Deputy Director of Education and Inclusion

Oxfordshire County Council; Packmoor; On-site; GBP 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in the United Kingdom is seeking a Deputy Director of Education and Inclusion to enhance educational outcomes and inclusivity for children and young people. This leadership role encompasses the management of a large portfolio of services, strategic planning, and collaboration with educational leaders. A strong candidate will have extensive experience in public service leadership and a commitment to best practices in education and inclusion. This position offers a competitive salary and various benefits, emphasizing a flexible and inclusive workplace.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Technology to support agile working

Up to 33 days holiday

Employee Assistance Programme

Local Government pension scheme

Enhanced family-friendly policies

Shopping and travel discounts

Unlimited tea and coffee

Learning and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven track record of leading large, complex public sector services.
• Deep knowledge of legislation and policy in education and inclusion.
• Experience in financial stability and budget management.

Responsibilities

• Shape the future of education and inclusion across the council.
• Manage statutory operations for children from pre-birth to 25 years.
• Line-manage Assistant Directors in education services.

Skills

Leadership

Collaboration

Strategic planning

Evidence-based decision making

Education

Professional education qualification

Job description

Deputy Director of Education and Inclusion

As the Deputy Director of Education and Inclusion, your leadership will foster collaboration among Education Leaders and Partners across our system to enhance inclusivity and improve educational outcomes for children and young people throughout Oxfordshire.

You will oversee the daily operations and delivery of statutory education and inclusion services, leading a substantial workforce covering children from pre‑birth to 25 years (or 19 years under certain legal frameworks). You will line‑manage Assistant Directors responsible for Sufficiency, Standards, Effectiveness and Performance, and SEND and Inclusion.

You may be expected to cover the Director of Children’s Services role when required and lead strategic planning, technical management, and service delivery for Education and Inclusion. This is a large, high‑risk, highly regulated portfolio that drives strategic priorities across a widespread range of high‑profile front‑line services, including safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing and outcomes of all children in Oxfordshire, including those who are visiting or placed under Belonging Regulations.

Embodying our value of ‘daring to do it differently,’ you will understand what ‘Good or Better’ looks like and strive for continuous improvement. By using evidence, data, and assurance mechanisms, you will champion best practices and advocate for children and young people, ensuring their needs and outcomes are at the forefront of all initiatives.

Main duties of the job

Our Council has a population of 750,000 and about 155,000 children, 367 schools and settings ranging from rural primary to inner‑city secondary schools and post‑16 colleges. Education and our settings are the greatest universal service we provide, supporting equality of opportunity and the personal and social development of our children and young people. Safeguarding and supporting schools to deliver quality first teaching is at the heart of what we do.

Key responsibilities

• Shape the future of education and inclusion across Oxfordshire, leading the council’s strategy and delivery.
• Manage day‑to‑day operations of statutory education and inclusion services for children from pre‑birth to 25 years.
• Line‑manage Assistant Directors across School and Setting services (Sufficiency, Standards, Effectiveness & Performance) and SEND and Inclusion.
• Drive strategic planning, technical management, and service delivery, ensuring regulatory compliance and continuous improvement.
• Safeguard and promote the wellbeing of all children, including those under the Belonging Regulations.
• Advocate for best practice, evidence‑based decision making, and a high‑performance culture.

About you

You are a seasoned senior leader with a proven track record of leading large, complex services in the public sector. You possess deep knowledge of legislation, policy, and best practice in education and inclusion, and you inspire and motivate your workforce to achieve continuous improvement.

Equally important you exemplify our core values:

• Always learning – a professional education qualification, significant senior‑leadership experience, and a talent for strategic delivery.
• Be Kind and Care – a natural leader who respects diverse backgrounds and promotes inclusive culture.
• Equality and Integrity in all you do – a solid understanding of national and local government policies, emerging trends, and inclusive practices.
• Taking responsibility – ownership of financial stability, budget management, and the vision of Oxfordshire County Council.
• Daring to do it differently – substantive experience leading diverse teams, uniting activities to achieve aligned objectives.

You are passionate about delivering stand‑out public services and making every moment the best it can be for residents of Oxfordshire.

Rewards and benefits

• Competitive salary £120K to reflect the significance of the post.
• Technology to support agile working where role permits.
• Up to 33 days holiday p.a. plus bank holidays, with option to buy additional holiday.
• Employee Assistance Programme including health and wellbeing support.
• Local Government contributory pension scheme, with employer contribution up to 19.9%.
• Enhanced family‑friendly policies.
• Local and national shopping and travel discounts.
• Unlimited tea and coffee, and access to local café discounts.
• Great learning and development opportunities.

Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

We are proud of our diverse workforce and welcome everyone for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or while on maternity or family leave. We support staff through network groups providing peer support, education and safe spaces.

Guaranteed interview schemes

As a Disability‑Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria. We also guarantee interviews for care leavers, apprentices and for those transitioning from HM Armed Forces within three years of leaving the service.

Safeguarding

We commit to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults, and expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.

Flexible working

We are open to flexible working arrangements, including flexi‑time, full‑time, part‑time, job sharing, nine‑day fortnights and annualised hours, tailored to the role’s requirements.

Contact

To discuss this role confidentially, contact Simon Winspear at 07525466357 or [e-mail]. For technical issues with the application system, please contact us at [e-mail].

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.