Senior Education Engagement Officer

What we’re looking for – knowledge, experience & skills

Essential

• In-depth knowledge of safeguarding legislation and statutory guidance, including school attendance, child protection, Elective Home Education, Children Missing Education, and Children in Employment/Entertainment.
• Knowledge of traded or income-generating services within a local authority, including delivery of training to schools or partners.
• Detailed understanding of the Education Act 1996 (including Sections 444(1) and 444(1A)) and enforcement powers relating to non-school attendance.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding thresholds, information-sharing requirements, and escalation pathways in a multi-agency context.
• Understanding of quality assurance principles and performance management within safeguarding or regulatory services.
• Significant experience of working in education safeguarding, school attendance, or a closely related statutory service, including complex casework with children and families.
• Proven experience of leading, supervising, or managing staff, including performance management, quality assurance, and staff development.
• Experience of exercising statutory powers and undertaking enforcement or legal processes, including preparing legal documentation and presenting cases in court or similar settings.
• Relevant Level 5 qualification (or above), or equivalent professional qualification in education, safeguarding, social care, youth justice, community safety, or a related field.
• Evidence of substantial relevant experience and continuous professional development where qualifications have been gained through practice.
• Training in safeguarding and child protection, with evidence of applying this in a statutory or regulatory context.
• Ability to make sound, defensible decisions in high-risk and complex situations, balancing legal compliance and the welfare of children and young people.
• Strong partnership-working skills across schools, early years settings, multi-agency partners, and internal services.
• Excellent communication skills, including advising, chairing meetings, explaining legislation, and representing the service confidently.
• Strong organisational and analytical skills, including accurate record-keeping, use of case management systems, and report writing.

Desirable

• Knowledge of prosecution processes, including preparing witness statements, disclosure schedules, and presenting cases in Magistrates’ Courts.
• Understanding of multi-agency safeguarding arrangements and forums (e.g., MARAC, PEVP, partnership panels).
• Understanding of service development and continuous improvement within a county-wide education or safeguarding service.
• Knowledge of delivering statutory or safeguarding-related training as part of traded services.
• Experience of leading a specialist functional area or contributing to service development within safeguarding or attendance services.
• Experience of conducting PACE interviews and appearing as a witness in Magistrates’ or Family Courts.
• Experience of conducting quality assurance audits and contributing to service improvement initiatives.
• Experience of contributing to multi-agency safeguarding forums or panels.
• Experience of supporting and advising others on safeguarding complaints and escalation processes.
• Demonstrable commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, including challenging discrimination and promoting inclusive practice.

Additional Information

• Permanent Position. 37 Hours a week. Based in Bridgwater.
• Flexible working available, using a hybrid model in line with the demands of the role.
• 30 day’s annual leave (additional to bank holidays).
• Regretfully, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for visa sponsorship.
• For an informal chat about the role, please contact Carys Quinn, Operations Manager – Prevention West at Carys.Quinn@Somerset.gov.uk.
• Interviews are scheduled for 15/10/2026.

Job Description: AG0937 Senior Education Engagement Officer
Job Number: 979/SR