At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable students by implementing the Fair Access Protocol and managing school admissions.
- Company: Join a dedicated team focused on positive outcomes for young people in West Sussex.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career growth and community impact.
- Why this job: Be a champion for fair access in education and help shape futures.
- Qualifications: Experience with schools and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 33673 - 36581 £ per year.
The Opportunity
FTE Salary: NJC Grade 8 £33,673 to £36,581 per annum
Actual Salary: Pro-rata per annum
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Pattern: 37 hours per week, full time (term time only 39 weeks a year) or 32.5 hours a week all year round.
Location: Your current work base is Arun Civic Centre, Littlehampton. The use of Arun Civic Centre is currently initially expected to be in place for three years to April 2029. The substantive hub for your service is Worthing and therefore, there is the potential for services to relocate to Worthing in the future.
Please note: There is a regular and intrinsic requirement to communicate in English with members of the public. You will be able to travel independently throughout the county to areas that may not be accessible by public transport. You will be able to attend meetings that may fall outside of core working hours from time-to-time.
Closing date: 22nd November 2026
Interview date: 30th November 2026
Do you enjoy researching and interpreting information? Do you have experience or knowledge of schools and the education system? Are you passionate about supporting your community?
As a Fair Access Officer, you will be working in the Fair Access Team who is responsible for the implementation of the Fair Access Protocol in West Sussex. The protocol addresses the admission of specific students to schools and alternative provision. Your responsibilities include:
- Giving advice and guidance on the exclusion process.
- Representing the local authority at Governor's Disciplinary Committees.
- Ensuring a fair distribution to schools of pupils meeting the Fair Access Protocol.
- Assessing and managing referrals for alternative provision.
- Monitoring the pupils attending our commissioned alternative provisions.
The work within this role is varied, including:
- Preparing statistical data on trends and patterns in school exclusions.
- Responding sensitively to complex child-centred casework.
- Establishing and maintaining relationships.
- Influencing and challenging across the organisation, within a political environment.
- Ensuring senior schools' staff and governing bodies comply with the statutory guidance on exclusion from school and the Fair Access Protocol under the School Admissions Code.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone committed to good outcomes for vulnerable pupils and wishing to further their career. Experience of working with schools and in partnership with other agencies is essential.
Our team is passionate and dedicated to positive outcomes for young people. As a team member you will demonstrate strong communication skills, commitment, ability to prioritise, make decisions, problem solve, all with due regard to statutory guidance.
About You
We are looking for someone who has personal resilience and professionalism, and who can organise their own workload, respond to unexpected situations appropriately, and make decisions using recognised guidelines.
Key Skills:
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills in order to effectively exchange complicated or sensitive information.
- Excellent verbal communication skills including the ability to effectively participate in panels and appeal hearings and multi-disciplinary meetings.
Fair Access Officer in Littlehampton employer: Schools
Schools provide a supportive and collaborative work environment, emphasizing professional development and staff training. With leadership roles offering competitive salaries, employees can contribute to meaningful educational outcomes while ensuring the welfare of children and young people. The commitment to safeguarding and high standards makes Schools an attractive employer.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Fair Access Officer in Littlehampton
✨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 Schools, 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 Schools 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.
We think you need these skills to ace Fair Access Officer in Littlehampton
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 Schools 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 Schools
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Schools, 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 Schools.
