ACL Transformation Director
Temporary, Part Time
Up to £900 per day, Umbrella (Inside IR35)
Location: Chelmsford
Working Style: Anywhere worker
Closing Date: Monday 15th June 2026
This is a part-time, temporary position for a period of six months with a
possibility of an extension. The role requires a commitment of up to four
days per week (or weekly hourly equivalent), with flexibility to align with
key meetings and project deadlines. Work will be carried out through a
hybrid model, combining remote delivery with on-site activity at ACL
centres, as needed.
Overview
ACL Essex is entering a critical phase of transformation to strengthen its
position as a key driver of economic growth, social mobility, and community
resilience across the county. In response to significant shifts in funding
policy, labour market demands, and the future devolution landscape, ACL is
redesigning its operating model to become more agile, financially
sustainable, and impact-focused.
The Fit for the Future programme brings together this strategic change,
aligning policy, curriculum, workforce, technology, and customer experience
to ensure ACL delivers a modern, skills-led offer that meets the needs of
residents, employers, and disadvantaged communities. This transformation
will enable ACL to operate with greater efficiency, extend its reach, and
enhance outcomes in employment, health, wellbeing, and lifelong learning.
ACL’s journey is one of modernisation and reinvention—ensuring the right
offer reaches the right people, in the right place, and securing ACL’s role
as a vital service within Essex’s evolving public service landscape.
Roles & Responsibilities
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Lead the delivery of ACL’s transformation agenda, overseeing the
definition, implementation, governance, and performance assurance
of a portfolio of transformation projects and programmes.
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Ensure the portfolio is balanced in terms of risk, compliance,
achievability, and financial sustainability, with projects
delivered on time, within budget, and achieving expected outcomes
and savings.
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Provide strategic thought leadership in the development and
implementation of ACL transformation initiatives, improving
outcomes for residents while maintaining financial sustainability.
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Maintain alignment with ACL’s strategic intent, organisational
ambitions, and wider ECC priorities, including Devolution and Local
Government Reform.
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Direct and support the team in delivering complex programmes of
work, from scoping and stakeholder engagement to investment and
embedding, while coaching and challenging to keep delivery on
track.
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Foster a culture of innovation and rapid prototyping, encouraging
swift delivery, learning from quick failures, and embedding
continuous improvement.
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Anticipate and mitigate risks, challenges, and blockers by
implementing preventative actions and contingency plans.
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Create and communicate a compelling narrative for transformation
initiatives and ACL’s future roadmap, tailored for internal and
external audiences including senior leaders, members, scrutiny
panels, and political stakeholders.
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Translate complex delivery issues into clear, concise updates for
diverse audiences, ensuring transparency and accountability.
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Coach, develop, and challenge service leadership to strengthen
delivery capability, motivating and energising teams to achieve
pace, innovation, and consistent follow-through.
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Build strong cross-organisational relationships with HR, Finance,
Digital, PMO, and service leads to ensure collaborative success.
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Support the Transformation Team in resolving complex design and
delivery issues, providing mentoring and guidance to maintain
programme schedules and positioning ACL as an innovative national
leader.
Candidate experience required:
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Expert-level understanding of Adult Learning and Skills
development, including current funding regulations (formerly ESFA).
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Significant experience of leading complex transformation in
adult/further education or a comparable public-sector environment.
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Proven ability to navigate and apply complex programme delivery
frameworks, ensuring compliance and effective outcomes.
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Deep understanding of Adult Community Learning, funding regulations
(formerly ESFA), MIS/data and digital systems.
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Proven track record of delivering measurable savings and service
improvements at pace.
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Strong political awareness and experience of working with elected
members and senior officers.
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Excellent communication, facilitation and coaching skills.
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Strong knowledge of data management, digital systems, and
transformation methodologies, with the capacity to drive innovation
and efficiency across diverse projects.
