School Development Adviser

The Diocese of York serves the people of North and East Yorkshire, including the cities of York, Hull, and Middlesbrough, the towns of Selby, and the surrounding countryside including two National Parks and the spectacular Yorkshire coast. Led by the Archbishop of York, The Most Revd Stephen Cottrell, the Diocese is home to nearly 600 churches, 125 schools, and 442 parishes, with York Minster at its heart.

We are currently revitalising our diocesan vision through Living Christ’s Story — a bold initiative focusing on deepening discipleship, extending outreach, growing missionary communities, and reshaping our structures and resources to better serve the Church's mission.

The York Diocesan Board of Education (YDBE) is seeking a passionate and experienced education professional to join our team as a School Development Adviser. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to our vision of building flourishing communities in schools, parishes, and homes—where every child, young person, and those who care for them can experience a transforming encounter with the Christian faith and the person of Jesus Christ. This vision is rooted in the Diocesan commitment to Living Christ’s Story and aligns with the Church of England’s Growing Faith initiative, which focuses on the vital connection between church, school, and household.

We are now seeking to appoint a School Development Adviser (0.4 FTE) to support and develop our Church schools across the Diocese for a fixed term of two years. This role will be pivotal in helping us deliver our Service Level Agreement with schools in a time of rapid educational change. We welcome applications from individuals seeking a secondment from their current role.

You will work alongside the Diocesan Director of Education (DDE), the Board of Education, and the Diocese of York Educational Trust (DYET) team to provide strategic leadership, guidance, and direct support to Church schools and academies—helping them to deliver the Church of England’s Vision for Education and ensure educational excellence.

• Promote and embed the Church of England’s Vision for Education across Church schools and academies.
• Contribute to strategic leadership for Church school improvement.
• Collaborate on diocesan strategies for school organisation and development.
• Share and promote best practice in school improvement.
• Partner with LAs, MATs, Teaching School Hubs, and CEOs to monitor standards and drive school improvement.
• Support schools in preparation for SIAMS inspections and in developing action plans.
• Conduct annual review and development visits under the Service Level Agreement.
• Attend Ofsted and SIAMS inspections where appropriate.
• Support the development of Christian leadership and governance in schools.
• Provide guidance on the appointment of headteachers and heads of school (including attendance at key stages of recruitment processes).
• Offer advice and support to clergy and those engaged in school-based ministry.
• Act as a first point of contact for safeguarding concerns.
• Maintain confidentiality and pastoral sensitivity in all aspects of the role.
• Engage in personal professional development and contribute to professional networks.
• Attend and contribute to key meetings and diocesan initiatives.
• Model a collaborative, professional, and mission-driven approach to your work.

We are looking for someone who:

• Is passionate about supporting Church schools in delivering the Church of England’s Vision for Education.
• Has experience in school leadership, school improvements, or educational consultancy.
• Can work collaboratively and strategically with a wide range of partners.
• Demonstrates excellent communication and relational skills.
• Understands the importance of safeguarding and maintains the highest standards of confidentiality and integrity.
• Brings a commitment to the mission and values of the Diocese of York and the Church of England.

Be part of a team making a real difference in the lives of children, young people, and their communities. Work at the heart of a dynamic and supportive diocesan education community. Help shape the future of Church schools in the Diocese of York. Flexible working arrangements and support for professional development. Secondments are welcome — please discuss this with your current employer in the first instance.

We are committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion and welcome applications from disabled candidates and those from UKME heritage as these groups are under-represented in our staff. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. All employees are expected to share this commitment. You will be required to undertake safeguarding training, and this role will be subject to a DBS check. This role is based at the Diocesan Office in Clifton Moor, York.

For any enquiries, please contact Kirsty McCullough at 01904 699500 or email kirsty.mccullough@yorkdiocese.org. Only fully completed applications through Pathways will be accepted; applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

Closing date: Wednesday, 25 June 2025. Interviews: Week commencing 30 June 2025 in York.