Director of Education Funding Delivery and Oversight

Job description

About the job

Job summary

The DfE is supported by around 8,000 staff across multiple sites, and it works with 13 Arm's Length Bodies. These bodies play a critical role in the administration of our funding, the delivery of services, and the provision of regulation and advice across the sector.

We are responsible for:

• teaching and learning for children in the early years and in primary schools.
• teaching and learning for young people in secondary schools.
• teaching, learning and training for young people in further education.
• teaching and learning for students in higher education.
• supporting professionals who work in our sectors.
• helping all children and young people, including those who are disadvantaged or with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), to achieve and thrive.
• making sure that local services protect and support children.

You can find out further information on our responsibilities, priorities, who we are and corporate information on GOV.UK About us - Department for Education - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

Want to Learn More?

We're hosting a virtual candidate information session where you can:

• Meet the Chief Operating Officer, Tony Foot
• Ask questions about the role
• Learn more about what the role involves
• Explore development and progression opportunities

Online via Microsoft Teams on 8 September at 13:00 (60 minute session)

To receive an invitation, please email: [email protected]

Job description

The role and key responsibilities:

• Delivering accurate, timely and resilient education funding - over £90 billion a year to around 20,000 schools, colleges and other providers.
• Leading transformation of the Department's funding service - modernising digital systems, building operational capability and simplifying delivery across policy, finance, digital, data and operational teams. This includes SRO leadership of the Department's Grant Transformation Programme to radically simplify and align grants.
• Stewardship of public money - delivering the financial control function for the education sector. This includes setting key frameworks, proportionate controls, effective counter-fraud leadership and delivering clear assurance that funding is used effectively and for its intended purpose. The role involves maintaining confidence through ministerial, parliamentary and public scrutiny.
• Strengthening financial resilience - working with sector leaders to anticipate and address financial risks.
• Influential leadership across government and education - shaping departmental priorities, bridging policy and operations, and building trusted relationships with senior leaders across Government, ministers, Mayoral Strategic Authorities and school and college leaders.
• Leading a capable, inclusive and high-performing directorate - inspiring and energetically leading approximately 350 colleagues, including finance, counter-fraud and operational delivery professionals.

Person specification

Essential criteria:

• A proven track record of leading complex operational delivery functions - delivering quality services at scale and in highly scrutinised environments.
• Experience of leading large-scale data, digital and technology-driven transformation - using data, digital, technology and process improvement to drive efficiency and improve outcomes.
• Extensive responsibility for oversight of large budgets and providing financial assurance - including the application of strong controls, risk management and value for money principles.
• Outstanding people leadership - with a track record of building high-performing teams, developing capability and creating an inclusive culture that enables people to deliver their best.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills - including experience of working with the most senior leaders, Ministers and delivery partners.

Desirable criterion:

Where candidates are closely matched against the essential criteria, the panel may also take account of the following desirable criterion.

• Knowledge of the education, skills or wider public sector landscape, gained through working with relevant delivery organisations, regulators or sector partners.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £105,000, Department for Education contributes £30,418 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

Applicants currently holding a permanent post in the Civil Service should note that, if successful, their salary on appointment would be determined by the Department's transfer / promotion policies.

As a member of the DfE, you will be entitled to join the highly competitive Civil Service Pension Scheme, which many experts agree is one of the most generous in the UK.

You will have 25 days leave, increasing by 1 day every year to a maximum of 30 days after five years' service. In addition, all staff receive the King's Birthday privilege holiday and 8 days' bank and public holidays.

We offer flexible working arrangements, such as job sharing, term-time working, flexi-time and compressed hours.

Most DfE employees will be working a hybrid pattern, spending at least 60% of their time in an office or work setting. Changes to these working arrangements are available in exceptional circumstances, but must be agreed with the line manager and in line with the requirements of the role.

Travel to your primary office location will not be paid for by DfE, but costs for travel to an office which is not your main location will be covered.

As an organisation, which exists to support education and lifelong learning, we offer our staff excellent professional development opportunities.

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

If you would like to apply for this position, please complete the Civil Service Jobs application form by clicking the "apply now" button at the top or bottom of this advert. Applications will be accepted until 23:55 21 September 2026.

Stage 1 - Application

At sift stage, you will be assessed on your Experience in line with the essential skills listed in the person specification section of the job advert.

To apply for this role, please provide:

1. A CV setting out your career history, with key responsibilities and achievements. Please ensure you have provided reasons for any gaps within the last two years. Your CV should be no more than two pages.

2 .A Statement of Suitability of up to 1,250 words, detailing how you meet the essential criteria set out in this pack, with reference to specific examples and evidence. Should we receive a high number of applications, then we will sift on the first two essential criteria.

Failure to submit both documents will mean the panel only has limited information on which to assess your application against the criteria in the person specification.

If you are unable to apply online, please contact [email protected] in the first instance. Please visit our career site for further information on the Civil Service application process.

Stage 2 - Interview

Depending on the number and strength of applications, the selection process may include selecting a longlist of candidates for initial assessment interview before shortlisting.

Longlisted candidates will be required to:

1.Take part in an initial assessment interview on Monday 12 October 2026.

Shortlisted candidates will be required to:

1.Complete online numerical and verbal reasoning assessments.

2.Complete a staff engagement exercise which will take place on Monday 19 October 2026.

3.Take part in a formal in-person interview in London on Tuesday 27 October 2026, which will include:

• A presentation (details will be provided to shortlisted candidates).
• Interview questions based on the Essential Criteria to further assess your experience.

As part of the recruitment process, we may request references.

Please note that, at the interview stage, we may ask whether you have any conflicts of interest to declare.

The successful candidate will be subject to social media and due diligence checks prior to appointment.

The Department for Education does not cover the cost of travel to your interview or assessment unless otherwise stated.

All communications will be electronic therefore it is vitally important that you check your Civil Service Jobs account regularly, as well as your spam/junk email folder.

For an accessible version of the candidate pack, please contact [email protected]

Important Information

If you fail to complete the tests before the deadline, your application will be withdrawn. Guidance will be available when you are invited to take the test. The tests are untimed, administered via Civil Service Jobs, and applicant guidance is available during the test and online on GOV.UK Online Tests guidance.

Applicants must complete the test on their own, without help, and Departments reserve the right to retest applicants under supervised conditions at later stages of the selection process. Doing this can provide reassurance to recruiters who are concerned about the authenticity of one or more test results.

Please ensure you allow yourself sufficient time to complete both assessments and submit your application before the advertised deadline.

Reasonable adjustments & test accessibility:

See our reasonable adjustments guide for candidates (online tests), or some example case studies, to act as a guide. You can use these to help you decide whether to ask for help or take the test without help.

More information about online tests can be found here: Preparing for the Civil Service Verbal and Numerical tests - GOV.UK. You will also find practice tests on this page if you would find them helpful prior to completing the live test.

Candidates with disabilities

As an employer we are committed to promoting and protecting the physical and mental health and wellbeing of all our colleagues and applicants. The Department for Education uses the Disability Confident scheme (formerly the Guaranteed Interview scheme) to help widen employment opportunities for disabled people. Applicants with disabilities who meet the essential criteria, as stated in the person specification, the Civil Service nationality requirements and indicate they are applying under the Disability Confident scheme will be guaranteed an interview.

Employment scheme for Veterans

The 'Great Place to Work for Veterans scheme' makes it easier for veterans to join the Civil Service. If you opt into the scheme and meet the minimum criteria, you'll progress to the next stage for most roles - whether that's an interview or an online test.

Please note the following:

• We cannot accept applications submitted after the closing date;
• Applications will be assessed solely on the documentation provided;
• You will be subject to social media checks and references for this role;
• Please refer to the advert and checklist above to ensure you have provided everything requested;
• Applications will be acknowledged upon receipt;
• Feedback will only be given to candidates unsuccessful following interview

Other Information

We reserve the right to raise the minimum pass mark in the event of a high volume or strong field of candidates.

Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK from the location options provided and not from overseas.

If successful and transferring from another Government Department a criminal record check maybe carried out.

In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf. However, we recognise in exceptional circumstance some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Department of Education of your intention by emailing [email protected] stating the job reference number in the subject heading.

Department for Education do not cover the cost of travel to your interview/assessment unless otherwise stated.

A reserve list may be held for a period of 6 months from which further appointments can be made.

Candidates will be posted in merit order based upon location preference. Where more than one location is advertised you will be asked to state your preferred location.

New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.

Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant's details held on the IFD will be refused employment.

Terms and conditions of candidates transferring from ALBs and NDPBs

Bodies that are not accredited by the Civil Service Commission and are not able to advertise at Across Government on Civil Service jobs will be treated as external new starters and will come into DfE on modernised terms and conditions with a salary at the band minimum.

Bodies that are accredited by the Civil Service Commission but do not have civil service status will be offered modernised terms and will not have continuous service recognised for leave or sickness benefits. Salaries should be offered at band minimum, but there is some flexibility where this would cause a detriment to the individual.

Bodies that are accredited by the Civil Service Commission and do have Civil Service status will be treated as OGD transfers. Staff appointed on lateral transfer will move on to pre-modernised DfE terms (unless they were on modernised terms in their previous organisation). Staff appointed on promotion will move on to modernised DfE terms. Staff will transfer over on their existing salary (on lateral transfer) and any pay above the DfE pay band maximum will be paid as a mark time allowance. Staff moving on promotion will have their salaries calculated using the principles set out in the attached OGD transfer supplementary information.

Reasonable adjustment

If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes. If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:

Contact Department of Education via [email protected] soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.

Complete the "Assistance required" section in the "Additional requirements" page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you're deaf, a Language Service Professional.

Childcare Vouchers

Any move to Department for Education (DfE) will mean you will no longer be able to carry on claiming childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

This role has a minimum assignment duration of 3 years. An assignment duration is the period of time a Senior Civil Servant is expected to remain in the same post to enable them to deliver on the agreed key business outcomes. The assignment duration also supports your career through building your depth of expertise.

As part of accepting this role you will be agreeing to the expected assignment duration set out above. This will not result in a contractual change to your terms and conditions. Please note this is an expectation only, it is not something which is written into your terms and conditions or indeed which the employing organisation or you are bound by. It will depend on your personal circumstances at a particular time and business needs, for example, would not preclude any absence like family friendly leave. It is nonetheless an important expectation, which is why we ask you to confirm you agree to the assignment duration set out above.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a basic (or equivalent) criminal record check.

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

• Name : SCS Recruitment Team
• Email : [email protected]

Recruitment team

• Email : [email protected]

Further information

The Department for Education's recruitment processes are underpinned by the Civil Service Commissioners Recruitment Principles, which outlines that selection for appointment is made on merit based on fair and open competition. You have the right to complain if you feel a department has breached the requirement of the Recruitment Principles. In the first instance, you should raise the matter directly with the department concerned via [email protected]. If you are not satisfied with the response, you may bring your complaint to the Commission. For further information on bringing a complaint to the Civil Service Commission please visit their web pages