Head of ict jobs

WORKING WITH US

The founder and sponsor of the Harris Federation, Lord Harris of Peckham, opened our first school in 1990. We have, over the past thirty years, implemented ideas and initiatives that have transformed the opportunities of pupils from working class and disadvantaged backgrounds. Harris academies are widely recognised as a force for social mobility. We are immensely proud of the role that our alumni are now beginning to play in the world and of what we believe our current generation of pupils will go on to achieve.

We now have over 50 schools educating more than 40,000 young people across London and Essex, and employ over 5,000 staff across our academies and head office. With the majority of our academies located in areas of high socioeconomic disadvantage, a high-quality education is key to the futures of the pupils we serve.

As a provider of employment and education, we value the diversity of our staff and students, and all our staff are equally valued and respected. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment for our students and staff.

Our work will impact many generations to come, and our staff come from all backgrounds and walks of life, coming together to inspire young minds. We promote an inclusive culture that embraces the valuable and enriching contribution that all of our community make. We continue to be proactive in uplifting and supporting all voices at Harris.

To discover more about our culture, ethos and what it is like to work here, visit the page.

ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY

We are seeking an enthusiastic Careers Adviser to join our dynamic and forward-thinking Careers Team. In this key position, you will work at our Harris Lower Academy Wilsden in Brent Borough, supporting students to make informed, ambitious and aspirational decisions about their futures.

You will be joining an experienced and knowledgeable team of advisers, from whom you can gain advice and support. Working closely with your colleagues, you will help shape and deliver a high-impact CEIAG programme.

Whether it’s further education, apprenticeships, traineeships or employment, you’ll play a vital role in guiding students towards the post-16 and post-18 pathways that best match their goals and aspirations. You will be part of a supportive and collaborative environment, where ideas are freely shared, good practice is celebrated, and guidance is always at hand.

Your contribution will be central to raising aspirations, inspiring ambition, and ensuring that every student, regardless of background or ability, is fully aware of the range of opportunities open to them. Together, we strive to deliver a high-quality, inclusive CEIAG programme from Year 7 to Year 13, empowering all students to achieve their full potential.

MAIN AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

As part of this role, you will:

• Collaborate with Careers Leads across academies to design and implement a high-impact careers education programme aligned with the latest statutory guidance, including the enhanced Gatsby Benchmarks and each academy’s improvement priorities
• Plan and deliver engaging careers assemblies that expand students’ awareness of post-16 and post-18 pathways, alongside other relevant career-related topics
• Provide impartial, tailored career guidance through one-to-one meetings and group sessions that empower students to make informed, realistic and adaptable decisions about their futures
• Accurately record all guidance interactions and agreed actions on Unifrog, ensuring student data is kept up to date and accessible
• Offer targeted support to students navigating post-16 and post-18 transitions, including referrals to specialist services for those with additional needs, such as SEND
• Build and maintain strong relationships with external agencies, networks, and partners to enrich the careers and higher education offer and maximise student outcomes
• Track, monitor and report on student aspirations to inform strategic planning and targeted interventions
• Engage parents and carers in the careers guidance process, keeping them informed and involved in their child’s journey, including attendance at parents’ evenings
• Facilitate meaningful employer encounters that inspire students and broaden their understanding of the world of work
• Attend key events such as results days and enrolment days to provide on-the-spot careers support and guidance
• Support colleagues across the team by sharing best practice, offering shadowing opportunities and contributing to a collaborative learning culture
• Actively contribute to Careers Adviser team meetings by sharing insights, experiences or resources that enhance practice and support team development
• Provide careers-related evidence and representation during Ofsted inspections, showcasing the strength and impact of the careers provision

For a full list of responsibilities please download the job pack.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We would like to hear from you if you have:

• A Diploma in Careers Guidance or Qualification in Careers Guidance to Level 6.
• Proven experience in delivering impartial, personalised career guidance through one-to-one meetings and group sessions
• Experience of successfully motivating individuals to plan and achieve their career goals
• Proactive approach and efficient time management and prioritisation skills.
• The ability to work independently and flexibly within the Academy structure
• Experience of delivering assemblies
• Genuine interest and passion for the education of young people and the ability to contribute more widely to the life and community of the Federation
• Experience of developing and delivering CEIAG within in education setting

For a full person specification pleas download the job pack.

APPLYING FOR THIS POSITION

If you would like to discuss the opportunity further, or if you have any questions, please contact us via email to arrange a conversation.

Before applying please ensure you download the job pack from our careers website, this will help with completing your application. Please note that we only accept applications submitted online before the closing date.

When applying, you will have the option to import your CV or use a LinkedIn profile which will auto populate the online application. 

A reminder to check your junk mail for our email communications and add us to your safe senders list to ensure all future email communication is received.

OUR VISION & VALUES

Our vision, from the start, has been to provide the structure and services needed for our schools to amount to more than the sum of their parts, and to free-up our teachers and leaders to focus on one thing and one thing only: the outstanding education of all their pupils. Our young people and communities are at the heart of everything we do. Our core mission has always been to close the educational gap between young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and their peers. Our ambition is one where every child in London, no matter their background, has equal access to high quality education, giving them the same opportunities and potential to succeed.

We know there are many challenges facing our young people and the communities we serve, and that’s why we need determined people like you to help us tackle those inequalities. Whilst each of our academies has their own unique cultures and values; as a whole Federation, we have four core values which are central to successfully achieving our vision: Excellence, Collaboration, Support, and Innovation. We are proud of our values because they guide us in how we work allowing us to achieve the best possible outcomes for our young people, communities, and colleagues.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Safeguarding Notice

The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, references, an online search, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed.

Equal Opportunities

The Harris Federation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We value the diversity of our staff and students, and everyone at the Harris Federation is equally valued and respected. We aim to be an inclusive employer that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

Harris has a strong culture of collaboration and best practice, with professional development and career planning at its centre. We invest in our staff with support, coaching, mentoring, and a wide range of top-quality training programmes delivered at every level.

You will also have access to a variety of benefits, support programmes and initiatives including:

• Excellent opportunities for continuous professional development and career progression
• Annual performance and loyalty bonus
• Pension scheme (Teachers' Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme) with generous employer contribution
• Harris Wellbeing Cash Plan including cover for routine and specialist healthcare
• Employee Assistance Programme for free and confidential advice
• Cycle to work salary sacrifice scheme
• Wide range of shopping, leisure, and travel discounts
• 20% off at Tapi Carpets, exclusive to Harris employees
• Interest-free ICT and season ticket loans