Great college, bad leadership. - Anonymous employee City Lit Employee Review

2.0
31 Aug 2018
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

I worked at the City Lit for over 6 years, and loved the teams and the ethos of the place. It's a very special college, that welcomes people from all walks of life, and that makes for a very rare and special place to work. The college seems to have a life and atmosphere of its own, no matter who has taken the helm (luckily).

Cons

During my time there, the college went from being a very flat organisational structure – with lots of opportunities for people to try things out and have their say – to a very hierarchical one. With the recruitment of a new head, it quickly turned into an 'old boys club', with most new projects being based on at the whims (and vanity) of the leadership, rather than the expertise of the teachers and full-time staff. Lots of 'friends' seemed to be brought in as leaders, and people who had dedicated much time and passion to the college over the years were pushed out. Because of this, the college ended up a much more competitive environment, and developed a blame culture. I really care about the organisation, hope the college has changed since and that their HR approaches have become more transparent. Thankfully I'm working somewhere much more open and accepting now.

Explore other reviews about City Lit

4.0
31 May 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

- Culture - Facilities - Opportunities for professional development within the same scale - Prestigious and centrally located

Cons

- Only part time role work offered - Little/no opportunities for professional progression within the department/college wide - The job relies on student enrolment/commitment year by year

3.0
11 Sept 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The job if you are organised is extremely easy, liason between tutors management and students. Nothing written down the system is arcane but you can make it work. If you enjoy interacting with people then it's great. If you have teaching experience then covering differing roles in the institute is quite easy to do

Cons

Lack of communication with management, they dont tend to k ow what you do whi b can be good and bad. Decisions often made above your head. Pay isnt great but holiday and pension is much better than average

See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All