Candidate Information Session
On the 24th of June at 11.00am we shall be holding a MS Teams virtual candidate information session, where you can meet the Director General for Regions Group and the current post-holder and learn more about the role and can ask questions about the role and the department. You will be able to join the session and ask questions which can be anonymous.
If you would like to attend, then please email [email protected] and a MS Teams link to join will be sent to you.
Alternatively, Lucy Livings, current post-holder, can be contacted on [email protected] if you have any further queries about the role.
Application
To apply for this role, you need to complete an online application via the Civil Service Jobs portal. Applications will be accepted until 23:55 on the 29th of June 2026
You will be asked to provide:
1.A CV setting out your career history, with key responsibilities and achievements. Please ensure you have provided reasons for any gaps within the last two years
2.A Statement of Suitability (no longer than 2 sides or 1,000 words) detailing why should we consider you for this role (up to 500 words) with focus on the first essential criteria outlined in slide 9 around Leadership and why you have chosen the Department for Education (up to 500 words). You can choose to outline any further information you believe is relevant for the role or further demonstrates your suitability.
If there is a high volume of applicants, preliminary sifting will be done using only the first criterion - Excellent system leadership skills gained within the education or care sector, local or national government; able to take a leading role in initiating action, making decisions, managing performance and promoting inclusive team working in a large-scale operation, and being part of collective leadership success.
Failure to submit both documents will mean the panel only have limited information on which to assess your application against the criteria in the person specification.
Please note the CS Jobs system at the point of application states not to insert information that will identify you. As this is a Senior Civil Servant role so that we can understand your experience for this role please provide this information in the CV and Supporting Statement specifying your employment history.
If you are unable to apply online, please contact [email protected] in the first instance. Please visit our career site for further information on the Civil Service application process.
Please note the following:
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we cannot accept applications submitted after the closing date;
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applications will be assessed solely on the documentation provided;
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you will be subject to social media checks and references for this role;
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please refer to the advert and checklist above to ensure you have provided everything requested;
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applications will be acknowledged upon receipt;
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feedback will only be given to candidates unsuccessful following interview
Selection Process
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to:
I.Take part in a virtual Staff Engagement Panel (which typically takes up to 1 hour to complete), to be held on w/c 6th of July. A report will be shared with the interview panel.
II.A virtual partnership engagement conversation with Tim Coulson and a small number of stakeholders from across the Education and Care system, including a Director of Children's Services and an Academy Trust leader, on the 16th of July 2026. A report will be shared with the interview panel
III.A formal panel interview on the w/c 3rd of August in person in the DfE Bristol office. Candidates will be asked to prepare a presentation for the interview (further information will be shared with shortlisted candidates) and they will be asked questions to further assess their Experience against the Essential Criteria as outlined on slide 8 and Strengths using the Civil Service Strengths Dictionary.
IV.There will also be an informal chat with the job-share partner which will not be assessed.
Department for Education do not cover the cost of travel to your interview/assessment.
Please note that at interview stage we may ask if you have any conflicts of interest to declare and social media checks maybe conducted prior to appointment.
Candidates with disabilities
As an employer we are committed to promoting and protecting the physical and mental health and wellbeing of all our colleagues and applicants. The Department for Education uses the Disability Confident scheme (formerly the Guaranteed Interview scheme) to help widen employment opportunities for disabled people. Applicants with disabilities who meet the essential criteria, as stated in the person specification, the Civil Service nationality requirements and indicate they are applying under the Disability Confident scheme will be guaranteed an interview.
Employment scheme for Veterans
The Great Place to Work for Veterans scheme makes it easier for veterans to join the Civil Service. If you opt into this scheme and meet the minimum criteria, youll progress to the next stage for most roles whether thats an interview or an online test.
Other Information
We reserve the right to raise the minimum pass mark in the event of a high volume or strong field of candidates.
Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK from the location options provided and not from overseas.
If successful and transferring from another Government Department a criminal record check maybe carried out.
In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf. However, we recognise in exceptional circumstance some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Department of Education of your intention by emailing [email protected] stating the job reference number in the subject heading.
Department for Education do not cover the cost of travel to your interview/assessment unless otherwise stated.
A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.
Candidates will be posted in merit order based upon location preference. Where more than one location is advertised you will be asked to state your preferred location.
New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.
Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicants details held on the IFD will be refused employment.
Terms and conditions of candidates transferring from ALBs and NDPBs
Bodies that are not accredited by the Civil Service Commission and are not able to advertise at Across Government on Civil Service jobs will be treated as external new starters and will come into DfE on modernised terms and conditions with a salary at the band minimum.
Bodies that are accredited by the Civil Service Commission but do not have civil service status will be offered modernised terms and will not have continuous service recognised for leave or sickness benefits. Salaries should be offered at band minimum, but there is some flexibility where this would cause a detriment to the individual.
Bodies that are accredited by the Civil Service Commission and do have Civil Service status will be treated as OGD transfers. Staff appointed on lateral transfer will move on to pre-modernised DfE terms (unless they were on modernised terms in their previous organisation). Staff appointed on promotion will move on to modernised DfE terms. Staff will transfer over on their existing salary (on lateral transfer) and any pay above the DfE pay band maximum will be paid as a mark time allowance. Staff moving on promotion will have their salaries calculated using the principles set out in the attached OGD transfer supplementary information.
Reasonable adjustment
If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes. If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:
Contact Department of Education via [email protected] soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.
Complete the Assistance required section in the Additional requirements page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if youre deaf, a Language Service Professional.
Childcare Vouchers
Any move to Department for Education (DfE) will mean you will no longer be able to carry on claiming childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
