School Appeals Service administers the school admissions appeals process for schools across Hertfordshire. The service is independent of Admissions & Transport service and supports both parents and schools impartially through the process.
Our aim is providing the best possible service for our users, whilst ensuring that the legislation is complied with.
About the team
We are recruiting two clerks, who are instrumental to in the process. The clerks will be legally trained to ensure they thoroughly understand this important statutory function. Clerks take notes and ensure the smooth-running of appeals, followed by writing decision letters on behalf of the panels. They will liaise with the school appeals community which includes volunteer panel members, School Appeal service administrative team and other parties to the process.
It is a role that requires tact, diplomacy, and empathy, and that supports decisions that really impacts families’ lives. A high level of organisation is also required.
About the role
Responsibilities include reading school/parental statements, explaining the process to parties via telephone, supporting parties to participate in the virtual appeals (using MS Teams and undertaking its practical management), taking detailed minutes of appeals and writing up decision letters
The role is varied and interesting with no two appeals being the same. You will work with parents and schools, some of which will be very emotional, and you will need to be able to empathise with them whilst remaining impartial.
On an average day, you may have 10 appeals to be heard initially, with one dropping out on the day, one with an interpreter, and two which are siblings. You will need to support the volunteer panel to manage this effectively, empathetically and in line with the relevant legislation.
The busiest time for the service is between April - July.
Variable Hours - dependent on the needs of the service.
About you
Essential:
- Excellent command of written and oral English language with the ability to write detailed decision letters which are clear for all to understand.
- Experience of minute/note taking
- Able to work between the hours of 8.45-5.00pm on working days.
- Ability to empathise with parties.
- Ability to be impartial.
- Knowledge of school systems in Hertfordshire
Desirable:
- Experience of working in/with schools
- Understanding of the admissions/admission’s appeals process.
- Experience of committee work
How to apply
As part of your application, please upload your most recent CV. Ensure your CV is up to date with your employment history (including any employment gaps), and including any training/qualifications. We encourage you to include examples of where you have demonstrated the requirements/criteria in the advert / job outline, to allow the panel to fully recognise your skills and abilities. You will have the opportunity to include a short covering paragraph within your application to give us a little more information about your skills, knowledge, and experiences.
Additional information
Disability Confident
We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and guarantee an interview to anyone disclosing a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.
English Fluency
The ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post (for those whose language is a signed language the provision of a sign language interpreter who speaks English to the necessary standard of fluency will be required). Further information about the legal requirement can be found here.
Job Reference: HCC28462