Data and Funding Lead in Gateshead

Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might be the perfect match. We’re delighted that you’re interested in working with us. You’d be joining us at a very exciting time. We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward‑thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive.

At Gateshead Council you’d be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi‑time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we’re confident that it isn’t just the salary that attracts our staff.

Learning and Skills is a dynamic team within the Education, Schools and Inclusion service. We deliver learning opportunities to the most vulnerable residents in Gateshead, provide apprenticeships to over 400 businesses, and create project opportunities through external funding to help move people nearer to the labour market. Gateshead Council Learning and Skills work for the most vulnerable residents to raise aspirations and improve social mobility through outstanding teaching practices that cultivates aspiration and ambition. We contribute to making Gateshead a fairer and more resilient economy; a place for everyone to thrive and have an opportunity to realise their full potential in learning, work or positive health and well‑being.

Responsibilities

• To support the effective management of multiple internal and external funding streams by ensuring full contractual and legal compliances.
• The role provides critical support to Curriculum Managers in budget planning and curriculum design, offering expert advice on funding rules and qualification values.
• It involves producing and interpreting management information to inform strategic decision‑making, overseeing the accuracy and submission of statutory data returns, and ensuring the integrity of ILR data in line with GDPR and funding regulations.
• Additionally, the role leads on continuous quality improvement in data and funding processes, supervises data and funding staff, and coordinates the maintenance of digital systems to meet security standards.
• The role is responsible for managing and supporting a range of internal and external funding streams, ensuring compliance with DfE and other funding body requirements.
• It involves producing, interpreting, and submitting accurate data using reporting systems, databases, spreadsheets, and financial management tools to inform decision‑making and meet statutory obligations.
• The postholder will provide expert advice on funding rules, qualification values, and curriculum planning, while also supporting external projects and funding bids.
• A key part of the role includes supervising staff, managing workloads effectively, and maintaining high standards of data quality and security.

Qualifications

• Strong IT skills, particularly in Access and Excel, are essential for creating reports and managing data.
• The role requires excellent communication skills, the ability to draft and interpret complex documentation, and a proactive approach to prioritising tasks and working both independently and as part of a team.
• A Level 5 qualification in a relevant subject (or willingness to work towards it) and significant experience in data, finance, or funding systems are also essential.

What’s In It For You

• Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
• Outstanding Pension Scheme: We invest in your future too.
• Generous Annual Leave: 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
• Flexible Working Hours: Benefit from up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs), giving you more control over your time.
• Hybrid & Flexible Working: We support a healthy work‑life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
• Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
• Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax‑efficient cycle to work programme.
• Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand‑new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme.
• Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more.

We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.