Job Description

Details

• Title: Participation & Training Officer
• Reference: SCC/TP/288886/4412
• Positions: 1
• Salary: 36,873 per annum
• Category: Education & Learning
• Contract type: Permanent
• Working hours: 36 hours per week
• Posted on: 20 January 2026
• Closing date: 8 February 2026
• Directorate: Children, Families & Lifelong Learning
• Location: Victoria Gate, Chobham Road, Woking, GU21 6JD

Description
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 role has a starting salary of 36,873 per annum, based on a 36 hour working week.
We are hiring a new, Participation and Training Officer to join our fantastic Surrey Virtual School team. The team is based in Victoria Gate, Woking but we promote a hybrid approach to working, meeting collaboratively when required in line with our Team Charter. We are proud of our strong focus on development and excellent track record of promoting internally within the council.
Our Offer to You

• 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

Surrey Virtual School (SVS) leads the work to improve educational outcomes for children looked after, children previously looked after, those children with a social worker, and those children in kinship care. It collaborates with partners to build a culture of high expectations and aspiration, addressing the barriers these children face in their learning and achievement. Its work is guided by statutory DfE requirements that define duties towards each cohort.
Recent expansions to the Virtual School's remit, alongside anticipated duties in the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill, mean the team must be fully prepared to meet national expectations across all groups. As a result, SVS's training, events and communication function has grown significantly to ensure consistent and high quality support.
SVS works with schools, social workers, carers, education services and a wide range of professionals to fulfil its statutory role as educational advocates. The new OFSTED Education Inspection Framework places heightened attention on children known to social care and those facing barriers to learning, further strengthening SVS's commitment to being an ambitious and outstanding Virtual School for all its cohorts.
About the Role
Within this context, the Participation and Training Officer plays a key role in ensuring that communication, training, projects and events are effectively planned, delivered and continuously improved based on stakeholder evaluation. A central element of the role involves coordinating meaningful participation from children and young people, supporting their engagement in education at every stage.
Reporting directly to the Deputy Headteacher for Children with a Social Worker and Training, the postholder will contribute to shaping the Virtual School's expanded responsibilities and professional development programme. The role also includes line management of the SVS Business Administration Apprentice, providing guidance and support to help the Apprentice develop skills, experience and progress toward a professional qualification.
Shortlisting Criteria
In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with our :

• Proven experience in a fast-paced local authority setting, with the ability to manage and prioritise a busy, deadline driven workload.
• Strong capability in supporting young people or colleagues new to role, demonstrating empathy, adaptability and high expectations.
• Flexible, open-minded and positive approach, consistently role modelling these behaviours to apprentices, team members and partners.
• Effective project management skills, with the ability to navigate challenges and deliver projects through to completion.
• Technical proficiency, including Microsoft Office, data analysis, communications and social media platforms, and supporting/hosting live or in person events.
• Strong understanding of relevant local authority

and guidance, particularly relating to Virtual Schools' duties, alongside excellent written and verbal communication skills for building strong stakeholder relationships.
To apply, alongside your CV please supply a supporting statement to demonstrate and evidence your suitability for the role.
Contact Us
Please contact us for any questions relating to role requirements, flexible working requests, transferable skills or barriers to employment.
For an informal discussion please contact Michelle Cain by e-mail or on MS Teams.
The job advert closes at 23:59 on the 08/02/2026 with interviews to follow.
We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit.
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:
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.
Files to download

• Reviewed: 28 Jan 2026

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• Surrey County Council 2026
• ID: 187280

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