Temporary Graduate School Improvement Project Officer
Job Description
This document is also available in Welsh.
RCT Council's Graduate Programme 2026
A Graduate Placement with Award-Winning RCT Council is a step towards an excellent career. Making a difference with RCT Council. This is an exciting and challenging time for RCT Council as we continue to provide high-quality services while delivering value for money. The role of local government in shaping the future of local communities is more important than ever. Working in Local Government offers some of the most intellectually stimulating challenges, as we provide services that affect thousands of lives in many different ways.
Maximise Your Potential
RCT Council is preparing to recruit to its Graduate Programme, offering fantastic opportunities to work in a vibrant environment, learn new and transferable skills, meet people from a range of backgrounds and develop a professional career in Rhondda Cynon Taf.
All Graduate Officers will be supported to complete either a Level 4 Project Management qualification or job-related technical training (all fully funded) as part of the programme.
Education and Inclusion Services
As a Graduate Project Officer, you will play a key role in supporting projects that aim to raise standards, improve learner outcomes, and promote equity in education. Working closely with school improvement advisers, data specialists, and senior leaders, you will:
- Support the planning, delivery and evaluation of school improvement projects.
- Work in an effective strategic partnership with the LA school improvement officers and all schools.
- Lead on the construction, analysis and evaluation of the WG PDG grant documentation and the subsequent report that has to be submitted to Welsh Government annually.
- Synthesise and create summary reports of the strengths and areas for improvement of all the collaborations across the LA.
- Assist with data analysis, performance reporting and impact measurement e.g. PDG.
- Work with schools to gather insights, identify priorities and share effective practice.
- Contribute to strategic initiatives linked to the new Curriculum for Wales and leadership development.
- Produce high-quality written reports, briefings and presentations for internal and external audiences.
- Co-ordinate meetings, events and professional learning activities across the education service.
Who We’re Looking For
We are seeking a graduate who is enthusiastic, collaborative and committed to improving education for children and young people in Wales.
Essential Criteria
Qualifications & Training
- A 2:2 degree in education, social sciences, public policy, data/analytics or another relevant field.
- Willingness to undertake further professional learning relevant to the role.
Knowledge & Experience
- Understanding of the Welsh education system and the ambitions of the Curriculum for Wales.
- Experience of conducting research, analysing information or working with data in an academic or professional context.
- Experience producing written work to a high standard.
Skills & Abilities
- Strong analytical skills, including the ability to interpret data and present findings clearly.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- High level of digital competency, including confidence with Microsoft 365 tools (Teams, Excel, Power BI, Word, SharePoint).
- Ability to build positive working relationships and communicate effectively with a range of stakeholders.
- Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
- Strong academic knowledge and understanding and associated research skills relating to the education sector and/or local government.
Personal Attributes
- A positive, proactive and solutions-focused mindset.
- Commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people.
- Attention to detail and a commitment to high-quality work.
- Respectful, collaborative and adaptable.
Use of AI Tools
If you decide to use AI tools to assist with drafting, reviewing or refining your application, make sure that:
- The content accurately represents your own experiences and qualifications.
- You can clearly and confidently explain all aspects of your submission.
- Your unique perspective comes through clearly.
Application Form/Competencies
Each competency response must be limited to a maximum of 200 words and only your first 200 words for each response will be considered. Any response exceeding this limit may result in the application not being reviewed or shortlisted.
Staff Benefits Package
- Tailored induction programme.
- Ongoing support from a dedicated Graduate Co-ordinator.
- Hybrid working opportunities.
- Pension Scheme.
- 26 days annual leave (Plus bank holidays).
- Financial management scheme.
- Subsidised membership fees for Leisure Centres within RCT.
- Vivup discount card for businesses.
Protecting children and vulnerable adults is a core responsibility of all staff appointed to the Council, and the successful applicant for this role will also be subject to an enhanced disclosure and barring service check. The Council values diversity in its workforce and is committed to ensuring no unlawful discrimination occurs in the recruitment and selection process on the grounds of age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, transgender, religion or belief or pregnancy and maternity. We offer a number of staff networks including the Allies Network, a Disability and Carers Network and Perthyn our LGBTQ+ Network.
An application submitted for this post in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application made in English. Additionally, as part of the Council’s longer term objectives in relation to the Welsh language and its Workforce Planning Strategy, it is committed to a guaranteed interview scheme for Welsh-speakers of Level 3 and above. If you meet the essential criteria as identified in the person specification for the job and are a Welsh-speaker of Level 3 and above, you will be invited to interview if you choose to participate in the scheme.
In view of the large number of Application Forms currently being submitted, individual applications are not acknowledged. Consequently, if you do not hear from us within four weeks of the closing date, please assume that your application is unsuccessful on this occasion. Thank you for the interest you have shown in applying for a position within the Council.
In support of the Council’s voluntary pledge to support the Armed Forces, the recruiter must always be prepared to ensure that applicants who have identified themselves as members of the Armed Forces, including Service Leavers, Veterans or Reservists and who meet the essential criteria of the person specification, are offered an interview.
Sectors
Sectors
Job Description
This document is also available in Welsh.
RCT Council's Graduate Programme 2026
A Graduate Placement with Award-Winning RCT Council is a step towards an excellent career. Making a difference with RCT Council. This is an exciting and challenging time for RCT Council as we continue to provide high-quality services while delivering value for money. The role of local government in shaping the future of local communities is more important than ever. Working in Local Government offers some of the most intellectually stimulating challenges, as we provide services that affect thousands of lives in many different ways.
Maximise Your Potential
RCT Council is preparing to recruit to its Graduate Programme, offering fantastic opportunities to work in a vibrant environment, learn new and transferable skills, meet people from a range of backgrounds and develop a professional career in Rhondda Cynon Taf.
All Graduate Officers will be supported to complete either a Level 4 Project Management qualification or job-related technical training (all fully funded) as part of the programme.
Education and Inclusion Services
As a Graduate Project Officer, you will play a key role in supporting projects that aim to raise standards, improve learner outcomes, and promote equity in education. Working closely with school improvement advisers, data specialists, and senior leaders, you will:
- Support the planning, delivery and evaluation of school improvement projects.
- Work in an effective strategic partnership with the LA school improvement officers and all schools.
- Lead on the construction, analysis and evaluation of the WG PDG grant documentation and the subsequent report that has to be submitted to Welsh Government annually.
- Synthesise and create summary reports of the strengths and areas for improvement of all the collaborations across the LA.
- Assist with data analysis, performance reporting and impact measurement e.g. PDG.
- Work with schools to gather insights, identify priorities and share effective practice.
- Contribute to strategic initiatives linked to the new Curriculum for Wales and leadership development.
- Produce high-quality written reports, briefings and presentations for internal and external audiences.
- Co-ordinate meetings, events and professional learning activities across the education service.
Who We’re Looking For
We are seeking a graduate who is enthusiastic, collaborative and committed to improving education for children and young people in Wales.
Essential Criteria
Qualifications & Training
- A 2:2 degree in education, social sciences, public policy, data/analytics or another relevant field.
- Willingness to undertake further professional learning relevant to the role.
Knowledge & Experience
- Understanding of the Welsh education system and the ambitions of the Curriculum for Wales.
- Experience of conducting research, analysing information or working with data in an academic or professional context.
- Experience producing written work to a high standard.
Skills & Abilities
- Strong analytical skills, including the ability to interpret data and present findings clearly.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- High level of digital competency, including confidence with Microsoft 365 tools (Teams, Excel, Power BI, Word, SharePoint).
- Ability to build positive working relationships and communicate effectively with a range of stakeholders.
- Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
- Strong academic knowledge and understanding and associated research skills relating to the education sector and/or local government.
Personal Attributes
- A positive, proactive and solutions-focused mindset.
- Commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people.
- Attention to detail and a commitment to high-quality work.
- Respectful, collaborative and adaptable.
Use of AI Tools
If you decide to use AI tools to assist with drafting, reviewing or refining your application, make sure that:
- The content accurately represents your own experiences and qualifications.
- You can clearly and confidently explain all aspects of your submission.
- Your unique perspective comes through clearly.
Application Form/Competencies
Each competency response must be limited to a maximum of 200 words and only your first 200 words for each response will be considered. Any response exceeding this limit may result in the application not being reviewed or shortlisted.
Staff Benefits Package
- Tailored induction programme.
- Ongoing support from a dedicated Graduate Co-ordinator.
- Hybrid working opportunities.
- Pension Scheme.
- 26 days annual leave (Plus bank holidays).
- Financial management scheme.
- Subsidised membership fees for Leisure Centres within RCT.
- Vivup discount card for businesses.
Protecting children and vulnerable adults is a core responsibility of all staff appointed to the Council, and the successful applicant for this role will also be subject to an enhanced disclosure and barring service check. The Council values diversity in its workforce and is committed to ensuring no unlawful discrimination occurs in the recruitment and selection process on the grounds of age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, transgender, religion or belief or pregnancy and maternity. We offer a number of staff networks including the Allies Network, a Disability and Carers Network and Perthyn our LGBTQ+ Network.
An application submitted for this post in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application made in English. Additionally, as part of the Council’s longer term objectives in relation to the Welsh language and its Workforce Planning Strategy, it is committed to a guaranteed interview scheme for Welsh-speakers of Level 3 and above. If you meet the essential criteria as identified in the person specification for the job and are a Welsh-speaker of Level 3 and above, you will be invited to interview if you choose to participate in the scheme.
In view of the large number of Application Forms currently being submitted, individual applications are not acknowledged. Consequently, if you do not hear from us within four weeks of the closing date, please assume that your application is unsuccessful on this occasion. Thank you for the interest you have shown in applying for a position within the Council.
In support of the Council’s voluntary pledge to support the Armed Forces, the recruiter must always be prepared to ensure that applicants who have identified themselves as members of the Armed Forces, including Service Leavers, Veterans or Reservists and who meet the essential criteria of the person specification, are offered an interview.
