Role Overview
We are looking for a confident and versatile architect with a keen interest in education buildings to join the Department for Education’s Education Estates Directorate as a design advisor. The role is located in the Technical Standards division and is part of the multidisciplinary Design Team that advises on architecture, building and climate in the education estate.
The position is part‑time (0.6 FTE) and reports to the Head of Technical Assurance (Design). It involves advising on quality and technical requirements in new and refurbishment building projects across major capital programmes in England to deliver healthy, safe and sustainable places for education.
Key Responsibilities
* Carry out technical assurance reviews and provide advice on school and college designs at different project stages, including high‑risk types, in line with DfE standards and policies.
* Prepare technical standards, guidance documents and specifications as required, and support sector requirements from furniture and equipment to space and site standards.
* Design, deliver and present training and presentations to address DfE priorities, report to senior stakeholders and respond to technical queries.
* Support all aspects related to scope, policy and delivery, covering educational, operational, sustainability, net‑zero, inclusion, procurement and standardisation.
* Contribute to best‑practice portfolios, manage sector data, gather lessons learned, collect evidence, carry out research and prepare sector updates.
* Coordinate with other design advisors and subject‑matter leads, build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, and influence internal and external audiences.
* Lead projects on developing design and technical standards, including preparing briefs, commissioning consultants, driving outcomes, reporting on findings and monitoring budgets and programmes.
Key Qualifications and Experience
* Architect professional qualification and relevant experience in new build and refurbishment projects for schools and colleges.
* Solid understanding of technical policies, systems and mechanisms that influence design and construction of educational buildings.
* Experience with sector requirements – furniture, equipment, space standards, site requirements, sustainability and procurement.
* Ability to communicate technical and quality requirements to a range of audiences, including presenting to senior stakeholders.
* Project management experience – managing, monitoring and reporting on projects and programmes of work.
* Desirable criteria:
o Representing the client’s interests on education capital construction projects, or working within schools or Trusts.
o Expertise in early years provision, post‑16 and special education needs in mainstream schools.
o Specialist expertise in SEND and Alternative Provision.
o Ability to gather, analyse and interpret qualitative and quantitative evidence, including data from Post‑Occupancy Evaluation studies.
Application Process
Applicants should submit a CV and a Statement of Suitability (maximum 750 words). The selection will assess experience against the essential criteria and behaviours listed above. Successful candidates will be asked to prepare a 5‑minute presentation and attend an interview. Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview.
Working Hours, Pay and Benefits
The role is part‑time (0.6 FTE). The salary for this position is £58,185, with an additional £16,856 contribution to the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Annual leave starts at 25 days and increases to a maximum of 30 days after five years of service. Staff receive King's Birthday holiday, 8 bank and public holidays and the opportunity for professional development. Travel to the primary office location is covered if you are not based there.
Equality and Diversity
The Department for Education welcomes applications from all backgrounds and is committed to equal opportunities. Reasonable adjustments will be made for applicants with disabilities. All applicants are assessed on their knowledge and skills, not on personal characteristics.
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