Lancashire County Council
Data Support Officer
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Data Support Officer (Grade 6)
Salary and Hours
Salary: £29,071 - £33,119 Per annum
Hours: 37 hours per week
Type: Full time, Fixed Term
Location
Preston, Lancashire, United Kingdom
About the Role
As a Data Support Officer, you will play a key role in maintaining, analysing and reporting on the data that underpins school place planning across Lancashire.
Working closely with School Place Planning Officers and other colleagues across Education, you will support the collection, validation and analysis of pupil, school and demographic data used to forecast future demand for school places. You will help ensure that information is accurate, accessible and available to support strategic planning, statutory returns and service delivery.
This role offers an excellent opportunity to develop analytical, technical and project support skills within a supportive and collaborative team environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the collection, validation and maintenance of school place planning datasets.
- Assist with the preparation of pupil projection data, forecasts and reports.
- Maintain databases, spreadsheets and monitoring systems used by the School Place Planning Team.
- Produce routine and ad-hoc statistical reports and information requests.
- Support the preparation of statutory returns, sufficiency assessments and public-facing documents.
- Analyse data to identify trends and anomalies and highlight findings to colleagues.
- Assist in monitoring school capacities, admissions information and pupil numbers.
- Conduct net capacity assessments for educational establishments in accordance with Department for Education (DfE) methodology, ensuring accurate evaluation of school places and accommodation capacity to support strategic planning and place sufficiency.
- Support the collection and management of information relating to housing developments and education infrastructure.
- Ensure data is handled securely and in accordance with data protection requirements.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues across Education, Planning and other council services.
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of processes, systems and reporting methods.
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About You
We are looking for someone who:
- Has strong numerical, analytical and organisational skills.
- Enjoys working with data and interpreting information.
- Can produce accurate work and pay close attention to detail.
- Is confident using Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.
- Can communicate information clearly, both verbally and in writing.
- Is able to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
- Works effectively both independently and as part of a team.
- Is committed to providing excellent customer service and support.
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
- Educated to A-Level standard, equivalent qualification, or able to demonstrate relevant experience.
- Experience of working with data, spreadsheets or information systems.
- Experience of maintaining accurate records and databases.
- Experience of producing reports and presenting information in a clear format.
- Strong IT skills, particularly in Microsoft Excel.
- Good analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Desirable
- Experience of working within local government, education or a related public sector environment.
- Knowledge of school admissions, school place planning or pupil data systems.
- Experience of working with large datasets and data quality processes.
- Understanding of the requirements of data protection legislation.
- Experience of GIS mapping systems or data visualisation tools.
The Lancashire Mindset
At Lancashire County Council, we are guided by our commitment to:
Growth
Continuously learning, developing and improving.
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Ownership
Taking responsibility and delivering high-quality outcomes.
Optimism
Approaching challenges positively and seeking solutions.
Positive Impact
Making a meaningful difference for Lancashire's residents and communities.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary.
- Hybrid and flexible working arrangements.
- Generous Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Excellent annual leave entitlement.
- Learning and development opportunities.
- A supportive and collaborative team environment.
- The opportunity to contribute to strategic education planning across Lancashire.
Our Values
We are looking for individuals who share our values:
- Supportive – valuing and encouraging others.
- Innovative – seeking better ways to deliver services.
- Respectful – treating everyone fairly and with dignity.
- Collaborative – working together to achieve the best outcomes.
Additional Information
This post is designated as an essential car user post. The successful applicant will be required to provide a vehicle for business use and hold appropriate business insurance cover. Reasonable adjustments will be considered for applicants who are unable to drive due to a disability.
Join Us
If you have a passion for data, analysis and supporting evidence-based decision-making, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply now and help ensure Lancashire's children have access to the school places they need, where and when they need them.
Apply
Please apply via the Lancashire County Council recruitment website, submitting your application form and supporting statement demonstrating how you meet the requirements of the role.
Closing Date
30th October 2026
Interviews
16th November 2026
Job Description and Person Specification
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