Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council,
Required from January 2025, or earlier, if possible, a 1 School Improvement Adviser (Education) to work with a locality-based group of schools within Sandwell, initially predominantly within the primary phase.
The successful applicant will need to have recent and relevant successful experience as a headteacher or of school leadership at a similar level and / or successful experience of working for a local authority as a school improvement adviser. Applicants will be knowledgeable about Ofsted processes and may be undertaking inspections on behalf of Ofsted. Experience of senior leadership in the secondary phase would also be welcome.
Sandwell School Improvement Service is a high performing team with a reputation of excellence across the local region. The team works closely with Headteachers, school governors and a range of LA services and HMI to ensure the best possible standards of education for our children.
The successful applicant should be conversant with the expectations of Local Authority work and should be able to contribute to the work of the team.
The post is based at Sandwell Council House but involves travelling across the borough and working outside of normal office hours to meet the needs of schools.
Closing date:
8th September 2025
Shortlisting
10th September 2025
Interview date:
19th September 2025
For an informal discussion, please contact Co-leads of the learning and advisory team -
Josie Leese
Mark Cadwallader
We reserve the right to close vacancies prior to their advertised date if we receive a large number of applications. Therefore, you are strongly advised to complete and return your application as soon as possible. When completing your application please refer to the supporting documents attached.
If you have a disability and require assistance in making an application, or have experienced a problem whilst applying for a position, please contact the Resourcing Team on or via e-mail to:
For more information about working for Sandwell Council, our recruitment process and our offer to you please visit
Click here to find out more about our One Team Framework: Values and Behaviours
Job Description
Job Title
School Improvement Adviser
Directorate
Children and Education
JE Ref No.
Band
Soulbury /25/26)
Service Area / Organisation
Learning and Improvement
Services (School Improvement)
Work base / Service area location
Responsible to
Head of Learning and
Advisory Support
Contacts
Members of the Public.
Elected Members.
Officers of the Council.
Professional Bodies.
Government Agencies.
Governing Bodies.
Schools; Voluntary Community; Partner and other external agencies
Persons responsible for:
N/A
Special conditions
Car Entitlement:
Casual
Approver:
None
Evening and weekend work.
Casual car user allowance
Working hours
37 hours per week in accordance with the requirements of the Service.
Work style
SMART/FIXED/HOME
Conditions of Service
Soulbury
Your current duties and responsibilities are: -
* To act as School Improvement Adviser to a group of schools undertaking the following duties by:
* Acting as a critical professional friend to the schools, helping their leadership to evaluate their schools' performance, identify priorities for improvement and plan effective change
* Helping to build the schools' capacity to improve pupils' achievement and to challenge other key outcomes for pupils that impact on achievement
* Contribute to whole-school improvement in the schools
* Provide challenge and support for the senior leadership team in the schools
* Provide information to governing bodies on their schools' performance and development
* Provide advice and guidance to the governing body to inform the performance management of the head teacher
* Discuss a package of support and challenge for the school (provided both by the local authority and/or external sources) and ensure that this is appropriately managed
This job description is a guide to the work you will initially be required to undertake. It may be reviewed from time to time to meet changing circumstances.
Ob Summary
* To act as a School Improvement Adviser within the borough of Sandwell
* Undertake the duties of a School Improvement Adviser
* To ensure effective linkages with key stakeholders.
* To contribute to the strategic management of the Council as required, always acting as an exemplar of Sandwell Council Values
* To advise the Director of Children and Education and other officers on all matters relating to School Performance and the curriculum
* To liaise with other Education Directorate Managers to secure cross-phase coherence.
* Report the outcomes of the dialogue with the school to the school's governing body, the head teacher and the school's maintaining authority
* To undertake the following additional duties:
* To undertake the role of Adviser for a group of schools including monitoring duties as identified within the corporate, directorate and service plans.
* To liaise and where appropriate work in partnership with other Sandwell officers, advisers and teams to secure coherence
* To provide a reference point for LA officers in contact with a school, receiving School Performance information as necessary and when appropriate raising concern with Senior Officers and/or the Head Teacher
* To support schools in developing self-review processes
* To undertake review activities as required by the needs of the service
* To provide monitoring reports for a variety of audiences, including Governing Bodies and Council Scrutiny Committees
* To monitor the quality of education and provide support to school leaders within the framework of the Strategic Education Plan
* To provide additional challenge and/or support to Head Teachers of schools causing concern in line with the framework for intervention
* To work with designated schools on a consultancy basis or as required to improve the quality of education and leadership and management
* To advise Governing Bodies on school development matters, including Head Teacher appointments and all aspects of curriculum organisation and management
* To contribute to the School Improvement development programmes and the dissemination of good practice in Sandwell schools
* To contribute as a key team player in supporting service income generation
* To be deployed to schools, as required by the needs of the Service, to act as Head Teacher or equivalent, pending the securing of appropriate headship arrangements.
* To take a lead in developing specialist areas in supporting schools.
* To establish consultative and informative relations with Members, Council Officers, Head Teachers, Governing Bodies, communities, relevant local, regional and national partner and other organisations, Trade Unions and representatives from the voluntary, private and public sectors, participating in working groups, as required.
* To participate in the operation of the Council's Appraisal Scheme.
* Championing and executing an open culture of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) throughout the council which reflects the council's policy, values and behaviours.
* Such other duties as may be appropriate to achieve the objectives of the post to assist the Service Area in the fulfilment of its objectives commensurate with the post holder's salary grade, abilities and aptitudes.
* The post holder must at all times carry out his/her responsibilities with due regard to the Council's policy, organisation and arrangements for Health and Safety at Work.
Personnel Specification
Job Title
School Improvement Adviser
Directorate
Children and Education
JE Ref. No.
Band
Soulbury
20-23
(24/25/26)
Service
Learning and Improvement Services (School Improvement)
Completed By
Julie Andrews
Date of Issue
December 2023
The Personnel Specification outlines the main attributes needed to adequately perform the post specified. In drawing together the specification, a critical examination of the job description has been undertaken to pinpoint those elements of the post deemed as essential.
The Personnel Specification is intended to give prospective candidates a better understanding of the position's requirements. It will be used as part of the recruitment process in identifying and shortlisting candidates and in determining an applicant's suitability for employment, whilst giving due consideration to the need to make reasonable adjustments in line with the requirements of the Equality Act 2010.
Essential
N/A
How Identified
* Qualifications
What does the job require in the way of: -
Level of formal qualifications required to carry out the job. Describe these by level of attainment and by subject matter where appropriate, e.g.
Degree, HNC, Professional
Qualifications, GCSE's, CIPFA etc. Consider carefully whether these are absolutely necessary.
Graduate or equivalent.
Qualified Teacher Status
Relevant post-entry qualification in the field of Education
Formal possession of an appropriate qualification to be verified at interview or from records.
* Experience
What does the job require in the way of: -
Specific related job experience and in what type of working environment. What kind of life experience could supplement or replace this? Which is more important to the success of the job?
Recent and relevant successful experience as a headteacher or of school senior leadership at a similar level and / or successful experience of working for a Local Authority as a School Improvement Adviser.
The candidate should have some experience of the preparation of reports on educational matters.
Proven success with regards to the training and development of staff.
Working with other schools to secure improvement in range of areas.
An understanding of working with children growing up in an inner urban environment.
At least 12 months experience of supporting development planning in an educational environment.
At least 12 months experience of supporting successful school self-review, linked to whole school improvement.
Past employment activity record.
Performance in related selection methods, e.g. presentation, group discussion.
* Training What does the job require in the way of: - Specific and/or specialist training in order to do the job, e.g. training in recruitment and selection, supervisory, management, interpersonal skills. Apprenticeship in a recognised trade. Practical training in the use of specific equipment, word processing etc.
Relevant training in the field of education, particularly in the Secondary/Primary Phases.
Appropriate professional training leading to qualification.
Significant post-entry attendance on continuing professional development courses including those relating to:
* The National Curriculum
* Management.
* Ofsted framework
* School Evaluation
* transition
Past training history from application form and records. Selection process by
demonstration
of
ability to display knowledge and skills at the interview.
* Special Knowledge What special knowledge is required in order to perform the job properly, e.g. a knowledge of employment legislation, accounting, financial planning regulations, languages, computer systems, local area etc? An understanding of the latest Ofsted Inspection Framework.
An understanding of strategic approaches to school improvement and the centrality of school self-review.
An understanding of the role of assessment in supporting learning and the strategies for its whole school management.
An understanding of the responsibilities and the role of Governing Bodies.
Sound knowledge of all statutory requirements relating to education, including secondary vocational subjects.
Broad knowledge of curriculum issues.
Analytical reporting and presentation skills.
Project management skills.
Knowledge of provision for targeted groups of pupils within an educational setting.
Direct knowledge of supporting nursery/primary schools in development planning.
Insight into the issues surrounding Phase Transitions and access to Early Years education.
Knowledge of developing a child's capacity for learning and a clear understanding of how this knowledge can impact on raising achievement.
An understanding of Government's Academy Programme
Qualifications Held And Demonstration Of Knowledge At Interview.
* Circumstances (personal) What kind of personal circumstances are required to do the job properly? The ability to work shifts, weekends etc. The willingness and ability to travel and stay away from home. Willingness to live-in if the job requires. Ability to drive, car ownership.
Must be able to travel extensively and to various locations throughout the Borough.
Able and willing to work outside normal office hours including evenings and occasional weekends.
Ensuring candidates are aware of these requirements from the job description. Interview questions and application details.
* Values & Behaviours Consider how you would want the successful applicant to demonstrate the council's values and behaviours. Which are particularly important for the role and how might these be evidenced? One Team – United and working together with the shared purpose of achieving great results. Customer Focussed – We care about providing the best possible public service. Inclusive – Treating each other with respect and knowing our diversity is our strength. Ambitious- Striving for excellence, always looking to get better and making sure everyone can take pride in our borough. Accountable- Delivering what we say we will. Well-developed communication skills to enable successful engagement with other team members and partners.
As a team member, open to change, but with the ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
Customer focussed with the ability to communicate positively to a range of stakeholders.
Excellent interpersonal skills which contribute to overall improved performance and raising of standards.
Committed to continuous development of own skills and knowledge.
An open and honest approach when working with others
Performance in related selection process, e.g.
exercises, group discussion, problemsolving, questions etc.
* Practical and Intellectual Skills What practical and intellectual skills are required for performing the job effectively? Does the person need to be a practically orientated person; should they be able to make decisions, should they be able to understand information derived from complex reports? What degree of manual dexterity is needed? Does the applicant need to be mechanically minded? Good communication skills.
Team approach to management.
Leadership qualities.
Ability to work in a multi-agency context.
Ability to relate to people at all levels.
Analytical reporting and presentation skills.
Project management skills.
Ability to interpret legislation.
Ability to interpret complex data sets
Good negotiation and influencing skills.
Ability to represent the Council positively to an external audience.
Good IT skills
Ability to work autonomously and manage time effectively
Performance in related selection process.
* Legal Requirements Are there any limitations or requirements imposed by statute that candidates must comply with, e.g. special qualifications, minimum age range etc.? Are there any "Genuine Occupational Qualifications" as defined in legislation which apply to this post? This position is subject to an enhanced DBS check.
Application form and interview questioning and references.
THE REMAINING SECTIONS ARE TO BE COMPLETED BY MANAGERS AND ARE FOR THE APPLICANT'S INFORMATION ONLY.
9
.
Background Checks
Please ✓ required check(s) referring to Section 9 of Guidance on completing individual sections of the Personnel
Specification
The post is subject to the following
Background Check(s) which will be undertaken, where applicable, following a conditional offer of appointment.
* Enhanced DBS with Children's and Adults Barring List Check
Only
one
or
none
of these checks (a – f) may be applicable.
* Enhanced DBS with Adults Barring List Check
* Enhanced DBS with Children's Barring List Check
* Enhanced DBS Check
* Standard DBS Check
* Basic Disclosure Check
Police Vetting Check
This check may also be required in addition to one from (a-f) above
No Check Required
* Politically Restricted Post Is this post a "politically restricted post"? Yes No Applicants can gain further information on Politically Restricted posts in the "Information for job applicants' booklet".
* Main Physical Activities/ Requirements of the Post. Please ✓ if activity requires to be undertaken. The Council will make reasonable adjustments that are necessary for the successful candidate to undertake any of these activities Lifting / manual handling / client handling
Prolonged standing or sitting
Working at heights
Prolonged working with vibrating tools / machinery
Working in confined spaces
Bending / Squatting / Kneeling
Working outdoors
Manual cleaning /domestic duties
Agricultural / gardening work
Food Handling
Work requiring respirators or masks
Rotating shift work or night work
Work requiring hearing protection
Driving Duties HGV / LGV/ Minibus / Passenger carrying
Work with skin irritants / allergens / respiratory irritants/fine particles
Any other driving duties
Significant use of computers
Using restraint
Working with children or vulnerable adults
High mental stress content
Permanent night work
Physical / sport / leisure duties
Lone working
Regular walking on uneven ground
Working with challenging behaviours
Other main physical
activities not listed above
* Safety Critical Posts
A pre-employment/placement medical assessment with Occupational Health is required for any employee who is undertaking a safety critical post.
A safety critical post is one that is likely to be exposed to:-
* Noise (e.g. gardeners using mowers and highways road workers)
* Vibration o Hand/arm vibration (e.g. gardeners using blowers and/or strimmers, road workers, arborists, cleaners using buffers and countryside workers)
o Whole body vibration (e.g. tractor drivers)
* Hazardous substances (i.e. solvents, fumes, dusts, biological agents and other substances hazardous to health) (e.g. School Design and Technology Technicians)
Also, the following posts: Fleet Drivers (where it is an essential requirement of the job to hold a valid driving licence in order to carry out the duties of the role), Trading Standards Officers, Vehicle Mechanics, School Crossing Patrol
Operatives, employees working with asbestos and employees with responsibility for the health and well being of children and adults during the night require a pre-employment/placement medical.
Other Night workers (e.g. care workers and concierge staff) will be given the option to receive preemployment/placement screening if they are offered the position
Having reviewed the criteria outlined in Section 12 is this post a
"Safety Critical" post?
Yes
No
* Language Requirements
Is this post covered by part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016), and therefore, the ability to speak fluent and spoken English is an essential requirement for this role? For example:
* The employee will work in a customer-facing role.
* The employee is required to speak to members of the public in English and this forms a regular and intrinsic part of the role.
* The employee requires a command of spoken English, to enable the effective performance of the role.
Yes
No
* Keeping Children Safe in Education
Is this post based in either a School or a residential education centre, or is the post holder required to have a DBS (regulated activity) check to enter a School to carry out their duties?
Yes
No
WeAreSandwell
The successful applicant should be conversant with the expectations of Local Authority work and should be able to contribute to the work of the team.
The post is based at Sandwell Council House but involves travelling across the borough and working outside of normal office hours to meet the needs of schools.