Principal Educational Psychologist
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Salary Soulbury Scale B 12-15, with up to three SPA points where applicable.
Job Introduction
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#BeTheDifference at BCP.
Learn more in our ‘More than just a job’ brochure on our careers site.
Principal Educational Psychologist – Lead the Next Stage of Our Service
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.
A message from our Interim Principal Educational Psychologist
My priority as Interim PEP is to establish strong foundations for the future: a clear professional direction, a developing leadership structure and a service that is ambitious about the contribution psychology can make.
I want to hand over a service that is ready for its next Principal Educational Psychologist to take forward.
There is still work to do, and that is part of the opportunity. The next PEP will have the scope to bring their own ideas, build on what is working and shape a service that is increasingly able to respond to the needs of children, families, schools, the Local Authority and our wider community.
Mike Lane
Interim Principal Educational Psychologist
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.
At BCP Council, inclusion is more than a promise –it’show 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.
From the moment you apply, through the recruitment process and throughout your career with us, we’ll be here to listen and provide the help and support you need.
It’s why we’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer – and why you can trust that we’ll always do our best to make your experience positive and accessible.
If you require any reasonable adjustments or support during the recruitment process, please let us know when you apply or contact us directly – we’re here to help. For further information on the accessibility support we can offer please see here: Preparing for your interview | Working for BCP
About BCP Council
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.
Our Benefits
A Place to Thrive – Join BCP Council
At BCP Council, we’re not just building a workforce— we’re transforming how we recognise and reward our people.
Check out our attractive enhanced benefits and find out more about the new Pay and Reward package at Employee benefits | Working for BCP
Be the difference - Join an organisation that values you
MoreAbout us | Working for BCP
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.
Attached documents
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RP IFS 037 Principal Educational Psychologist.pdf
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Principal Educational Psychologist 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
✨Join Medical Networks
Get involved in local and national medical associations, like the Royal College of Physicians. These networks can help you connect with mentors and colleagues who might know of openings, plus they're great for staying updated on the latest in medicine and clinical practices.
✨Attend Healthcare Conferences
Make it a habit to attend medical conferences and seminars. These events are fantastic for networking and often feature job boards where hospitals and clinics post their openings. Plus, it’s a good way to get your face recognised in the industry.
✨Leverage Your Medical School's Resources
Don’t forget to use your medical school’s career services! They usually have great connections with hospitals and clinics looking to fill full-time physician positions and can help you with mock interviews or networking events.
✨Apply Directly Through Hospital Websites
When you're ready to apply, make sure to check the careers section of hospital websites directly. Hospitals like BCP Council often post their job openings there first, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other applicants.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Credentials:When applying for a physician role, make sure to highlight your medical qualifications and any special certifications you have. We want to see your medical degree, residency training, and any additional certifications that set you apart, like specialised training in paediatrics or geriatrics. Don’t leave out those all-important letters after your name!
Tailor Your CV to Medicine:Your CV should reflect your experience and skills as a doctor. Be specific about your clinical rotations, medical practice, and any research work you've done – we love seeing quantifiable impacts, so mention how you've improved patient care or led successful treatment plans.
Craft a Personal Statement with Heart:In your cover letter, let us know why you chose medicine and what drives your passion for patient care. Personal stories about transformative experiences—like a memorable patient encounter or a moment that defined your career path—can really make you shine. Remember, we're looking for someone who genuinely cares about their patients!
Demonstrate Continuous Learning:In the medical field, showcasing your commitment to continuous learning is essential. Mention any recent courses, workshops, or conferences you’ve attended, and highlight your willingness to stay updated on medical advancements. This shows us that you’re not just a physician; you're a lifelong learner, ready to adapt and grow.
How to prepare for a job interview at BCP Council
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at BCP Council. Expect questions about diagnosis, treatment plans, and patient management. Be ready to discuss case studies or even do some role-playing with hypothetical patient scenarios for a more practical assessment.
✨Know Your Procedures and Protocols
Familiarise yourself with the latest procedures and protocols that are specific to the field of medicine you’re applying to. Whether it’s surgical techniques or patient care protocols, being able to discuss these confidently can really set you apart in the interview at BCP Council.
✨Show You're a Team Player
In the medical field, collaboration is key. Have examples ready that showcase your teamwork and communication skills. Talk about how you've worked with nurses, specialists, or other doctors in the past to provide the best care for your patients. This shows you're ready to integrate into the team at BCP Council.
✨Stay Current with Medical Trends
Make sure you’re clued up on the latest medical trends, research, and innovations. Not only does this prepare you for technical questions, but it also shows your passion for the field. Be ready to discuss how these trends might affect your practice at BCP Council.
