Salary: Soulbury 16-19 (£64,639 - £68,860 per annum + 3 SPA)

Hours: 37 Hours per week

Location: Cumbria House, Carlisle

Contract: Permanent

About this opportunity

Cumberland Council are looking to recruit a General Advisor with a focus on Early Years. We are seeking an experienced, innovative and adaptable education improvement professional to join our Learning Improvement Service Team.

If successful, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the local team of a self-improving education system for the benefit of all children and young people in Cumberland. 

The role will include the opportunity to work with multi-agency partners within the designated area to identify and support schools and early years providers to improve outcomes for children and families. 

The successful applicant will:

• Work with all stakeholders involved in a system-led collaborative partnership to improve outcomes for all, from Early Years to Post-16 across Cumberland.
• Support a range of solutions that encourage collaboration and support sector-led school improvement.
• Undertake school, and PVI provider support and work in partnership to maximise the use of the strengths and resources available in the alliance.
• Work closely with the Senior Adviser and Chair of the Local Alliance of System Leaders (LASL) to identify schools, settings and providers in need of support to improve.
• Work with relevant Cumberland Council and LASL colleagues to ensure that statutory functions are met.

This role is available on a permanent basis.

Why join us?

• A lifestyle you won’t find elsewhere – Living and working in Cumbria offers the best of both worlds. You’ll have a fulfilling and rewarding career while being surrounded by stunning landscapes, from the world-famous Lake District National Park to unspoilt coastlines and vibrant market towns. Whether you enjoy hiking, water sports, cycling, or simply relaxing in a picturesque setting, Cumbria provides an outstanding quality of life.
• Supportive environment – You’ll be part of a team that values collaboration, compassion, and innovation. We focus on potential over perfection, giving you opportunities to develop your skills and grow your career.

Who we’re looking for

We’re looking for individuals who embody our organisation's core values: ambitious, collaborative, compassionate, empowering, and innovative. We believe in the power of these values to drive positive change, deliver excellent public services and shape a better future for our communities.

We’re also about potential over perfection and we can help you grow in the role and thrive in your career.

Be sure to take a look at the post specification (below) for the essential criteria for this role.

Contact

For more information about the role or to arrange an informal chat prior to your application, please contact Jayne Williams by email at jayne.williams@cumbria.gov.uk

DBS Checks

This role requires a DBS check. The level of check for this role is:

Enhanced DBS check with a Children’s Barred List check.

Please note this role involves working in regulated activity with Children. It is an offence for people who are barred from working in regulated activity to apply for roles that require them to work unsupervised with Children.

Guaranteed Interviews

We offer a guaranteed interview to the following applicants as long as your application can demonstrate you meet the essential criteria for the role.

• Those who consider themselves disabled as defined by the Equality Act 2010
• Those in care or who have left care and are aged 24 and under
• Those who identify as a member of the British Armed Forces community (service leavers, veterans, their partners or spouses, reservists, cadets).

If you meet one or more of the criteria above, and wish to be considered for this scheme, select 'yes' to the appropriate question during your application. Find out more.

Diversity, Inclusion & Adjustments

We’re dedicated to enhancing the diversity of our workforce and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. That’s why we’re a proud Disability Confident Leader and also an Age Friendly Employer – to provide opportunities for everyone to thrive.

If you need any reasonable adjustments to participate in the recruitment process, please let either the hiring manager or our Resourcing Team know by emailing Resourcing@Cumberland.gov.uk. While adjustments aren’t always guaranteed, we’ll always listen and we’ll try our best to accommodate your needs.

Application and Interview information

• Closing date: 22/05/2026
• Interview date: To be Confirmed

If you experience any difficulties logging in to apply for this role, please contact the HR Systems team at HR.Systems@cumbria.gov.uk.

Please note this role may close early subject to demand. If you’re interested in applying, you should apply well before the advised closing date. We cannot accept applications once the role has closed.

Please read the supporting information:

• Post Specification

Please also refer to our Careers site to find out more:

• Our Staff Benefits
• Candidate Support
• About Cumberland Council