Introduction

This high profile post is part of the teacher advisory service that aims to maximise school performance by raising standards and effectiveness. By managing the advisers’ work, the development adviser ensures the operational design and delivery of high quality curriculum development. In short, they help to construct a coherent system of continuing professional development (CPD).

Advisers are responsible to the Executive Officer, Professional Development and work in all types of authority except for district councils.

Work Environment

Usually advisers work from professional development centres but, inevitably, spend a lot of time travelling to schools and training centres in the local area. They will spend 50% of their time in schools delivering training programmes or on consultancy activity. They also attend national conferences and government briefings. The official working hours are 37 per week but in reality they will work up to 15/20 hours more in an average week. There is no shift working, but advisers will find it necessary to work evenings and weekends.

Daily Activities

The main responsibilities and duties are:

• to control and support teacher adviser teams on a day to day basis
• to co-ordinate and deliver an induction and CPD programme for advisers
• to work with colleagues on the design of materials for relevant working practices and knowledge
• to co-ordinate research and development priorities undertaken by adviser teams ensuring that the materials produced are conducive to good practice
• to oversee the link officer role (staff development consultant) in liaison with the professional officer including designating colleagues to schools and making sure that services are delivered
• to develop training programmes in liaison with the professional officer and team leaders in accordance with acknowledged needs, as well as using the expertise of external agencies
• to liaise with standards team officers in schools recognised as causing concern
• to maintain local authority links with agencies to ensure coherent programmes for both primary and secondary special focus work
• to manage quality assurance procedures within teacher adviser teams.

Skills & Interests

It is essential that you have:

• the ability to exercise management control of a team
• demonstrated a personal commitment to equality of opportunity
• an ability to get on with people from a variety of backgrounds
• a broad overview and understanding of current issues facing local authorities, local communities and the education services
• the ability to communicate effectively
• a creative and effective approach to problem solving
• experience of preparing and presenting reports
• the ability to ensure that systems of recording and reporting on the work of a team are in place
• an awareness of school effectiveness issues
• an awareness of how to develop and maintain curriculum support and professional development service, delegated to schools.

Entry Requirements

You should have:

• a teaching and final professional qualification
• substantial teaching experience at a senior level in schools
• a post graduate qualification and/or substantial direct practical education experience
• evidence of continuing professional development
• had oversight of programmes of school improvement, including a knowledge of target setting mechanisms
• substantial management experience within a school, college, and/or LEA education department
• substantial experience in affecting change by developing, implementing and evaluating significant initiatives.

Estimated salary range

£32,334 – £36,123

Please note that salary information is a guide only and there may be local agreements in place. For further information about salaries for particular positions, please contact your local council directly.

Future prospects & opportunities

There is the opportunity to work in many executive levels of the education service, both within the advisory field and management. The top job is Director of Education.

There are also opportunities in universities and colleges of education and in the private sector.

Related Occupations

Follow this link to view a list of all related occuptions in Educating Your Community.
Alternatively, follow this link to view all career profiles placed in the same job area.

Further Information & Services

Specialist education publications and supplements to national newspapers.

General Teaching Council (England) www.gtce.org.uk

General Teaching Council of Scotland www.gtcs.org.uk

General Teaching Council for Wales www.gtcw.org.uk

Department for Education and Skills www.dfes.gov.uk

What should I do next?

Look for current local government Curriculum/Professional Development Adviser vacancies in the following places:

• LGjobs.com - the official recruitment website for local government.
• Weekly, bi-weekly or monthly jobs bulletins produced by local councils themselves, available from libraries, community centres, town halls/main civic buildings and central council personnel departments.
• Local council websites.
• Local newspapers
• National newspapers – The Guardian is particularly well known for its public sector job advertisements on a Wednesday.

Find out about the council and get some work experience if possible by:

• Making the most of work experience placements arranged through your school, college or university.
• Contacting councils close to your home to find out about the work experience opportunities they offer.
• Talking to someone who does the job you are interested in – ring your local council to see if someone can spare some time.
• Making an appointment to see a careers adviser for more specific information about jobs and training.