{en}Inspection Support Officer{/en}{cy}Swyddog Cymorth Arolygu{/cy} in Cardiff
About the role
Estyn is the education and training inspectorate for Wales, and we’re passionate about helping every learner access high-quality education and training. We work closely with providers, offering support, promoting strong accountability, and helping shape a positive future for education across Wales. Our people are at the centre of our mission. We’re proud to offer a supportive, inclusive, and collaborative workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and able to grow.
We’re looking for an organised, proactive and customer-focused individual to join our Inspection Support team. As an Inspection Support Officer, you will play a key role in supporting Estyn's inspection and follow-up processes by providing high-quality administrative and technical support. You will manage Virtual Inspection Rooms (VIRs), support education providers and inspection teams, administer follow-up activities, and ensure information and documentation are accurate and up to date. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys problem-solving, working collaboratively, and delivering an efficient service in a busy and evolving environment.
At Estyn, you’ll join a collaborative and inclusive organisation that values professional growth and wellbeing. Benefits include:
- Generous holiday entitlement – 41 days away from work each year (made up of 32 days of annual leave, plus 9 public/privilege holidays – pro-rated for those who work part-time).
- Wellbeing time – 1 hour of wellbeing time per week, in addition to holidays (pro-rated for those who work part-time).
- A flexible and hybrid working environment, supporting work–life balance through homeworking, team days, flexitime, and regular all-staff events.
- A strong commitment to learning and development.
- Excellent pension – access to the Civil Service Pension scheme. We contribute 28.97% of your salary, which equates to £7,913 per year.
- Support for your wellbeing – access to an employee assistance programme, free annual health checks, seasonal flu jabs, and a free eye care scheme.
- Support for your family life – generous family friendly policies including maternity, paternity, and adoption leave.
- Special offers and discounts – access to a range of discounts and exclusive offers through the Civil Service Social Club and a cycle to work scheme.
At Estyn, we’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce where everyone feels valued and supported. We actively encourage applications from underrepresented groups, including people from ethnic minority backgrounds and disabled people. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and are happy to provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process. We value different perspectives and lived experiences, believing that a diverse team leads to stronger ideas, richer discussions, and better outcomes for learners across Wales.
Full details of working for us, and more information on the role and who we are looking for, can be found here. Guidance on how to apply can be found here. You will be prompted to complete an application form during the process, but for ease, please download the form here and upload it at stage 3 of the application. If you have any questions about the role, please contact [email protected].
Your tasks
Support inspections with high-quality admin and technical assistance in a dynamic environment.
Your profile
Organised, proactive, and customer-focused individuals are encouraged to apply.
What's also included
41 days holiday, flexible working, and strong commitment to wellbeing.
Tech stack & ways of working
{en}Inspection Support Officer{/en}{cy}Swyddog Cymorth Arolygu{/cy} in Cardiff employer: Estyn
Estyn is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment where every employee can thrive. With generous benefits such as 41 days of holiday, flexible working arrangements, and a strong commitment to professional development, Estyn prioritises the wellbeing and growth of its staff. Located in Wales, this role offers the unique opportunity to contribute to the future of education while being part of a diverse team that values different perspectives.
Your perspectives
Make a real difference in education while growing your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice
Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Estyn, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Estyn and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience
In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector
When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies
Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter
Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Estyn and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Estyn
Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Estyn, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Estyn.
Locations
- Cardiff
