At a Glance
- Tasks: Support impactful projects improving children's services across London.
- Company: Join London Councils, a collaborative force for local government.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for growth and learning.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational skills and a passion for public service.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Responsible to: Programme Lead (LIIA)
Starting salary: £37,505
Working Hours: 35 per week
Contract details: This role is a full-time position. However, part-time (0.6 FTE) applicants will be considered. The 0.6 FTE working arrangements will be based on a 3 day working week. Some remote working will be required by the post-holder. There will be some in-person requirement which will fluctuate in relation to the changing needs of the project.
If you have any queries or would like to informally discuss the role, please contact Beth Evans, Principal Programme Delivery Officer (SEND) at Bethan.evans@londoncouncils.gov.uk.
If you experience any issues with your application, please contact recruitment@londoncouncils.gov.uk.
Application deadline: 11:59pm on 26th April 2026
Interviews: Anticipated to take place on 7th May 2026
The London Innovation and Improvement Alliance (LIIA) is the Association of London Directors of Children’s Services (ALDCS) sector‑led improvement partnership and is hosted by London Councils. We exist to facilitate collaboration to address ALDCS priorities, provide a platform for innovation, identify and share effective practice and produce and make accessible shared datasets. Aligned to ALDCS priorities our programme is focused on five key workstreams; Adolescent Safeguarding, SEND, Resources, Workforce, and Care Leavers, underpinned by crosscutting themes. We are seeking to grow the team and require two motivated Project Support Officers to join us in supporting London’s local authorities through collaboration to improve the outcomes and experience for children in the capital.
Main Responsibilities: LIIA delivers a varied and impactful programme of work, including research, collaborative projects, and policy advocacy to support and strengthen children's services across London boroughs. We are offering exciting opportunities for two Project Support Officers to join our growing team. These roles are for those looking to develop a career in public policy, local government, or children's services. You will gain hands-on experience supporting high-profile, pan-London programmes, while building skills in project delivery, stakeholder engagement, and strategic working.
One role will sit within the ALDCS SEND Programme, which is entering its fourth year and an ambitious new phase of development. This programme brings together partners from across London to improve outcomes for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). In this role, you will support the continued growth of the programme, working closely with programme leads, sub‑regional groups, and local authority partners, and contributing to the delivery of a wide‑ranging and high‑impact agenda.
The second role will work across the wider LIIA portfolio & ALDCS Workforce Programme, supporting a diverse range of projects and organisational priorities. With increasing levels of activity across the team, this role will play a key part in enabling effective delivery, supporting internal coordination, communications, project tracking, and administration. You will gain broad exposure to how a dynamic programme operates and contributes to system‑wide improvement.
Across both roles, you will be involved in a wide range of activities that reflect the pace and variety of working in a busy programme environment. This includes developing engaging programme bulletins and communications (often using tools such as Canva), organising and supporting meetings and networks, maintaining contact lists, and producing clear, concise notes and minutes. You may also help facilitate sessions, including breakout discussions, and support the smooth running of programme activities. You will also contribute to the ongoing development of our online communications, including drafting regular updates, refining website content, and managing our presence on LinkedIn to keep stakeholders informed and engaged with LIIA activity. In addition, you will support the planning and delivery of larger‑scale events and conferences, including agenda setting, logistics, and on‑the‑day coordination.
Day‑to‑day, you can expect to contribute to the development of briefings, coordinate meetings and networks, support stakeholder engagement, and assist with budget tracking, invoicing, and other financial processes. No two days are the same in these roles. They offer a fantastic opportunity to get stuck in, learn quickly, and build a strong understanding of children's services and system‑wide working, while developing valuable project support skills. Both roles offer a unique opportunity to be part of a collaborative and expert team, develop practical skills, and make a meaningful contribution to services that support children, young people, and families across London.
The Ideal Candidate: We are looking for two highly motivated organised individuals with strong administrative skills, project delivery experience, and excellent written and verbal communication abilities. You should have a basic understanding of children's services in local government and research principles, be confident using Microsoft Office, keen to develop your skills on creative platforms like Canva, and demonstrate excellent attention to detail. A proactive team player with the ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and uphold confidentiality, you will also have a strong commitment to equality, high-quality work, and collaborative working across teams. We are passionate about creating a diverse workforce and positively encourage applications from under‑represented communities, including the care‑experienced community. All applications will be processed using a blind sifting method. This means that personal identifying details will be removed to ensure fair and unbiased shortlisting of applications. Please note that anyone using generative AI tools such as ChatGPT or Copilot to answer sift questions may be marked down if they do not also include original content that demonstrates their aptitude, experience and skills. Using these tools also runs the risk of plagiarism.
About The Company: London Councils is the collective of London local government, the 32 boroughs and the City of London Corporation. They come together through London Councils to work in collaboration to deliver their shared ambitions for London and Londoners. Through lobbying, collaboration and partnership, we ensure the voice of the London boroughs are united, and heard at a local, regional and national level. We also run a number of services on behalf of the boroughs including the Freedom Pass, Taxicard and Health Emergency Badge (HEB) and London Lorry Control Scheme (LLCS).
Project Support Officer – SEND in Harrow employer: London Innovation & Improvement Alliance (LiiA)
London Councils is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative work culture that prioritises the improvement of children's services across London. As a Project Support Officer, you will have the opportunity to develop your career in public policy while gaining hands-on experience in a dynamic environment, with access to professional growth and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. The role also allows for flexible working arrangements, including remote work, making it an attractive option for those seeking meaningful employment in the heart of London.
Contact Details:
London Innovation & Improvement Alliance (LiiA) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Support Officer – SEND in Harrow
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We think you need these skills to ace Project Support Officer – SEND in Harrow
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 London Innovation & Improvement Alliance (LiiA) 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 London Innovation & Improvement Alliance (LiiA)
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with London Innovation & Improvement Alliance (LiiA), 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!
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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 London Innovation & Improvement Alliance (LiiA).
