Strategic Lead – Relational & Restorative Practice
- Exeter, Devon
- Full Time
- £58,310 per annum
Permanent
Full Time 37 hours per week
Salary: £58,310 per annum
Do it for the growth that comes from reflection. Do it for Devon.
We are looking for a Strategic Lead for Relational Policy and Practice to drive the development and embedding of a relational and restorative culture across Inclusion & Learning and the wider education system in Devon.
This is a senior, system shaping role with a strong strategic focus on improving outcomes for children and young people, particularly those with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, through relational, inclusive and restorative approaches.
The role
You will lead the strategic development and implementation of relational and restorative policy and practice across the Inclusion & Learning Directorate and in partnership with schools, health and wider children’s services.
Key responsibilities include:
- Providing strategic leadership to embed relational and restorative approaches across policy, practice and culture within Inclusion & Learning and the wider education system.
- Developing and delivering a clear strategic framework that aligns with the Inclusion & Learning Strategy and the Local Area SEND Strategy.
- You will lead and deliver strategic projects and programmes that embed relational and restorative policy and practice, ensuring clear governance, measurable impact and sustainable change across Inclusion & Learning and the wider education system.
- Leading work to address the increasing number of children and young people with SEMH needs, working collaboratively with schools, health and partners to ensure effective, joined up responses.
- Designing and overseeing high quality training and workforce development programmes to support relational and restorative practice across services and schools.
- Providing expert advice to senior leaders, practitioners and partners on relational, restorative and inclusive practice.
- Establishing clear measures of impact, quality assurance and evaluation, and reporting progress, risks and outcomes to senior leadership.
- Contributing to financial planning and oversight for relational and restorative practice activity, including any traded elements.
This role works closely with senior and extended leadership teams and has significant influence across the directorate and the wider system.
What we’re looking for
We are looking for a strategic leader with:
- Significant experience of leading relational and restorative practice, policy or culture change within education, SEND, social care or a related system.
- A strong understanding of SEMH, inclusion and trauma informed practice, and how systems can respond effectively to need.
- Proven experience of developing and implementing strategy, influencing senior stakeholders and working across organisational boundaries.
- Experience of designing and delivering training and workforce development at scale.
- Strong analytical, evaluation and reporting skills, with the ability to evidence impact and drive continuous improvement.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the credibility to operate at senior strategic levels.
A relevant degree or professional qualification is required, alongside evidence of ongoing professional development in relational and restorative practice or related fields.
Why Devon?
Devon County Council is committed to building an inclusive, relational education system where all children and young people can thrive. This role is central to that ambition and offers the opportunity to make a lasting, systemwide impact.
We welcome informal conversations about the role and how it might fit your experience and circumstances.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS check is required for this post.
Devon County Council embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and safe. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to challenging inequality and promoting diversity across Devon.
Flexible working options are available, including hybrid working arrangements.
Further information & how to apply
For an informal discussion, please contact Rachel Hearn on Rachel.Hearn@devon.gov.uk
Please ensure when completing your application form that you provide a supporting statement which demonstrates how you meet the essential and desirable criteria as described in the person specification of the job description. Applications may not be taken forwards if the supporting statement is not adequately completed.
Internal Applicants, please note: If you are an existing DCC employee, please use your iTrent Employee Self Service (ESS) details to log in and apply.
Click ‘Apply Now’ to view the job description and person specification.
- DCC embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and safe. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon. More information can be found on our Equality and Diversity webpages.
- Happy to Talk Flexible Working - The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work e.g. hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours etc.
- We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
- This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
- Personal data we collect from you will be processed in accordance with the Applicant privacy notice.
- For more information about Working for Devon please visit our Working for Devon page.
- We cannot consider visa sponsorship at this time. UK Right to Work is required. For further guidance on right to work in the UK, please visit: Work in the UK - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
- This role requires a DBS disclosure.
REQ009528
Interview Date: 29th April 2026
Job Details
- OrganisationDevon County Council
- Work LocationExeterDevon
- Work Postcode
EX2 4QD
- Reference
REQ009528
- Occupational GroupEducation SupportManagement & Senior ManagementProject & Programme Management
- Salary Details
£58,310 per annum
- Job TermPermanent
- Appointment TypeFull Time
- Hours
37 hours per week
- Closing Date
20/04/2026
- DBS Check Required
No