Principal Educational Psychologist - County Buildings, Ayr - SOA12491 - SOA12491

This post offers the opportunity to lead a dynamic Educational Psychology Service whose vision is of ‘equity, excellence and empowerment through psychology’. We have a passionate commitment to applying psychological research to improve the educational outcomes of all children and young people, especially those who are vulnerable. As a service we have a strong focus on early intervention and prevention, reducing the poverty related attainment gap, and developing nurture approaches across a variety of sectors including early years, primary, secondary and specialist educational provisions. We have a strong commitment to enhancing the lives of children who are care experienced. The Service actively encourages and supports innovative and creative practice. The Service welcomes applications from aspiring leaders who are suitably qualified to lead our dynamic team. The service has a strong commitment to supporting continuing professional development for all staff. Applications are welcomed from suitably qualified psychologists.

If you wish to discuss this post further, please contact Gayle Ferguson 01292 612129.

South Ayrshire is at the heart of historic Ayrshire, with a wealth of local heritage and culture, first class leisure amenities, world-wide travel links, diverse landscapes and thriving communities. Making a difference for our communities is at the heart of what we do and working with us means, you can use your skills, knowledge and experience to help us do just that. We currently employ around 6000 people to serve a population of more than 112,000 people located across a diverse area that includes the towns of Ayr, Girvan, Maybole, Prestwick and Troon as well as small rural villages, coastline and farmland. We are an ambitious Council, and we aim to place people at the centre of everything we do as we look to deliver the best possible outcomes. We are ambitious for our communities too and our new Council Plan is based on priorities and outcomes that we believe will have the greatest impact on the wellbeing of our communities, our local economy, and our environment.

Here’s what we can offer!

• Competitive salary
• Excellent pension scheme
• Wellbeing initiatives and Occupational Health services
• A healthy environment supportive of work-life balance and caring responsibilities
• Car leasing scheme
• Discounts on major supermarkets and retailers, cinemas and gym memberships (including Council leisure facilities)
• Purchase of white goods and more via salary sacrifice
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Scotwest Credit Union

This post is considered to be Regulated Work with children as specified in the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) (PVG) Act 2007. Accordingly, the preferred candidate will be required to become a member of the PVG Scheme, or undergo a PVG Scheme update if already a Scheme member, prior to any formal offer of employment being made. If you wish further information on the PVG Scheme you can visit the Disclosure Scotland website at www.disclosurescotland.co.uk. Please note you may be required to meet PVG cost.

Interviews for this post are scheduled for 04/06/2026. The grade of this post is Depute/principal educational psychologist - point 5. The work style for this post is Hybrid. The successful candidate will be required to work flexibly between home and the office and the frequency for attending the office may vary depending on the exigencies of the service.