Council jobs in Cumbria

Job reference

REQ00000020058

Date posted

27/05/2026

Application closing date

12/06/2026

Location

CARLISLE

Salary

£51,356 to £52,413 per annum

Package

Blank

Contractual hours

37

Basis

Full time

Job description

Salary: £51,356 to £52,413 per annum

Hours: 37 hours per week

Location: Cumbria House, Carlisle

Contract: Fixed term (2 years)

About this opportunity

Cumberland Council is seeking an Alternative Provision Lead to drive forward our vision for inclusive education and excellence in alternative provision.

Why this role matters

This is a high-impact leadership role focused on improving the quality, consistency and outcomes of alternative provision across the local area. You will shape how we support some of our most vulnerable learners, ensuring services are effective, compliant and ambitious.

What you’ll be doing

• Leading the monitoring and evaluation of alternative provision settings
• Driving quality assurance frameworks and continuous improvement
• Using data and intelligence to improve outcomes and performance
• Providing expert advice to schools, services and partners
• Leading engagement with schools, providers, families and multi-agency partners
• Reporting on performance, risks and development to senior leaders

What we’re looking for

We are seeking a confident, knowledgeable professional who:

• Has significant experience within education, SEND or alternative provision
• Can demonstrate impact in improving provision quality or outcomes
• Has strong analytical, leadership and influencing skills
• Thrives in complex, multi-agency environments
• Is committed to inclusion, equity and high aspirations for all learners

What you’ll gain

• The opportunity to shape the future of alternative provision locally
• A visible leadership role influencing strategy and delivery
• The chance to work with committed partners across the system
• A rewarding role with real impact for children and families

This role is available on a fixed-term basis.

Why join us?

• A lifestyle you won’t find elsewhere – Living and working in Cumbria offers the best of both worlds. You’ll have a fulfilling and rewarding career while being surrounded by stunning landscapes, from the world-famous Lake District National Park to unspoilt coastlines and vibrant market towns. Whether you enjoy hiking, water sports, cycling, or simply relaxing in a picturesque setting, Cumbria provides an outstanding quality of life.
• Supportive environment – You’ll be part of a team that values collaboration, compassion, and innovation. We focus on potential over perfection, giving you opportunities to develop your skills and grow your career.

Who we’re looking for

We’re looking for individuals who embody our organisation's core values: ambitious, collaborative, compassionate, empowering, and innovative. We believe in the power of these values to drive positive change, deliver excellent public services and shape a better future for our communities.

We’re also about potential over perfection and we can help you grow in the role and thrive in your career.

Be sure to take a look at the post specification (below) for the essential criteria for this role.

Contact

For more information about the role or to arrange an informal chat prior to your application, please contact Natalie Bevan by email at natalie.bevan@cumbria.gov.uk

DBS Checks

This role requires a DBS check. The level of check for this role is:

Enhanced DBS check with a Children’s & Adults Barred List check.

Please note this role involves working in regulated activity with adults and Children. It is an offence for people who are barred from working in regulated activity to apply for roles that require them to work unsupervised with adults and Children.

Guaranteed Interviews

We offer a guaranteed interview to the following applicants as long as your application can demonstrate you meet the essential criteria for the role.

• Those who consider themselves disabled as defined by the Equality Act 2010
• Those in care or who have left care and are aged 24 and under
• Those who identify as a member of the British Armed Forces community (service leavers, veterans, their partners or spouses, reservists, cadets).

If you meet one or more of the criteria above, and wish to be considered for this scheme, select 'yes' to the appropriate question during your application. Find out more.

Diversity, Inclusion & Adjustments

We’re dedicated to enhancing the diversity of our workforce and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. That’s why we’re a proud Disability Confident Leader and also an Age Friendly Employer – to provide opportunities for everyone to thrive.

If you need any reasonable adjustments to participate in the recruitment process, please let either the hiring manager or our Resourcing Team know by emailing Resourcing@Cumberland.gov.uk. While adjustments aren’t always guaranteed, we’ll always listen and we’ll try our best to accommodate your needs.

Application and Interview information

• Closing date: 12/06/2026
• Interview date: TBC

If you experience any difficulties logging in to apply for this role, please contact the HR Systems team at HR.Systems@cumbria.gov.uk.

Please note this role may close early subject to demand. If you’re interested in applying, you should apply well before the advised closing date. We cannot accept applications once the role has closed.

Please read the supporting information:

• Post Specification

Please also refer to our Careers site to find out more:

• Our Staff Benefits
• Candidate Support
• About Cumberland Council

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