At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the WELL Project to empower young leaders and enhance educational excellence.
- Company: Cumberland Council, committed to community development and educational success.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, relocation support, and a collaborative work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in school management and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to innovation and positive change.
The predicted salary is between 72600 - 77000 £ per year.
Salary: Soulbury EIP 32-35 (£82,653-£86,577) Pay award pending
Hours: 37 hours per week
Location: Workington
Contract: Temporary until August 31st 2027
About This Opportunity:
The grant funded Western Excellence in Learning and Leadership (WELL) Project supports, develops and challenges leaders to deliver excellence so that all children and young people in the former Allerdale and Copeland districts have every opportunity to succeed and make a positive contribution. The Project has been running successfully since 2019 and is a partnership between schools, Cumberland Council, Sellafield Ltd and Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA).
This is a high-profile role and requires strong communication skills, the ability to build effective working relationships with all partners to play a key role in leading and further developing the project.
The successful applicant will be a senior manager in a school/academy or local authority setting with excellent people management skills and proven ability in leading and managing change. Good knowledge of current and national educational challenges is essential.
The role is temporary and the council is willing to consider applications from those who would like to be seconded from their current post. Any applicant would need to secure agreement from their current employer or governing body if they wish to be considered on a secondment basis.
For more information about the role or to arrange an informal chat prior to your application, please contact Sue Lowndes by email.
Why join us?
- Relocation package available – we’ll support you to settle into your new home and community.
- Living and working in Cumbria – stunning landscapes and a high quality of life.
- Supportive environment – collaborative, compassionate and innovative team culture with opportunities to develop your skills.
Who We’re Looking For
We’re looking for individuals who embody our organisation's core values: ambitious, collaborative, compassionate, empowering, and innovative. We believe in the power of these values to drive positive change, deliver excellent public services and shape a better future for our communities. We’re also about potential over perfection and we can help you grow in the role and thrive in your career.
DBS Checks
This role requires a DBS check. The level of check for this role is: Enhanced DBS check with a Children’s/Adults Barred List check. Please note this role involves working in regulated activity with adults and children. It is an offence for people who are barred from working in regulated activity to apply for roles that require them to work unsupervised with adults and children.
Guaranteed Interviews
We offer a guaranteed interview to the following applicants as long as your application can demonstrate you meet the essential criteria for the role:
- Those who consider themselves disabled as defined by the Equality Act 2010
- Those in care or who have left care and are aged 24 and under
- Those who identify as a member of the British Armed Forces community (service leavers, veterans, their partners or spouses, reservists, cadets)
If you meet one or more of the criteria above, and wish to be considered for this scheme, select yes to the appropriate question during your application.
Diversity, Inclusion & Adjustments
We’re dedicated to enhancing the diversity of our workforce and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. That’s why we’re a proud Disability Confident Leader and also an Age Friendly Employer – to provide opportunities for everyone to thrive.
If you need any reasonable adjustments to participate in the recruitment process, please let either the hiring manager or our Resourcing Team know by emailing. While adjustments aren’t always guaranteed, we’ll always listen and try our best to accommodate your needs.
Application and Interview information
Closing date: 23rd February 2026
Interview date: TBC
Please note this role may close early subject to demand. If you’re interested in applying, you should apply well before the advised closing date. We cannot accept applications once the role has closed.
Director - WELL Project -CMB2268e in London employer: Cumberland Council
Contact Detail:
Cumberland Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director - WELL Project -CMB2268e in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in education and leadership. A casual chat can lead to opportunities you might not find on job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the WELL Project and its partners. Show us you’re passionate about making a positive impact in the community!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills. As a director, you’ll need to convey your vision clearly. Try mock interviews with friends or mentors to get feedback.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step.
We think you need these skills to ace Director - WELL Project -CMB2268e in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the WELL Project's goals. Use specific examples that showcase your leadership skills and understanding of educational challenges.
Showcase Your Values: We want to see how you embody our core values: ambitious, collaborative, compassionate, empowering, and innovative. Share stories that reflect these values in action, especially in your previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. This helps us quickly understand your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details and can consider you for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cumberland Council
✨Know the WELL Project Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the WELL Project's goals and achievements. Familiarise yourself with its partnerships and how it impacts the local community. This will show your genuine interest and help you articulate how your experience aligns with their mission.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Director, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership capabilities. Prepare examples from your past roles where you've successfully led teams or managed change. Highlight your people management skills and how you've fostered collaboration in previous projects.
✨Communicate Effectively
Strong communication is key for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Consider potential questions about educational challenges and be ready to discuss your strategies for overcoming them. This will showcase your ability to engage with various stakeholders.
✨Embrace the Values
Familiarise yourself with the core values of the organisation: ambitious, collaborative, compassionate, empowering, and innovative. Think of specific instances where you've embodied these values in your work. This will help you connect with the interviewers on a personal level and demonstrate that you're a good cultural fit.