Principal Educational Psychologist

Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council; Tees Valley; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Local Government pension

Generous annual leave

Flexible working

Support for private practice

Professional development funding

Relocation support

Job summary

Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council is seeking a Principal Educational Psychologist to lead and develop our Educational Psychology Service. You will provide professional leadership to EPs and Assistant EPs, shape strategy, recruit and grow the workforce, and drive high-quality, inclusive support for schools, settings, families and children.

With a strong emphasis on flexible, hybrid working, you will have autonomy to design services, deliver innovative practice, and impact SEND outcomes across the

Qualifications

• HCPC registration is required.
• Postgraduate qualification in Educational Psychology.
• Experience as a Senior or Main Grade Educational Psychologist.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and develop others.
• Strategic thinking and a commitment to inclusion and improving outcomes for children.

Responsibilities

• Lead, manage and develop our Educational Psychology Service.
• Provide professional leadership to Educational Psychologists and Assistant Educational Psychologists.
• Contribute to strategic SEND developments and help shape policy and provision.
• Shape service delivery across Stockton-on-Tees to improve outcomes for children and families.

Skills

HCPC registration

Education

Postgraduate qualification in Educational Psychology

Job description

Principal Educational Psychologist

Soulbury 8-14, £69,957 - £78,490 (plus ability to apply for up to 3 SPA points)

Access to a comprehensive benefits package including Local Government pension, generous annual leave, flexible working options, support for private practice (subject to safe working and EWTD requirements), funded professional development, and relocation support where applicable

Up to 37 hours per week | Flexible & Agile Working

This isn't just another Principal EP role.

This is an opportunity to shape and build an Educational Psychology Service your way.

After a period without a permanent Principal Educational Psychologist, we're looking for an ambitious, innovative and values-driven leader to take our service into its next chapter. You'll have the freedom and autonomy to influence strategy, develop the service, grow the workforce and create the culture you believe delivers the very best outcomes for children and young people.

If you've ever wanted the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy, this is it.

Already working in private practice? Don’t rule yourself out as we are happy to support you in maintaining this around this role.

Why Stockton-on-Tees?

At Stockton, you'll find something increasingly rare.

You’ll have the opportunity to:

• Shape the vision and future direction of the Educational Psychology Service
• Build and develop your own team, influencing recruitment, workforce planning and professional practice
• Drive innovation and creativity from day one
• Lead strategic SEND improvement across the Borough
• Develop a sustainable traded offer and influence how Educational Psychology is delivered locally
• Work alongside supportive senior leaders who genuinely value professional expertise and new ideas

Rather than inheriting a fixed way of working, you'll have the opportunity to help design what comes next.

Looking for a Better Work-Life Balance?

We know that many Educational Psychologists are looking for greater flexibility in how and when they work.

That's why we offer:

• Flexible working arrangements
• Hybrid working opportunities
• Contracts of up to 37 hours per week, choose the working pattern and hours that suit your needs.
• The ability to structure your working pattern around your professional and personal commitments where service needs allow

Whether you're currently working in a local authority, academy trust, independent practice or private consultancy, we're interested in discussing how this role could work for you.

Thinking of Leaving Private Practice?

Many experienced Educational Psychologists value the autonomy and flexibility of private practice, but often tell us they miss:

• Leading meaningful strategic change
• Being part of a team
• Professional collaboration
• Service development opportunities
• Job security and long-term stability

At Stockton, you can have the best of both worlds.

Alongside a highly competitive salary package, you'll benefit from:

A career, not just a contract

• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme, one of the most valuable public sector pension schemes available
• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Flexible and hybrid working
• Professional supervision and support
• Ongoing CPD opportunities
• Access to a wide range of employee wellbeing initiatives
• Long-term employment security within a financially stable organisation
• The opportunity to influence strategic decision-making across Children's Services

Most importantly, you'll have the satisfaction of knowing your work is helping shape outcomes for children, young people and families across the Borough.

About the Role

As Principal Educational Psychologist, you will lead, manage and develop our Educational Psychology Service, ensuring that schools, settings, professionals and families receive high-quality, impactful and inclusive support. You'll provide professional leadership to Educational Psychologists and Assistant Educational Psychologists, contribute to strategic SEND developments and help shape policy, practice and provision across Stockton-on-Tees.

About You

We're looking for an accomplished Educational Psychologist who can bring:

• HCPC registration
• A recognised postgraduate qualification in Educational Psychology
• Experience as a Senior or Main Grade Educational Psychologist
• Strong leadership skills and the ability to inspire and develop others
• Strategic thinking and a passion for innovation
• A commitment to inclusion, collaboration and improving outcomes for children and young people

Be Part of Something Different

This is a rare opportunity to join a service at a pivotal moment and play a leading role in shaping its future. If you're ready to build, innovate, influence and lead, we'd love to hear from you.

Join us and help create an Educational Psychology Service that children, families and schools deserve.

Please note that we’re unable to provide visa sponsorship for this role, so candidates will need to have an existing right to work in the UK.

Important Applicant Guidance

Accuracy and Use of AI Tools:

You must ensure that anything submitted in your application is factually accurate. Plagiarism can include presenting the ideas and experience of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own. Whilst we accept candidates may use AI tools within job applications; submissions must be truthful and relevant to your own experience.

Application Updates and Communication:

All updates regarding your application, including interview invitations, will be sent from ‘[e-mail]’ to the email linked to your North East Jobs account, and will also appear in the ‘My Messages’ section of your account.

Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exemptions):

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 by virtue of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended). Applicants are therefore required to disclose all criminal convictions, cautions, reprimands, and final warnings, including those which would normally be considered spent, subject to the filtering rules applicable under current legislation.

Right to Work:

All applicants must provide valid proof of their right to work in the UK in accordance with Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s statutory employment checks. Employment cannot commence or continue unless this has been verified.

Council Principles:

The Council’s recruitment principles require fairness, transparency, and a commitment to attracting and developing local talent.

Limitations:

Where an individual cannot demonstrate a valid right to work in the UK, the Council will be unable to progress or continue the appointment. This includes cases where an existing employee’s visa is due to expire and sponsorship is not granted.