Director: Education and Skills

The Role

Reporting to the Executive Director for Children's Services and Public Health, you'll lead a broad portfolio spanning SEND, school improvement, access and sufficiency, alternative provision, the Virtual School, skills, and wider leadership across education and early help.

The Council is proud of its strong performance, including an Outstanding Ofsted judgement and a top-tier Area SEND inspection outcome. Yet we remain ambitious to drive even greater inclusion, consistency and outcomes across the system.

A key priority will be leading the system response to growing SEND, sufficiency and DSG pressures, ensuring children and young people can access the right support at the right time. Implementation of the SEND reform plan will also be a major focus, requiring strong strategic leadership and a relentless focus on inclusion, sustainability and improved outcomes. Alongside this you’ll drive school improvement, strengthen skills and employment pathways, reduce NEET levels, and help shape future school place planning.

This is a highly influential, system-facing role requiring close collaboration with schools, MATs, health partners, the voluntary sector and elected members. You'll chair key partnerships and play a visible role in regional education forums and corporate leadership across the council. Collaboration is central to how we work, with education playing a vital role in our “One Council” approach to improving outcomes for children, young people and communities.

Please note that canvassing of officers or members in relation to this appointment will automatically disqualify any application from consideration.