Job Introduction We are committed to the development of our workforce. This position is only available to applicants who already work for Surrey County Council. We thank you for your interest in our roles and would encourage you to review our vacancies which are open to all. This full-time, permanent role has a starting salary of £61,784 per annum, based on a 36 hour week. We have a great opportunity to join our fantastic Attendance Service as an Attendance and Inclusion Manager for the West of Surrey, based out of Victoria Gate in Woking. We support hybrid working with the right balance. We come together in person for at least two days per week on average, the rest of your time will be visiting schools, with some time working from home. Our Offer to Yo u 26 days’ holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years’ service Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave A generous local government salary related pension Up to 5 days of carer’s leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year Paternity, adoption and dependents leave An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents About the Role As an Attendance and Inclusion Manager, you will play a vital role in shaping the life chances of children and young people across the west of Surrey. Your leadership will help ensure that no child is left behind, by ensuring regular school attendance and breaking down the barriers that prevent children from accessing education. You’ll lead skilled, passionate teams who carry out Surrey’s statutory responsibilities for attendance. Working both strategically and on the ground, you’ll collaborate with schools, families, safeguarding partners and wider agencies to create environments where children feel safe, supported and included. This is a role where your decisions have a direct and lasting impact on a child's future — and that’s what makes it both challenging and highly rewarding. In this varied position, no two days will be the same. You might be advising a headteacher on complex attendance issues one moment, analysing borough‑wide attendance trends the next, and supporting your team as they design targeted interventions. You’ll provide expert guidance, constructive challenge and strong leadership to help schools improve attendance, reduce persistent absence, and ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive. As a people leader, you’ll oversee and develop a team of Attendance Officers, ensuring their practice remains high‑quality, consistent and aligned with Surrey County Council’s policies and standards. You’ll nurture professional growth, model best practice, and foster a culture of continuous improvement within the service. This is a role for someone who is energised by problem‑solving, partnership‑working and making a measurable difference for children and families. Your Application In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with our behaviours : Proven management experience within education, inclusion or attendance‑related services Strong knowledge of attendance legislation and statutory responsibilities Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills, with confidence negotiating and influencing others Experience working with families, schools and a range of multi‑agency partners to support positive outcomes for children Surrey has both urban and rural areas and candidates will be expected to have a valid driving licence to drive in the UK, access to a vehicle and be willing to travel across a wide geographical area. Reasonable adjustments where needed will be made for successful applicants who have a disability or long term health condition to enable them to fulfil the requirements of the job. To apply, we request that you submit a CV and you will be asked the following 4 questions: Please describe a time when you have led a team to improve outcomes in an education, inclusion, or attendance‑related service. In your answer, include: the challenges you identified, how you provided strategic direction, and the impact your leadership had on service delivery or outcomes for children and families Please tell us about your experience applying attendance legislation or statutory duties in practice. In your answer please explain: how you ensured compliance, how you advised schools or partners and the difference your actions made Please give an example of how you have worked with schools, families, and multi‑agency partners to remove barriers to attendance or inclusion. In your answer please describe: the issues involved, the collaborative approach you used and the outcomes achieved Please describe how you have used data or trend analysis to inform strategic decisions or implement targeted interventions. In your answer please include: the type of data you analysed, how it shaped your recommendations or actions and the impact on attendance or service performance The job advert closes at 23:59 on 4th March 2026 with interviews planned to follow shortly after. Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description and Our Life at Surrey handbook to get an insight into working at Surrey. Contact Us Please contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment. Please contact debra.shucksmith@surreycc.gov.uk We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit. An enhanced DBS ‘Disclosure and Barring Service’ check for regulated activity (formerly known as CRB) and the Children’s and Adults’ Barred List checks will be required for this role. Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027. If you are employed by Surrey on 1st April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of the new organisations, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities. Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents! Please see more information here: Information for applicants on Local Government Reorganisation - Surrey County Council. Our Commitment We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum criteria, we guarantee you an interview. Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we’re committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.

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