lecturer

support practitioner

program director

tutor

liaison

East-Kent-Colleges-Group

For me personally, I could be anywhere. I started in the learning support centre, before moving to support in mainstream and finally bolstering GCSE subjects.  I started off really loving my job and put myself for the college. Initially the LSP department was really strong and we really supported one another which managers and SLT really didn't like and would often find way to divide staff and this meant morale hit an all time low. 

What I did not like about the college was managers were made managers because they were controllable, if SLT didn't think they could mould you, career progression was non existence. One particular manager could not manage and would always call on SLT to support them even when making enquiries, they just could not cope. Managers were usually people who have no experience and were the only ones to apply. 

The college were constantly preaching about speaking up but when you do because it is important you are made to feel stupid and belittled. When I left I was asked for reasons why. Obviously not liking these answers I was threatened and HR bad mouthed me with each reference. Unjustified and full of lies. 

The reason I did the job was for the students, I was very lucky to have some challenging situations that I worked hard to turn around and seeing them achieve their goals was amazing.

Working at EKC is a bit of a mixed bag. The day-to-day job as support staff is generally alright, and one positive is that no two days are ever the same – it keeps things interesting. However, the pay for support roles isn't great, especially when compared to how generously other departments seem to be paid, often without a clear reason why.

Management can be frustrating at times – decisions don’t always make sense, and communication isn’t the best. The college often claims it's struggling financially, yet somehow finds the budget for expensive, unnecessary purchases. There’s a definite “it’s not my money, it’s tax money” attitude, which can be hard to watch when basic resources are lacking elsewhere.

Safeguarding procedures are decent in theory, but in practice they can fall short – especially when tutors don’t pull their weight. Too often, support staff are left picking up responsibilities that should really fall on teaching staff, like behaviour management and classroom discipline. It can feel like some tutors are all too happy to pass off the difficult bits.

Overall, there are good days, and the job can be rewarding, but there’s a lot of room for improvement – especially when it comes to fairness, responsibility, and financial priorities.

Due to nature of my role,no two days are the same, and i am afforded a great deal of flexibility and autonomy. As a neurodivergent with caring responsibilities, the  flexibility and autonomy in my schedule, allows me the BEST work-life balance i've experienced in my entire career. The group encourages and offers where possible, flexibility, which makes such a huge difference to those of us who otherwise would be unable to work. Kudos to EKC Group for being so inclusive in this way. 
This has also been the driving force for my consistently high productivity and job satisfaction.
My business unit encourages the sharing of ideas and suggestions, a very innovative and progressive approach to management and fostering an open culture.  
Personal development is not just a tick box exercise it is actively encouraged, as is internal promotion and progression. 
I have found that there is no 'hard' part of the job, however, i am of the opinion that you get out what you put in!
Most enjoyable part of the job is absolutely the people. There is an abundance of very talented, fun individuals working in the group, happy to share experience and knowledge. 

My interview and onboarding process with EKC Group were smooth, well-structured, and fully supported. From day one, I was made to feel welcome due to the friendly approach of colleagues and the helpful training provided, which allowed me to settle in quickly and feel comfortable in my new role.
In my position, I have the opportunity to work on a variety of projects, which has given me valuable insight into the organisation, the higher education sector, and effective recruitment practices. Alongside this, I’ve been able to further develop my digital skills, particularly in Excel.
The management team are approachable, supportive, and always willing to give clear guidance whenever I have questions. This creates a workplace culture that feels inclusive, collaborative, and relaxed, while still encouraging professional growth.
What I value most in my role is the strong focus on continuous professional development. I’m constantly learning from knowledgeable colleagues who are generous with their time and expertise, and this has been both motivating and inspiring. Overall, EKC Group has created an environment where I feel supported, challenged, and excited to keep developing my skills.

Many great people trying their best in difficult circumstances. The extremely dedicated, hardworking but frustrated staff are constantly squeezed to do more, with less. As far as institutional integrity "All students must pass" is a well understood maxim at EKC. To remain in post, staff are expected to drag any failing students through their qualification, by any means necessary, to ensure all students "pass" - lol. The small team of talentless bureaucrats laughingly referred to as Broadstairs College's senior leadership are wilfully out of touch with the staff they claim to lead and support. The culture at EKC, like many other FE groups, is basically profit-driven and pays only superficial lip service to the idea of providing a meaningful and high-quality learning experience. It's a sausage factory. Steer clear.

Worst job ever. Commenced employment 1 week before summer term began and was given a full teaching timetable with no PPA time included. Most of the course units had not been delivered in previous years so there were no resources, schemes of work or lesson plans currently in place. I had one week before students started and the first day was taken up with induction, another day I was required to support the department with student enrolment day and another day with all staff expected to attend talks from various members of senior management team in the morning and team staff meeting in afternoon. So I had 2 days to try to plan for units some of which were subjects I had never taught and no support from anyone. Struggled with the whole job which was completely unachievable. Took my concerns to line manager who offered no support. Other lecturers in the department told me they could not have fulfilled the requirements imposed on me and some of them had been there years. I could go on and on about the way I was failed by management but it serves no purpose now. 

East Kent college was just like working a full days work and studying the course was interesting,however it was not for me,therefore leaving the college gave me the option of looking for a job to get my life started. 

The environment was very comfortable to be around,with teachers and staff who kept each and single one safe and enjoyed their job teaching you. It was easy to get to one place to another with excellent space for everyone to be in.

I learned a lot about my course,mainly things I never knew about hair before and to learn different techniques was fairly interesting and surprisingly easy to what I expected it to be.

The most enjoyable part of the course was learning with people who are keen to learn and who are interesting people to be around which created a massive friendship within the group.

I was selected to do several commissions for both the college its self and for the 2015 WOW (Women of the world) festival. Each commission involved several meetings with the college and the specific clients about the specific kind of photographs that they want. After the meetings equipment lists and example sheets were drafted in accordance to the clients needs. When the day comes for the shoots we spend time ensuring everything was in order before setting out to the location and completing the shoots. 

The environment was relaxed but productive and the culture was friendly. The hardest part of the job was also the most enjoyable, the shoots took a lot of time and energy and making sure that everything they needed was accomplished was difficult but rewarding.

I have worked in many different departments, helping students with various learning difficulties and disabilities. I had a great team of co-workers who always kept each other and the students as their top priority and the overall atmosphere is pleasant and friendly. 

The hardest part of my job is the amount of change that happens within the college and the amount of different training and tasks we must adapt to, however my favourite part would also be that i have gained much valuable experience in many different places within my work and had the opportunity to work with a range of different people in different education subjects.

I worked here for a short amount of time and in that space felt really under supported. Staff constantly leaving me on my own just because of my qualifications, yet wouldn't pay me more. Dismissed for something that wasn't entirely my fault and the fault of the parents. Promised a pay rise months ago and still never had. All I can say is good riddance, because they clearly don't retain staff much and the hours are long an boring. Lied to about promotions.

Top Job Titles	Average salary
Lecturer 80 salaries reported	£36,103 per year
Support practitioner 16 salaries reported	£23,414 per year
Program director 14 salaries reported	£41,263 per year
Tutor 6 salaries reported	£35,403 per year
Liaison 12 salaries reported	£27,062 per year

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