High performers can focus on the tougher challenges.
With the vast majority of our schools rated good or outstanding, Buckinghamshire is already a great place to be in education. But we’re far from complacent: we know there’s always more to do, and we’re focusing on improving our approach to inclusion, and narrowing gaps in disadvantage and attainment. Moreover, we want to develop a more sophisticated approach to SEND strategy, with a stronger knowledge base and a laser-focus on child-centred provision.
As participants in the DfE’s Delivering Better Value SEND Programme, we see a real opportunity to innovate and embed a model of practice that also encompasses early help, social care and CAMHS. Your role will be to show us how we can accelerate that innovation and spread best practice.
By working with us, you are part of something bigger. As one of the biggest local authorities in the UK, we are part of a network of partners spanning both public and private sectors. Our work matters, and together, we can achieve big things.
About the Role
We are seeking someone to be a visible leader across the directorate, schools and with partners, working to:
- provide strategic leadership and direction, operational management and financial control for the Education service areas;
- be accountable for the performance of the Education service area and the delivery of high quality strategic aims. Support the Corporate Director for Children’s Services to deliver the desired culture and aims of the Council;
- ensure a focus on the most vulnerable children in education promoting an inclusive system;
- be an active member of the Children’s Services senior leadership team with collective responsibility for the managerial leadership of the function, encouraging a culture which promotes the values and behaviours of the council; and
- drive transformational change across the children’s system in order to achieve excellent member, customer and partner relationships while delivering cost effective, high quality services that improve outcomes for children and young people.
About you
We’re looking for an experienced and inspiring education professional with insight, credibility and the ability to help everyone working with Buckinghamshire’s children to make the most of our considerable potential.
You may have been a school or system leader, though it’s not essential; what we’re looking for is a high level of professional credibility, a profound grasp of how education can change lives, and a rare ability to unify our collective efforts in service of an inclusive, thriving vision.
Indicative Timetable
Closing date for applications: Thursday 5 October 2023
Preliminary/technical interviews (via Teams): Friday 10 November 2023
Final interviews (in Aylesbury): Thursday 16 November 2023
Details of the Panel Members and arrangements for interviews will be provided to selected candidates.
For a confidential discussion about the role please contact our retained consultants at Faerfield:
Martin Tucker
Tel: 0121 312 3755
Email: mtucker@faerfield.co.uk
Sarah Longbottom
Tel: 0121 312 3755
Email: slongbottom@faerfield.co.uk
To apply for this job please submit your CV, a Supporting Statement (no more than four sides of A4), a completed Candidate Application Form and a completed Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form to bucksc@faerfield.co.uk quoting: ‘Vacancy: Service Director Education & Inclusion (Ref: A000416)’.
Your supporting statement should express why you are interested in this role and what experience you can bring to the organisation. The statement should tackle the specific requirements of the role; outlining examples and outcomes showing how you meet those requirements.
Please also provide the names and contact details of two referees, one of whom should be your current or most recent employer. If you do not wish us to approach your referees without your prior permission, then you should state this clearly.
