Principal Educational Psychologist

Principal Educational Psychologist -CMB1853e

Job description

Salary: £66,425 – £70,337 per annum Soulbury SEN & Prin Ed Psy 10-13 (SPA 14-16)

Hours: 37 hours per week

Location: Hybrid, across Cumberland

Contract: Permanent

About us

Cumberland Council is an ambitious and forward-thinking authority dedicated to shaping a better future for our communities. We are passionate about creating a vibrant future by addressing inequalities, creating thriving economies that work for our residents and protecting our environment.

At the core of our vision is a commitment to our people, with health and well-being being integral to everything we do, underscoring every initiative and ensuring we provide unparalleled support for all.

We can’t do it without you! Come and embark on the journey to a vibrant future with us, where the work you do will make a real impact. Together, let's shape a community that's as dynamic and inclusive as our landscape. Be a part of the transformation!

#WeAreCumberland

About this opportunity

We are looking for an experienced Educational Psychologist to work as a Principal Educational Psychologist, leading and managing the Cumberland team.

We are an enthusiastic and well-respected service, set in the varied and beautiful county of Cumbria. We are committed to supporting inclusive practice in schools and settings, and work with them to support children and young people’s needs.

As a service we are responsible for the statutory EHC needs assessments. We work to support all children and young people’s needs, wherever possible: our educational psychologists work with groups of schools and get to know them well and the communities which they serve. We also work closely with other professionals on council priorities, developing the approaches and services which we can offer.

This post is within the SEND and Inclusion Service. The PEP manages the Psychological Service which includes educational psychologists and the Behaviour and Emotional Wellbeing Officers (BEWOs).

We place a high value on support and professional development, and actively share and develop good practice in a reflective way. If you are a fully qualified educational psychologist with experience of successfully using a wide range of applied education psychology (in educational settings) then we would love to hear from you!

Cumberland Council is proud to hold an Ofsted rating of 'Good’ for our Children’s Services, demonstrating our dedication and strong commitment to providing high-quality services for children and families. Ofsted recognised that staff unanimously report a ‘real buzz about working in Cumberland’ and that they feel ‘energised, valued and listened to’, observing that ‘leaders have established a strong Cumberland identity that staff can be proud of’.

Fundamentally, we are seeking 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 and shape a better future for our communities. Your commitment to these principles will be instrumental in delivering services that are vital to the well-being and prosperity of our residents.

If this sounds like you, then please get in touch!

We believe in cultivating potential over perfection. If this job sounds like you and you resonate with our values, we encourage you to apply or contact [email protected] or 07812972987 for an informal chat prior to your application.

Cumberland Council Staff Benefits

Pay

• As a real living wage paying employer we offer competitive rates of pay
• Our pay scales are nationally agreed and come with a national annual pay review*
• A range of allowances to recognise times where you're available out of hours if we need you, or where you take on extra responsibilities beyond your role.

*In accordance with the National Joint Council for Local Government Services

Pension

• Opportunity to join a generous defined benefit pension scheme to secure your future (most employees are part of the Local Government Pension Scheme)
• Opportunity to boost your pension with Additional Pension Contributions which will increase your annual defined benefit amount
• Opportunity to build a defined contribution pot on the side of your defined benefit pension through Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contributions (facilitated by AVC Wise).

Holidays

• 25 days holiday per year when you start, rising to 31 days holiday per year after 5 years of service
• 8 public holidays
• The option to purchase up to 2 weeks additional leave and spread the cost over 12 months

Flexible Working

• Flexible working arrangements including the ability to work remotely from home supporting a culture that fits around you*
• A flexi-time scheme where you could vary your start and finish times and also build up 3 days flexi-time and take up to 2 flexi days off per month*

*subject to the demands and requirements of the specific role.

Learning and Development

• Dedicated development time each week*
• Access to an online learning portal offering more than 150 courses
• Access to regular development programmes to build the soft skills to succeed
• Opportunity to study professional qualifications to help you get the certifications you need for your role or to advance your career.

*subject to the demands and requirements of the specific role.

Deals and Discounts

• Money off your local gym including Better, Newfield Health, The Gym Group and Lifestyle Fitness
• Various discount schemes including RAC roadside recovery discount and money off local supportive businesses
• Tusker car leasing salary sacrifice scheme as well as an esteem car loan scheme for essential car users
• Spec Savers eyecare voucher
• Free flu jabs in winter from participating pharmacies

Employee Assistance & Support

• In house staff support networks
• Employee assistance programme offering mental health support
• Access to in-house Occupational Health service including physio treatment

Application and Interview information

Closing date: Sunday 13th July 2025

Interview date: TBC

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.

Our interview process can accommodate both in-person and virtual formats, with tailored options discussed upon invitation to the interview stage. Preferred for virtual interviews is the use of Microsoft Teams, currently available for new users at no cost. However, should you encounter any challenges accessing this technology, we are open to discussing alternative arrangements prior to the scheduled interviews.

DBS Checks

Conducting Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks is integral to our commitment to creating a safe and secure environment for our staff and the communities we serve. These checks play a crucial role in safeguarding, ensuring that individuals with appropriate qualifications and character are entrusted with roles where they may have access to children and vulnerable people. By prioritising DBS checks, we uphold the highest standards of integrity, reinforcing our dedication to the well-being and trust of those we engage with.

This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974 and requires an 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.

Please read the supporting information:

Post Specification