Job Description

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