At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape the Educational Psychology Service to make a real difference for children and families.
- Company: Join BCP Council, a forward-thinking organisation committed to inclusion and professional growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and relocation support up to £8,000.
- Other info: Opportunity for career progression in a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative team that values your ideas and leadership in education.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified Educational Psychologist with strong leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 45900 - 56100 £ per year.
This role sits within a well-defined pay band, offering clear progression as you grow your career at BCP. Without exception, all new starters begin at the entry point of the band, ensuring fairness and consistency across the organisation. Be part of a forward-thinking workplace where you’re supported to grow and you can truly Be The Difference at BCP.
This is an exciting opportunity to lead an Educational Psychology Service at an important point in its development. Through our Experts at Hand programme, we are developing cluster-based approaches that bring professionals together around children, families and schools. Alongside wider SEND reforms, our Educational Psychology Service has an important role in helping shape earlier intervention, inclusive practice and the Local Authority's response to the changing SEND landscape.
At the heart of our approach is a simple belief: when we understand a child or young person better, we are better placed to make a difference.
Lead, shape and influence
As Principal Educational Psychologist, you will have the opportunity to build on the foundations we are establishing and shape the next stage of our development. You will provide professional and strategic leadership to the Educational Psychology Service, developing a culture in which excellent applications of psychology, curiosity and innovation are encouraged. You will contribute towards the development of Experts at Hand and our response to SEND reform, while strengthening the contribution of psychology across Children's Services and the wider Local Authority.
Your role will include strategic service development, workforce leadership, quality assurance, commissioning and financial management, alongside building strong partnerships with schools, families, Public Health, the NHS and wider SEND services. We want our service to be outward-facing and responsive: identifying emerging needs, developing and evaluating innovative approaches, learning from excellent practice elsewhere and sharing our own practice more widely.
About you
You will be a qualified and HCPC-registered Educational Psychologist with substantial leadership experience within a Local Authority or comparable setting. You will bring strategic thinking, strong professional leadership and the ability to build effective relationships across services and organisations. You will be comfortable leading through change, using data and evidence to inform decisions, and creating the conditions in which psychologists and other colleagues can flourish. You will also bring knowledge of financial and budget management and a commitment to reflective practice, supervision, inclusion and hearing the voices of children, young people and families.
Salary
The post is on Soulbury B 12-15, with up to three SPA points where applicable. In line with the Council's corporate pay policy, new employees are appointed at the entry point of the advertised range.
What we offer
We offer flexible working, professional development, Local Government Pension Scheme membership, generous annual leave, family-friendly policies, wellbeing benefits and relocation support of up to £8,000, subject to eligibility.
If you would like an informal conversation about the service, Experts at Hand, our current direction or the opportunity to lead its next stage, we would be very pleased to hear from you.
At BCP Council, inclusion is more than a promise – it’s how we work. We’re committed to providing a fully inclusive recruitment process ensuring every candidate and colleague has the support and reasonable adjustments they need to thrive.
BCP Council provides services to a diverse community of 400,000 residents and employs more than 5,000 people. Our area includes over 15 miles of beautiful world-renowned coastline. We can offer career-defining roles to transform and improve services. By working with us, you can help deliver a vision of a thriving, world-class, prosperous and inclusive place for generations to come.
DBS
BCP Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the community and expects all staff and volunteers to share the same commitment. Applicants to this post will be required to complete the appropriate level of Disclosure & Barring Service Check.
Principal Educational Psychologist in England employer: BCP Council
BCP Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and well-being of its employees, offering a clear pay band structure and opportunities for career progression. With a commitment to inclusivity and support, BCP fosters a forward-thinking work culture where you can make a meaningful impact in the community while enjoying enhanced benefits and a beautiful coastal location. Join us to be part of a team that truly values your contributions and empowers you to #BeTheDifference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Educational Psychologist in England
✨Get Involved in Local Psychological Communities
Join local psychology associations or groups where professionals gather. Whether it’s workshops, conferences, or social events, connecting with others in the field can lead to job opportunities and insider info on unadvertised openings.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you’re a recent graduate, don’t forget to tap into your university’s career services. They often have exclusive partnerships with organisations looking for fresh talents, plus access to internships that could lead to full-time roles.
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Create a blog or a LinkedIn page where you share insights about psychology theories or current trends. This not only showcases your knowledge but can help you connect with like-minded professionals and potential employers.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you find a role like Principal Educational Psychologist at BCP Council, make your application stand out by applying directly through our website. This gives you a better chance to be seen by hiring managers. Plus, tailor your application to highlight your passion for psychology and relevant experiences!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Educational Psychologist in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV with Relevant Experience:In psychology, it’s crucial to highlight your relevant experience, such as internships, research projects, or any volunteer work in mental health settings. Make sure to include specific roles and responsibilities, demonstrating how you've applied theoretical knowledge in real-world situations—this is what gets us excited!
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:Given the nature of psychology, we want to see your academic journey laid out clearly. Include your degree(s), grades, and any specialised courses or certifications that set you apart. If you've got published papers or presentations at conferences, be sure to mention them—it shows your commitment to the field!
Personal Statement: Make It Count:Your personal statement is your chance to shine! Share insights about why you’re passionate about psychology and how this role at BCP Council connects with your career goals. Be honest about your motivations and what you hope to learn—this is key for a full-time position and helps us gauge your fit in our team!
Focus on Soft Skills in Your Application:Psychology is as much about people as it is about theories. Highlight your soft skills such as communication, empathy, and teamwork in your application. These traits are essential in our field and will help us see how you connect with others, so don't hold back in showcasing them!
How to prepare for a job interview at BCP Council
✨Brush Up on Key Psychological Theories
Before stepping into the interview with BCP Council, revisit key psychological theories that are relevant to the role, like cognitive behavioural therapy or humanistic psychology. Expect to discuss these during your interview, as they want to see how you apply theory to practice.
✨Bring Real-Life Case Studies
Prepare a couple of case studies or anecdotes that demonstrate your practical experience in psychology. Whether it’s handling a difficult client or designing a psychological assessment, these stories will highlight your skills and help you stand out in your full-time interview.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Ethical Guidelines
Get comfy with the ethical guidelines set by the British Psychological Society. Be ready to chat about how you ensure ethical practice in your work, as this is crucial in the psychology field, and BCP Council will be keen to know you’ve got integrity.
✨Showcase Your Continuous Learning
Since you're going for a full-time gig, it’s essential to demonstrate your commitment to ongoing professional development. Bring up any workshops, courses, or readings you’ve engaged in recently. This shows BCP Council that you’re not just there for a job, but genuinely passionate about the field.
