At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformation in data and insight for SEND and Inclusion, driving strategic improvements.
- Company: Join Hertfordshire's Children's Services, a forward-thinking team focused on impactful change.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to shape future services.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and collaboration across multi-agency partnerships.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's services through data-driven decision-making and innovation.
- Qualifications: Strong analytical skills, leadership experience, and knowledge of SEND policy required.
The predicted salary is between 72268 - 72268 £ per year.
Strategic Lead for Intelligence & Insight – Secondment / Fixed Term opportunity until March 2027 with the potential for extension.
Location: Stevenage, Hours: 37, Salary: £72,268 per annum. This senior role is within the Improvement & Transformation service of Children’s Services in Hertfordshire and will lead a programme of transformation to strengthen the delivery of data, intelligence and insight across SEND and Inclusion.
Key Responsibilities- Lead a programme of improvement and transformation across data, intelligence and insight, delivering strategic benefits across the directorate and multi‑agency partnerships.
- Shape the strategic direction of intelligence and insight for SEND and Inclusion in line with national reforms and local government reorganisation.
- Embed a culture of evidence‑based decision‑making and continuous improvement underpinning system transformation, service improvements and operational decision‑making.
- Lead high‑quality reporting across the directorate, translating complex data into meaningful insights for a range of audiences.
- Provide leadership and oversight of insight and intelligence to support robust budget monitoring, modelling and reporting for high‑risk areas such as High Needs funding.
- Establish a strategic overview of resource use, supporting and challenging senior leaders to mitigate financial risks.
- Oversee information systems and champion innovation, including the adoption of new digital tools and reporting platforms such as Power BI.
- Lead and develop data and finance teams, ensuring clarity of vision, high performance and professional growth.
- Coordinate analytical resources across services to drive efficiency and coherence.
- Contribute to wider leadership within the Improvement & Transformation service, deputising when required.
- Collaborate across the council and with external partners to meet corporate and statutory reporting requirements.
- Build strong partnerships locally, regionally and nationally to support the directorate’s data and insight ambitions.
- Ensure timely and high‑quality responses to statutory returns, inspections, FOI requests and partner queries.
- Exceptional skills in data gathering, analysis and interpretation, with the ability to present complex information clearly to different audiences.
- Strong analytical thinking, able to draw conclusions and translate insight into action for senior leaders, elected members and operational services.
- Excellent interpersonal and influencing skills, with the ability to engage partners at every level across a multi‑agency system.
- Proven leadership and team management experience, with a focus on developing others.
- Good political awareness and ability to work effectively in sensitive and high‑profile environments.
- Experience with programme and transformation leadership and management approaches.
- Thrives in a complex, fast‑paced and dynamic environment.
- Thorough knowledge of national SEND policy, inclusion, and/or support for children with additional learning needs.
- Experience leading intelligence, performance or analytics functions within a local authority or public sector setting.
- Experience of financial oversight, budget monitoring and managing high‑value funding areas.
- Experience implementing or optimising data systems, business intelligence tools such as Power BI, and case management systems.
- Knowledge of statutory reporting requirements and inspection frameworks within SEND / Inclusion.
- Experience working across multi‑agency partnerships at a strategic level.
We welcome applications from candidates who currently reside in the UK with established proof of right to work documentation. We are not able to offer sponsorship at this time for this role.
We are a Disability Confident employer and guarantee an interview to anyone disclosing a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.
This role has been identified as requiring a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check. English fluency: the ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential.
Strategic Lead for Intelligence &Insight in Stevenage employer: Hertfordshire County Council
As a leading employer in Hertfordshire's Improvement & Transformation service, we offer a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our focus on professional development and leadership opportunities, ensuring that you can thrive while making a meaningful impact on children's services. Join us in shaping the future of SEND and Inclusion, where your expertise will be valued and your contributions will drive positive change.
Contact Details:
Hertfordshire County Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Lead for Intelligence &Insight in Stevenage
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those who work in local authorities or public sector settings. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or presentation that highlights your experience with data analysis and transformation leadership. Tailor it to showcase how you can bring strategic benefits to the role. This will help you stand out during interviews and discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get comfortable discussing complex data and insights in simple terms. Role-play with a friend or mentor to refine your communication skills. Being able to translate data into actionable insights is key for this role, so let’s nail it!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got all the resources you need to make your application shine. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team. Don’t forget to follow up after applying; a little persistence can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Lead for Intelligence &Insight in Stevenage
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the job description. We want to see how you can lead transformation in data and insight, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role is all about data and insights, be sure to include examples of your analytical thinking. We love seeing how you've turned complex data into actionable insights, so share those stories that demonstrate your expertise!
Highlight Leadership Experience:This position requires strong leadership skills, so make sure to emphasise your experience in managing teams and driving improvements. We’re looking for someone who can inspire others, so let us know how you’ve developed talent in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hertfordshire County Council
✨Know Your Data Inside Out
As a Strategic Lead for Intelligence & Insight, you'll need to demonstrate exceptional skills in data gathering and analysis. Make sure you brush up on relevant data sets and be prepared to discuss how you've used data to drive decision-making in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires proven leadership experience, so think of examples where you've successfully led teams or projects. Be ready to share how you've developed others and fostered a high-performance culture within your team.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with national SEND policies and local government reforms. During the interview, connect your insights to these frameworks, showing that you can align your strategic direction with broader organisational goals.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Excellent interpersonal skills are key for this position. Prepare to discuss how you've built strong partnerships across multi-agency systems. Think of specific instances where your influencing skills made a difference in collaborative projects.
