Interim Principal Education Welfare Officer
West Berkshire Council
Contract: 6+ months ongoing
Working Pattern: Hybrid (approximately 40% office-based)
We are currently working with West Berkshire Council to recruit an experienced Interim Principal Education Welfare Officer to support their Education service.
This is a senior leadership role with strategic and operational responsibility for school attendance, access to education, and statutory education functions across the borough.
Key Responsibilities
• Lead and manage education welfare and attendance services across the authority
• Ensure the Local Authority meets all statutory duties relating to school attendance and access to education
• Drive improvements in attendance outcomes for children and young people
• Provide strategic direction and operational oversight to the service
• Manage and develop staff, including direct line management responsibilities
• Work collaboratively with schools, partners and internal stakeholders
Requirements
• Significant experience within Education Welfare or Attendance services at a senior level
• Strong knowledge of statutory education responsibilities and compliance requirements
• Proven leadership and management experience
• Ability to work both strategically and operationally
• Willingness to work flexibly, including occasional evenings if required
• Able to travel independently across the borough
This is an excellent opportunity to take on a key leadership role within a well-regarded Local Authority, supporting positive outcomes for children and young people