About the role

Please note that the advertised salary for this position is subject to the pending 2026/2027 national pay award. The final salary will be adjusted accordingly once this has been agreed.

Ceredigion County Council is seeking an experienced and committed professional to lead on addressing the impact of disadvantage and poverty on children and young people across the county. 

This role will play a key strategic and operational part in improving outcomes for disadvantaged learners, including those eligible for Free School Meals, and in strengthening understanding of rural poverty within education. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Lead the development and implementation of effective strategies to support pupils experiencing disadvantage, working closely with schools to identify need and improve outcomes.
• Manage, monitor and evaluate the impact of the Pupil Development Grant (PDG), supporting schools to evidence effective use and sustained impact.
• Ensure that current research, guidance and best practice are shared with schools in a timely and accessible way.
• Ensure principles of equity inform policy and strategy development at both school and local authority level.
• Take a leading role in developing and implementing a county‑wide rural poverty strategy grounded in local and school‑based evidence.
• Work collaboratively with education services and schools across Ceredigion to support pupils experiencing disadvantage.
• Line manage the Family Engagement and Community Partnership Officers, strengthening links between schools, families and communities.
• Engage with Welsh Government colleagues to help shape future policy and support for children and young people living in poverty.
• Support schools, settings and the local authority to understand the wider and complex nature of poverty, including disadvantage beyond Free School Meals eligibility. 

Ceredigion offers a range of benefits including a flexible hours scheme, a competitive annual holiday allowance and a generous pension contribution scheme.

More information about our wide range of employee benefits can be found here.

We are committed to developing our staff, providing the support you need to take on this role confidently, while also supporting your longer‑term professional growth and career progression. 

Job Description and Person Specification

Team Ceredigion Information Pack

If you would like further information about this role, please contact Bethan Payne – bethan.payne@ceredigion.gov.uk

Note: We reserve the right to extend the application closing date.

We are committed to safeguarding and protecting children and adults at risk. As part of this commitment, certain roles within our organisation require a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to assess the suitability of candidates. This role will require an Enhanced DBS check. Please note that the presence of previous convictions will not necessarily disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. We assess each applicant on a case-by-case basis, and take into account the nature and relevance of any convictions in relation to the responsibilities of the role. Our goal is to create an inclusive and supportive work environment where all individuals are treated fairly and with respect. If you have any concerns or questions regarding this process, please feel free to contact us for clarification. Your privacy and dignity are of utmost importance to us throughout the recruitment process.