Families First Strategic Education Lead

Overview

Are you passionate about shaping the future of education and safeguarding for children? We’re looking for a Strategic Education Lead to play a pivotal role in driving forward joint planning and collaboration in preparation for the Children’s and Education reforms and Families First for Children Partnership Programme across all schools in Buckinghamshire.

This is a unique opportunity to influence system-wide reforms brought about by the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill—the most significant change in children’s policy in over 20 years. If you thrive on collaboration, innovation, and making a real difference for children and young people, this role is for you.

Annual Salary: £86,140 to £90,674

This is a fixed term/Secondment role until 31^st December 2026

About us

Buckinghamshire Council is a relatively new organisation that combines the strengths and expertise of the previous five councils in the county to create positive change for local people, communities, and businesses. We are firmly focused on the future and have made a clear commitment to serve residents better and to provide stronger representation for Buckinghamshire, both locally and nationally. 

We are looking for motivated, ambitious and inspiring people to join us on our journey. You will be entitled to a range of different benefits to make sure you are happy both at work and at home.

About the role

As Strategic Education Lead, you’ll be the key ambassador for education within the Families First programme, driving transformation across schools and educational settings from early years through to post-16. You’ll:

• Be influential, highly experienced in the field of education and be able to lead engagement with school leaders and safeguarding teams to ensure strong buy-in and co-design of services.
• Act as the main point of contact for schools, providing guidance on new statutory duties and reforms and how they are to be implemented in practice.
• Develop and lead an education working group representing diverse educational settings.
• Influence strategic direction, policy development, and service delivery aligned to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill.
• Deliver training, briefings, and communications to ensure schools are fully prepared for the changes ahead.

This is a high-impact role requiring strong leadership, influence, partnership-building, and the ability to navigate complex education reforms with confidence.

About you

We’re looking for someone who combines strategic vision with hands-on expertise in education and safeguarding. You will have:

• Significant experience in education leadership, ideally as a senior leader or Designated Safeguarding Lead.
• Deep knowledge of safeguarding legislation, child protection, and multi-agency working.
• Proven ability to build strong partnerships and influence at all levels.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with confidence in presenting to senior forums.
• A degree-level qualification (postgraduate preferred) and ideally DSL training or Qualified Teacher Status.

You’ll be ambitious, collaborative, and solution-focused, with resilience and drive to lead change that improves outcomes for children and young people.

Please see the job description attached for more information about this role.

Other information

For more information about this role, please contact Errol Albert at [email protected]

Closing date: Midnight on Thursday 18th December

Interview date: 8th to 12th January 2026

We reserve the right to close the vacancy once we have received sufficient applications, so please be advised to submit your application as early as possible.

Buckinghamshire Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk.

This post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare:

• All unspent cautions and/or unspent convictions

For further information on how long it takes for cautions and convictions cautions to become spent, please refer to our guide on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (updated 2023) | Nacro

Our values

We have a set of values, which our employees have chosen, that represent what we are – Proud, Ambitious, Collaborative and Trustworthy.

By joining Buckinghamshire Council, you can expect:

• a fair and inclusive culture
• the chance to really make a difference to those around you
• health and well-being initiatives including an Employee Assistance Programme, Mental Health First Aiders and mindfulness workshops
• a unified voice through our Employee Representative Group
• ongoing support, and the opportunity to develop and progress in your career with us
• opportunities to take part in fun activities such as fundraising and social events

At Buckinghamshire Council, we know that our biggest strength comes from the people that work for us, and that’s why we’re working hard to ensure we continue to be an accessible and inclusive organisation.

From dedicated staff networks overseen by our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Steering Group, to proudly standing as a Disability Confident employer, it’s important to us that all our colleagues feel engaged, listened to, and valued. Our offer of flexible working empowers a productive and happy workforce and allows employees to combine work with other responsibilities and commitments.

We believe our workforce should reflect the diverse communities we service in Buckinghamshire, and are looking for like-minded individuals to join us in promoting equality, fairness, and inclusion for everyone.

We recognise and reward you

Hard work and success deserves recognition. That’s why we pride ourselves on the benefits we give our people. We actively encourage a good work-life balance and promote flexible and agile working arrangements.

We provide discounts on various Cafés, restaurants and shops, a generous employer pension contribution in line with the Local Government Pension Scheme, discounts on gym memberships and more - https://jobs.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/working-buckinghamshire-council/