School Sufficiency Data Officer

Are you a master of Excel with a passion for transforming complex data into meaningful insights? If you enjoy building spreadsheets and creating tools and processes that make information easier to understand, we’d love to hear from you. Our School Organisation team is responsible for the County Council’s statutory duty to ensure that we have enough school places for children in Staffordshire now and in the future, in an ever-changing education landscape. We are a centrally placed team based in Stafford in the County Council offices at Staffordshire Place 1.

We’re looking for a School Sufficiency Data Officer, a key role in the team, using data to ensure every child has access to the right school, in the right place, at the right time. This is more than just spreadsheets - it’s about turning numbers into decisions that matter.

Our team forecasts the number of school places required over the short, medium, and long term, based on demographic data and information, and ensures those places are delivered by securing funding and obtaining approval for additional school places. We do not get involved in placing children in schools (our Admissions Team is responsible for this).

What you’ll be doing day-to-day:

• Developing and maintaining systems to collect, store, and analyse data accurately and efficiently
• Creating clear, accessible reports and dashboards to support decision-making for planning of new school places
• Using Excel and other tools to manage and visualise large datasets
• Collaborating with colleagues and stakeholders to ensure data is used effectively
• Preparing and submitting key data returns
• Contributing to team projects and helping to improve processes and methodologies

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Highly skilled in spreadsheet development (pivot tables, advanced formulas, dashboards, data visualisation)
• Experienced in handling multiple, large, and complex datasets with ease
• Capable of implementing processes and systems to ensure data validation, accuracy, and quality
• Has a sharp analytical mind and a creative approach to problem-solving

We recognise that you may not have experience in School Place Planning within a Local Government Authority; however, we value transferable skills, experiences, and qualifications. If you have advanced skills in Microsoft Excel and spreadsheet management, please consider applying and evidence your transferable skills in your application.

For an informal chat about the role, please email Tracey Kellner, Deputy Head of School Organisation, at: tracey.kellner@staffordshire.gov.uk

Closing date: 14th July 2025. Interviews are expected to take place the week commencing 4th August 2025. Candidates will be invited at least 1 week prior to the interview date.

We anonymise applications during shortlisting to ensure only relevant information is considered. Please complete your application fully, especially the supporting statement, to highlight what you’ll bring to the role.

We are no ordinary county council: Our Values The core of who we are as an organisation. Our values were created and shaped by colleague feedback and national best practice, sitting at the heart of our People Strategy. We foster a community spirit, pride in our work, and ambition for a better future. We look forward and race ahead — that goes for your career too.

We aim to create a supportive working environment where employees can achieve their full potential and maintain a healthy work-life balance. In addition to your salary, you will have access to our rewards and benefits - Careers at Staffordshire.

As an authority, we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults, and we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Staffordshire County Council is an equal opportunities organisation and a Disability Confident employer. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and communities. As part of our commitment, we offer a guaranteed interview for applicants whose applications meet the minimum criteria for the post.