Exclusion and Prevention Lead Officer

Birmingham City Council; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Birmingham is seeking a strategic Exclusion and Prevention Lead Officer to ensure children thrive in an inclusive educational environment. The role focuses on leading the Exclusions Service, partnering with schools, and implementing effective solutions to prevent exclusions. Candidates should have relevant qualifications and experience working with children and schools, especially in challenging situations. This position also offers flexible working, professional development, and a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Flexible working options

Generous annual leave and pension scheme

Qualifications

• Experience with schools and children with behaviour difficulties.
• Experience leading national and local initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Exclusions Service and develop inclusive pathways.
• Work with schools to address exclusion issues.
• Manage safeguarding duties and risks.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Building relationships

Safeguarding children

Conflict resolution

Communication skills

Education

Degree-level education or relevant professional qualification

Job description

Overview

Are you committed to ensuring every child and young person can thrive in an inclusive educational environment? Birmingham City Council is seeking a strategic and dynamic leader to join our Children and Families Directorate as the Exclusion and Prevention Lead Officer. The role leads the Exclusion Service, works in partnership with schools to prevent exclusions, and delivers inclusive pathways.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Exclusions Service and develop inclusive pathways to prevent exclusion from school.
• Work in partnership within the directorate and with schools, settings, and agencies to address issues that lead to exclusion.
• Develop and retain oversight of the Exclusions Strategy.
• Engage with schools and settings to support Alternative Provision, Managed Moves, and Inclusive Pathways.
• Promote, lead, and implement change, ensuring continuous improvement through effective service planning and performance monitoring.
• Undertake safeguarding duties and manage thresholds and risks in collaboration with Education Safeguarding and Children out of Sight.
• Manage the deployment of teams, including performance management and capability.
• Investigate complaints and disciplinary matters in accordance with Directorate procedures.
• Oversee financial and physical resources to ensure effective and efficient service delivery.
• Set clear, measurable, and achievable goals for the service and inspire high‑quality service delivery.
• Ensure activities are carried out within budget and in line with legislative, regulatory, and national requirements.

Qualifications

• Hold a degree‑level education or relevant professional qualification.
• Possess substantial experience of working with schools and children and young people with behaviour difficulties.
• Have considerable experience providing advice and guidance in line with statutory procedures.
• Demonstrate experience of leading and implementing national and local initiatives, with accurate application of regulations/legislation.
• Are skilled in dealing with sensitive and emotional situations, maintaining confidentiality.
• Show proactivity in safeguarding children, using sound judgement to protect from harm.
• Set clear direction, objectives, and responsibilities, assuming accountability and inspiring others by acting with integrity.
• Build and motivate teams, creating a positive and collaborative environment.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with colleagues, external agencies, children, families, and carers.
• Display successful persuasion and influencing skills on complex and sensitive issues.
• Understand and interpret complex written reports and policy documents, evaluating arguments effectively.
• Plan and prioritise work to meet deadlines, ensuring robust procedures and accurate records.

Benefits

• A supportive and collaborative work environment.
• Opportunities for professional development and training.
• Flexible working options and support for those with caring responsibilities.
• A commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• Excellent terms and conditions, generous annual leave, a great pension scheme, well‑being support, and annual travel passes.

Application

Please upload an up‑to‑date CV and Supporting Statement via the attachments part of your application. The Supporting Statement should outline how you meet the criteria for the role through your personal qualities, skills and experience and include your motivation for applying to the post. Note the Personal Statement should be no more than 1500 words. Unfortunately, we cannot consider any applications without a CV and Personal Statement attached. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and aim to have a workforce that represents the communities we serve. We are an accredited Disability Confident Leader employer and are committed to employing, retaining and developing all of our people. Please let us know if there are any reasonable adjustments, additional support, accessibility needs, or if there is any way in which we can support you through your application.