The Bedford College Group
Associate Lecturer - Art and Design

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Associate Lecturer – Art and Design
Location: Bedford College – Cauldwell Street Campus
Salary/Benefits: £20.50 per hour Hours/Weeks: 6 to 9 hours per week Contract Type: Sessional – Hourly Paid
Important Note: This is a UK-based contract. Applicants must have the Right to Work in the UK. Unfortunately, we cannot offer sponsorship. Offers are subject to evidence of this right.
About the Role
We are seeking an Associate Lecturer in Art and Design (primarily Fine Art) to join our Creative Arts department within Bedford College Group.
As an Associate Lecturer, you will play a pivotal role in student success through:
Key Responsibilities
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Teaching & Learning Delivery:
- Plan and deliver high-quality, engaging, and inclusive Art and Design lessons across various courses and levels.
- Adapt teaching to meet diverse student needs.
-
Assessment & Student Progress:
- Assess and monitor student work against UAL (University for the Creative Arts) standards.
- Provide constructive feedback to support achievement and progression.
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Curriculum Development & Innovation:
- Develop schemes of work, learning materials, and project briefs.
- Contribute to course innovation and encompass creative teaching methods.
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Student Support & Engagement:
- Mentor students through tutorials and vocational opportunities.
- Foster positive behaviour and help students realise their potential.
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Quality, Administration & Compliance:
- Maintain accurate student records.
- Participate in quality assurance, course reviews, and marketing support.
- Uphold safeguarding, EDI (Equality, Diversity & Inclusion), and health & safety policies.
About You
Qualifications & Experience
- Education: Degree in Art & Design with a teaching qualification (preferred).
- Degree-level expertise in either Fine Art, Graphic Design, or related creative field.
- GCSE English and Maths (Grade C/4 or above).
- Strong knowledge of UAL curriculum standards and current industry practices.
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Teaching & Professional Skills
- Proven experience delivering FE (Further Education) level Art & Design courses.
- Ability to create schemes of work, lesson plans, and project briefs using diverse creative techniques.
- Experience adapting teaching methods for mixed ability and diverse learners is advantageous.
Technical Skills
- Confident use of Microsoft Office suite (Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
- Ability to track student progress using college management systems.
- High organisational skills with a track record of meeting deadlines.
Soft Skills & Compliance
- Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and motivate diverse learners.
- Experience in cross-college or multi-disciplinary collaboration is beneficial.
- Commitment to safeguarding, EDI, and health & safety standards.
- A student-centred approach, coupled with flexibility and enthusiasm for continual professional development.
What is an Associate?
Associates operate on a short-term, assignment basis, teaching or providing support under the guidance of core staff. During the contract period, you will receive an Associate Agreement. Interviews will be held at a date to be confirmed.
For further details, see the Job Description attached to this vacancy.
Core Organisational Values
Successful candidates must align with our VALUEs:
- Valuing Teamwork: Collaboration is key to achieving great outcomes.
- Improving Continuously: Embracing innovation, knowledge-sharing, and self-reflection.
- Student-Centred: Prioritising students in all decision-making for positive and memorable experiences.
- Inclusive: Celebrating differences and leveraging diversity for collective growth.
- Open & Caring: Fostering a trusting, supportive environment for staff, students, and the wider community.
- Nurturing Education Excellence: Delivering programmes that inspire learners to achieve their ambitions.


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About Bedford College & Group
Bedford College operates across multiple sites, including:
- Cauldwell Street Campus (main site)
- Hair & Beauty Salon (High Street)
- Advanced Automotive Centre (Brunel Road)
- Gas & Plumbing Technology Centre (Kempston)
Since its inception in 2017, the Bedford College Group (emerging from the merger of Bedford College & Tresham College) has grown into the largest education provider in the South East Midlands, supporting over 15,000 students annually.
Colleges & Centres in the Group:
- Bedford College
- Tresham College (sites in Corby, Kettering, Northamptonshire)
- Central Bedfordshire College
- Shuttleworth College (specialist land-based education)
- The Bedford Sixth Form
- The Corby Sixth Form (opened September 2023)
- National College for Motorsport (Silverstone)
- Community Learning Centres in Bedford, Corby, and Kettering (offering IT training).
Safeguarding & Compliance
The Bedford College Group is fully committed to safeguarding children and young people. All successful candidates will undergo:
- Enhanced DBS check
- Satisfactory reference checks
Important Note: This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 due to direct work with children. Candidates with relevant barred lists or unspent convictions are reminded that applying for this position is a criminal offence. Refer to our attached DBS Policy and Employment of Ex-Offenders Policy for details.
Interviews: To be confirmed.
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