Hampshire County Council - Head of Service (Educational Psychology)

As Head of Service for Hampshire Educational Psychology, you'll lead one of the largest and most highly regarded educational psychology services in the country, shaping support for children, young people, families, schools and educational settings across Hampshire.

Leading a service of around 70 staff and managing a budget of £6.5 million, you'll provide strategic, professional and operational leadership, ensuring the delivery of high-quality statutory and traded services while promoting evidence-informed practice and innovation.

A key focus of the role will be leading Hampshire County Council's Experts at Hand offer as part of the Department for Education's SEND Reform Programme. Working with partners across education, health and social care, you'll help drive lasting improvements in inclusion, early intervention and outcomes for children and young people with SEND.

What you'll do

• Provide strategic leadership for Hampshire Educational Psychology.
• Lead delivery of the Experts at Hand programme.
• Drive innovation and evidence-informed practice.
• Influence policy and practice across education, health and social care.
• Ensure services are delivered effectively, sustainably and to the highest professional standards.
• Build strong partnerships that strengthen inclusion and improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND.
• Champion the contribution of educational psychology locally, regionally and nationally.

What we're looking for

• Honours Degree in Psychology recognised by the British Psychological Society (BPS), a postgraduate qualification in Educational Psychology and HCPC registration.
• Significant experience as a practising Educational Psychologist, including senior leadership experience.
• A proven track record of leading transformation, service improvement and organisational change.
• Experience influencing policy and developing partnerships across education, health and social care.
• Strong leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience managing substantial budgets and resources.
• A passion for improving outcomes for children and young people through inclusion and innovation.

See our Candidate Pack for more information about the role, team and values. Please demonstrate how you meet the requirements outlined in the 'About You' section.

Why join us?

• Shape the future of educational psychology and SEND support across Hampshire.
• Work alongside talented professionals and partners across education, health and social care.
• Join a service that values professional development, wellbeing and continuous learning. 
• Access an Employee Assistance Programme. 
• Benefit from generous leave, occupational sick pay and Local Government Pension Scheme membership. Find more information here. 

Applicants can expect to hear from us within two weeks of the closing date.

We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. You must have the right to work in the UK before applying.

Travel Requirements: Regular travel across Hampshire is required. A valid driving licence and access to a vehicle are essential.

Vetting Requirements: This role is subject to a Criminal Records Check. References will be requested prior to interview.

Informal enquiries: care.careers@hants.gov.uk or Mark Kingswood, County Education Manager (Early Intervention and Vulnerable Children), at mark.kingswood@hants.gov.uk