Work Experience Co-ordinator: Nov 2007 – July 2011

Learning Partnership West

Supporting young people with preparation for work skills in all the schools across the West of England and engaging employers to encourage positive career opportunities.

· Oversaw Work Experience for 11,000 students covering all the Secondary Schools in the West of England.

· Employer engagement to encourage employers into schools to enrich the curriculum.

Assistant Manager/Induction Co-ordinator: Apr 2003 – Nov 2007

Brunel & Gordano Training

Designing and running 2-week induction programme for 16-18-year olds

· Interview, assessments to identify and address additional learning needs.

· Holistic overview of triggers, support arrangements provided to staff

· Liaising with Wellbeing/Safeguarding

Recruitment Consultant: Feb 2002 - Apr 2003

Protocol Skills

Recruitment Consultant: June 2000 – Feb 2002

Hotel & Catering Training Ltd

Secondary School Teacher: Jan 1998 – June 2000 - Teaching English /History & in charge of Tutor groups

Senior Customer Service Advisor: Mar 1992 - Sep 1993

RAC Motoring Services

One year travelling and working around Canada: Dec 1990- Dec 1991

Business Administration Team Leader: May 1989 - Dec 1990

Midland Life Insurance

Business Administration Clerk: Jul 1988 - May 1989

Sun Alliance Insurance

Business Administrator: Sep 1983 - Jul 1988

Sun Life Assurance

Sept 2015 Level 4 Certificate in Leadership & Management (ILM - Institute of Leadership & Management)

Dec 2013 IOSH Managing Safely

March 2013 Internal Quality Assurance Award (IQA) Level 4.

Aug 2011 Safeguarding, Mentoring, Diversity in Learning & Teaching, Data Protection, Absence Management training.

1996-1997 University of the West of England: Postgraduate Certificate in Secondary Education, Specialism: History 11-18 Year group.

1993-1996 University of Leeds: BA Honours in History: 2:1

1992-1993 Soundwell College: ‘A’ Level History – C / ‘A’ Level English Literature – B

1977-1983 Chipping Sodbury School/Soundwell College: 6 ‘O’ Levels grade C or above including Maths & English.