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The role of the Chief Schools Adjudicator is a challenging and rewarding one. The Chief Schools Adjudicator has management and leadership responsibilities for the whole team of Schools Adjudicators made up of a team of around 12 Adjudicators working mainly from home. They also have task management of the secretariat team (who are DfE civil servants seconded for this purpose). The Chief Schools Adjudicator is required to oversee and quality assure the work carried out by the Schools Adjudicators.

The successful applicant will have a proven track record of working at a senior level within the publicly funded school or education sector in England. They must be impartial and independent with keenly developed analytical, presentational and communication skills. In particular, they will demonstrate the ability to take full responsibility for ensuring that all determinations reached by Adjudicators are of high quality and consistent with the School Admissions Code and education law. It would be desirable for the successful applicant to have experience of the OSA’s work or a good understanding of determinations and education law, including the School Admissions Code. They will also understand the key principles of administrative law.

Schools Adjudicators are statutory appointees that make legally binding decisions on a range of school matters. It is a varied and interesting role. Most frequently the Adjudicators deal with a wide variety of objections and proposed variations to school admission arrangements. Adjudicators also make decisions and give advice in relation to securing school places for vulnerable children; resolve disputes about school land, and in certain circumstances make decisions about significant school organisation matters such as school closures.

Remuneration is at an hourly rate of £63 per hour for work from home increased by 12.07% to take account of ‘holiday pay’. For any work conducted away from home a day rate of £750 is paid, increased by 12.07% to take account of ‘holiday pay’. The appointee will have access to the NEST pension scheme, if desired, with employer and employee contributions. Travel and subsistence expenses will be met.

The post of Chief Schools Adjudicator is part-time. However, as the leader of the OSA a minimum level of availability is required. The Chief Schools Adjudicator must be available for a minimum of 120 days service as Chief Schools Adjudicator between 1 April and 31 March each year, of which at least 60 days must be between 15 May and 30 September. Candidates should expect to be able to provide between 21 to 28 hours service per week, but it is open to the Chief Schools Adjudicator to structure the management of their workload, and to decide which days they choose to work and the number of hours they work each day. We support flexible working patterns, including job share arrangements. The Chief Schools Adjudicator can take on other work and may do so, but must ensure that their work as an Adjudicator has top priority and that any other work does not conflict with or compromise their role as an Adjudicator.

Full details on the role can be found in the attached information pack. 

Person specification Essential criteria

Successful applicants for all roles will demonstrate the following essential criteria:

Leadership and Organisational Management: The Chief Adjudicator must demonstrate exceptional leadership skills, and be capable of guiding the OSA in fulfilling its statutory functions. They will have a proven track record of leading and managing teams, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. They will have experience of supporting the professional development of their team members through training and guidance, and be responsible for the performance management of their fellow Adjudicators. They will be able to embed changes to ways of working, promote efficient use of resources, and support flexible working arrangements where appropriate. They will be capable of providing calm and considered advice and leadership to their team and wider partners on any emerging issues or concerns.

Analytical and decision-making ability: The Chief Adjudicator is required to review and make decisions taking account of competing arguments and within a complex legal framework. They must have experience of analysing difficult casework and assessing technical statutory provisions. They must be able to keep an objective perspective, be able to weigh competing arguments and be recognised for their impartial approach and judgement. The highest professional standards are required.

Communication skills: The Chief Adjudicator is the public face of the OSA. They must possess exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal. The successful applicant will demonstrate first-hand experience of articulating complex issues clearly and persuasively to a wide range of audiences. This includes producing clear, well-argued, and robust reports and papers setting our competing arguments and clear decision making, which can be understood by a wide range of interested parties. The successful candidate will have experience of chairing public meetings and of public speaking and be able to demonstrate experience and ability in conveying information effectively and engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders. Strong inclusion skills and the ability to understand and address concerns while maintaining independence and impartiality are essential.

Credibility with the Education Sector: The Chief Adjudicator must be able to establish and maintain credibility within the wider education system. The successful candidate will have a proven track record of working at a senior level within the publicly funded school sector in England. They will demonstrate the ability to assert authority, build rapport, and command respect and trust from education professionals and the general public alike. The candidate must exhibit a deep understanding of the school system and the laws governing it, ensuring their decisions are respected and upheld. Independence, integrity, and impartiality are crucial to instilling confidence in their role.

NB. Except for candidates who are currently serving Schools Adjudicators, an Adjudicator Skills Assessment Task must be completed as part of your application and appended to your personal statement (see separate attachment)

To apply please click the Apply Now link below.