Education Attainment and Inequalities Manager (Wider Determinants)

At Bath & North East Somerset Council we have one overriding purpose – to improve people's lives.

Fixed Term Contract (until 31/07/2028)

This is an exciting opportunity to lead a high-profile programme that aims to reduce educational attainment inequalities for children and young people across Bath and North East Somerset (B&NES).

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Programme Manager to provide strategic leadership for the Educational Attainment Inequalities Action Plan, working across the wider determinants of health (outside of education settings) that influence educational outcomes. This is a unique opportunity to shape system-wide action that addresses the social, economic and environmental factors affecting attainment, including poverty, housing, health and wellbeing, transport, social capital and access to opportunities.

About the role:

Working within the Public Health team, you will coordinate a multi-agency partnership bringing together colleagues from education, health, council services, business and the voluntary and community sector. Through collaboration, evidence, influence and strategic leadership, you will help drive collective action to improve outcomes for children and young people and narrow inequalities across the area.

This position offers the opportunity to work with a dedicated and ambitious Public Health & Prevention team within a forward-thinking council that is committed to improving lives and reducing inequalities.

What will you be doing?

• Lead the development, delivery and governance of the Educational Attainment Inequalities Action Plan, ensuring effective monitoring and reporting of progress and outcomes.
• Coordinate and provide leadership to a multi-agency strategic partnership focused on reducing educational attainment inequalities.
• Work collaboratively with partners across education, health, local government, business and the voluntary and community sector to influence policies, programmes and investment decisions.
• Use data, evidence and insight to identify priorities, inform decision-making and evaluate the impact of local initiatives.
• Support the development of innovative programmes and initiatives that tackle the wider determinants of health and improve outcomes for children and young people.
• Identify opportunities for external funding, partnership development and investment to support delivery of programme objectives.
• Ensure alignment with wider strategic priorities including Best Start in Life, the Families First Partnership Programme, Neighbourhood Health and broader prevention programmes.
• Present progress and outcomes to senior leaders, partnership boards and the Children and Young People's Subgroup of the Health and Wellbeing Board.

About you:

We are looking for a skilled and influential leader who is passionate about tackling inequalities and improving outcomes for children and young people.

You will ideally be able to demonstrate the following:

• A degree in a relevant subject, or equivalent knowledge, skills and substantial experience in a related field.
• An MSc in Public Health or a related discipline would be advantageous.
• Experience of leading strategic programmes and delivering change across complex systems and partnerships.
• Strong understanding of the wider determinants of health and their impact on educational attainment, wellbeing and life opportunities.
• Experience of developing and maintaining productive partnerships across organisational boundaries.
• Excellent communication, influencing and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Strong analytical skills and experience using evidence, intelligence and evaluation to inform decisions and demonstrate impact.
• Experience of identifying funding opportunities, developing business cases or securing external investment would be desirable.
• The ability to work strategically while maintaining momentum on delivery and outcomes.

Why join us?

At B&NES, we are committed to creating a fairer, healthier and more inclusive community. This role provides a rare opportunity to lead a programme with the potential to have a lasting impact on children and young people across the area.

You’ll join a supportive and highly regarded Public Health team, work alongside committed partners across the system, and play a leading role in tackling one of the key drivers of long-term inequality.

Further information:

This is a fixed-term part‑time post (ideally 0.6 WTE) for 20 months, working from the Council's Civic Centre in Keynsham (as a minimum on Tuesday's) and from home. Some travel to work with partners across B&NES will be required. This position includes the Council's occupational pension scheme and paid annual leave.

We welcome applicants who may want to work on a flexible basis and we are open to discussing working hours and working pattern. We can offer the post on a fixed term or secondment basis.

Join us in helping every child and young person in Bath and North East Somerset have the opportunity to achieve their full potential.

*Please note, BANES Council operates a policy of prior consideration for roles for any individual on the Council's at-risk register (redeployee). This means should a redeployee express an interest in this role, providing they meet the essential criteria for the role they will be considered ahead of external applicants.

About Bath and North East Somerset Council.

Working at Bath and North East Somerset provides an opportunity to contribute to your community and make a positive impact on the lives of residents. Our values shape how we work to deliver public services, and how we communicate with the residents we serve. We care about the best outcomes for local people, through our public services.

Why Bath and North East Somerset Council?

We offer a wide range of benefits, to ensure that you are paid fairly for your work, have the flexibility to enjoy a great work/life balance, and have the support you need. Go to

At Bath and North East Somerset Council we have one overriding purpose – to improve peoples lives. Find out more about our values at

We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join us. Find out more on our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at

We are a Disability Confident Employer – find out more at

The Council is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce. Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.

Please note that this role is subject to a Basic DBS Check.

Interview date: Tuesday 29th September 2026.

#J-18808-Ljbffr