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- Tasks: Lead school improvement and champion inclusion across a diverse Trust.
- Company: Join the Diocese of Salisbury Academy Trust, rooted in strong Christian values.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive leadership team, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with travel across Wiltshire and Dorset, engaging with various stakeholders.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Proven school improvement leader with senior executive experience.
The predicted salary is between 93424 - 105595 £ per year.
Salary: £93,424.00 - £105,595.00 Annually (Actual)
Hours of work: Full-time
Contract type: Permanent
This is not a Wiltshire Council vacancy therefore please contact Diocese of Salisbury Academy Trust for further information.
About the role:
Following the relocation of our wonderful Deputy CEO for family reasons, we are seeking an exceptional system leader to become our next post holder, working alongside our experienced and visionary CEO. We need a values-driven professional, with relentless energy, who will inspire improvement, champion inclusion and safeguarding, and secure excellence across a diverse Trust serving a wide geographical area. Rooted in a strong Christian vision and ethos, our Trust exists so that every child and adult in our schools can learn, grow and flourish. As Deputy CEO you will bring significant experience of influencing improvement in multiple settings, strategic clarity, moral purpose and practical know-how to translate this vision into sustained impact for pupils and staff every day.
The difference you will make:
- Raise standards across our schools: Lead the Trust’s improvement strategy and quality assurance, ensuring rapid, secure improvement wherever it is needed most.
- Champion flourishing in our church schools: Be an inspirational example of our distinctive Christian ethos—supporting deeply Christian provision, governance and recruitment—and strengthen our partnerships across the Diocese.
- Lead safeguarding culture Trust-wide: Serve as the Trust’s Designated Safeguarding Lead, ensuring our policy, training and practice meet the highest standards and current legislation.
- Develop people and leadership: Line-manage and coach Regional Directors of Education and the Academy Improvement Team; support and challenge Headteachers; nurture professional learning and wellbeing.
- Build thriving collaboration: Extend best practice across hubs and schools; work confidently with Trustees, diocesan partners, Ofsted, DFE, LAs and training providers.
About you:
You are a proven school-improvement leader with successful headship or senior executive experience across more than one school. You combine incisive use of performance data with high expectations, credibility with senior leaders and governors, and a leadership approach that empowers others. You understand Ofsted and SIAMS (maybe as an inspector, although not essential), can hold to account as well as coach, and you bring resilient optimism and integrity that model our values. A strong personal alignment with the Christian ethos of our Trust is essential.
What we offer:
- A compelling opportunity to shape outcomes for thousands of children across contrasting communities, within a supportive, values-led Trust.
- Serving within a dynamic and committed senior leadership team, providing support to and influencing the work of the CEO.
- A platform to lead and develop further our Trust Improvement Model, the safeguarding and work of the Trust Standards and Ethos Committees, working directly with the CEO and Trustees.
- Committed colleagues, purposeful partnerships and a culture that invests in your growth as a system leader.
- Engagement with senior colleagues in other Trusts and at regional and national levels.
- The opportunity to make a real difference, whilst advancing your career in a significant way.
Travel: This role covers schools across Wiltshire and Dorset; substantial travel across the Diocese of Salisbury is essential and should energise rather than deter you.
Find out more and apply: Please also look at our website to find out much more. We would love to help you find out more. For an informal conversation with our CEO, Mark Lacey, please contact Nicki Summerill.
If you are interested in this position and would like to have a more detailed conversation before making the decision to apply for the post, please give us a call and we will be happy to help you with as much detail as possible to support this process. When you have enough information to make your decision to apply, please complete all sections of the application form. CVs will not be accepted.
All applicants will be notified of the shortlisting decisions by email. References for shortlisted candidates will be requested before interviews.
Closing date (and time): 9:00am, Fri 8th May, 2026
Interview date: 18th and 19th May 2026
Commencement date: 1st September 2026
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references. We are an equal opportunities employer and warmly welcome applications from all sections of the community.
PLEASE DO NOT APPLY VIA THE APPLY BUTTON BELOW. Applications must be made via the instructions provided above. Applications or CV's submitted via the apply button will not be considered.
Deputy Chief Executive Officer employer: Wiltshire Council
Contact Detail:
Wiltshire Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Chief Executive Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research the Diocese of Salisbury Academy Trust and understand their values and mission. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. Having a chat can give you insider info about the culture and expectations, plus it might just give you an edge over other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tough questions! Think about how your experience aligns with the role's requirements, especially around school improvement and safeguarding. Practise articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently—this is your chance to shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a simple gesture that can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Chief Executive Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know the Role Inside Out: Before you start writing, make sure you really understand what the Deputy CEO role is all about. Dive into the job description and highlight key responsibilities and values that resonate with you. This will help you tailor your application to show how you fit the bill.
Showcase Your Experience: When filling out the application form, don’t just list your past roles. Instead, share specific examples of how you've led improvements in schools or organisations. Use data and outcomes to back up your claims—this will demonstrate your impact and effectiveness as a leader.
Align with Our Values: We’re looking for someone who embodies our Christian ethos and values-driven approach. Make sure to weave this into your application. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that reflect your commitment to inclusion, safeguarding, and educational excellence.
Follow Application Instructions: Remember, we want your application through our website, not via the apply button! Take your time to complete all sections of the application form thoroughly. Double-check everything before submitting to ensure it’s polished and professional.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wiltshire Council
✨Know the Trust's Vision Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into the Diocese of Salisbury Academy Trust's mission and values. Understand how their Christian ethos shapes their approach to education. This will help you articulate how your own values align with theirs and demonstrate your commitment to their vision.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that highlight your experience in school improvement and leadership. Be ready to discuss how you've influenced change in multiple settings and how you can bring that expertise to the Trust. Use data to back up your successes!
✨Emphasise Safeguarding Knowledge
As the role involves being the Designated Safeguarding Lead, brush up on current safeguarding legislation and best practices. Be prepared to discuss how you would ensure a strong safeguarding culture across the Trust and share any relevant experiences you have in this area.
✨Engage with Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the Trust’s improvement strategy, partnerships, and how they support their leaders. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.