Strategic Inclusion Officer

Job Details:

Job Reference: HCC621206

Salary Range: £47,430 - £52,735 per annum

Work Location: Elizabeth II Court, Winchester (Hybrid Working)

Hours per week: 37

Contract Type: Permanent

Closing Date: 29 June 2025

Interview Date: 15, 16, 17 July 2025

The Role:

As an exceptional and committed Strategic Inclusion Officer, you’ll champion the needs of our most vulnerable and disadvantaged young people. This is a unique opportunity to lead with purpose, bringing together a wide range of professionals to ensure that children facing the most significant challenges receive the education and opportunities they’re entitled to. You’ll be a visible ambassador for inclusion, someone who not only believes in the potential of every young person but also has the experience, resilience, and leadership to make a lasting difference.

What you’ll do:

• Leading with purpose: Manage and support a team of Inclusion Officers and Assistants, ensuring high-quality practice, staff development, and wellbeing.
• Driving inclusive practice: Shape and implement strategies to reduce suspensions and prevent permanent exclusions, with a focus on early intervention and restorative approaches.
• Policy and compliance leadership: Provide expert guidance on national legislation and statutory guidance, ensuring compliance across schools and services.
• Insight through data: Lead on data analysis and reporting, identifying trends, informing interventions, and presenting insights to senior leaders.
• Collaborative influence: Represent the Local Authority at key boards and panels, and work closely with schools, families, and partner agencies to secure positive outcomes.

What we’re looking for:

• Education: Educated to degree level (or equivalent), with strong knowledge of education systems and inclusion practices.
• Experience: Proven background working in or with schools, ideally supporting vulnerable children or those with SEN.
• Organised and resilient: Highly organised, with the ability to prioritise effectively, meet deadlines, and maintain accuracy under pressure.
• Leadership and communication: Excellent communication and team leadership skills, with the ability to influence, mediate, and build trust across diverse stakeholders.
• Strategic and analytical thinking: Confident in interpreting data, identifying patterns, and using insights to drive change.

Take a look at our Candidate Pack for more information about the Strategic Inclusion Officer role. The ‘About you’ section explains what specific knowledge, skills and experience we want you to tell us about. Make sure you explain how you meet these requirements in your application.

Why join us?

• Purpose-driven impact: Be part of a passionate, purpose-led team making a real difference in children’s lives.
• Strategic influence: Lead on high impact work that shapes policy and practice across Hampshire.
• Professional growth: Access to ongoing professional development and career progression opportunities.
• Supportive culture: A flexible, inclusive working environment that values your wellbeing and expertise.
• Employee support: Access to Health Assured's comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme to support your physical and mental wellbeing, including 24/7 telephone support, a suite of online resources, and legal and financial advice. 
• Competitive benefits package: Including generous annual leave entitlement, occupational sick pay, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme. Find more information here.

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

Please note: We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role and therefore it is essential that you already have the right to work in the UK before applying. 

Other job titles you may be searching for: Strategic Inclusion Manager, Inclusion Manager, Strategic Lead for Inclusion, Inclusion Lead, Inclusion Leader, Lead Inclusion Officer.

Travel Requirements:

You will be required to travel to various locations within Hampshire or other local authority, and it is essential that you have a current drivers’ licence and access to a reliable vehicle on a regular basis. 

Additional Information:

Strategic Inclusion Officer Candidate Pack

Vetting Requirements:

The post is subject to a Criminal Records Check. As such, please note that under safer recruitment requirements for Children’s Services, references will be requested prior to interview.

Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:

For general enquiries, please contact care.careers@hants.gov.uk
For an informal chat about the role, please contact Jonathan Willcocks, Inclusion Support Service Manager on jonathan.willcocks@hants.gov.uk