Principal Educational Psychologist

Job Introduction

Principal Educational Psychologist – Lincolnshire

Salary -Solbury Scale B points 12 - 14

Salary: £72,999 - £75,762

Location: Lincoln, Lincolnshire (hybrid working) Some countywide travel required.

Closing Date: 23 August 2026

Shape the future of Educational Psychology in Lincolnshire

This is a rare and exciting opportunity to join Lincolnshire at a pivotal point in its SEND improvement journey.

We are looking for a Principal Educational Psychologist who wants to do more than step into an existing service model. This is a role for someone who is motivated by the opportunity to lead, shape and build something new, developing a sustainable, high-quality Educational Psychology offer that supports children, young people, families, schools and the wider SEND system across Lincolnshire.

The role will provide strategic and professional leadership for Educational Psychology across the local area, with a strong focus on statutory SEND work, quality assurance, workforce development and system improvement. It will also be central to the development of a new hybrid delivery model, bringing together a growing internal local authority EP team alongside a commissioned agency EP arm of the service.

This is an opportunity to influence how Educational Psychology is delivered at scale, while helping to create a model that is more resilient, connected and future focused.

About the role

As Principal Educational Psychologist, you will lead and oversee the delivery of Educational Psychology provision across Lincolnshire, ensuring that statutory advice and psychological contributions are timely, high quality and make a meaningful difference for children and young people.

You will have responsibility for the quality, oversight and development of commissioned EP provision, while also leading the establishment of a small internal local authority EP team. Over time, this hybrid model will support a more sustainable approach, strengthen professional leadership and reduce reliance on agency provision while maintaining capacity and quality.

Although the immediate focus of the role is statutory Educational Psychology work, there will also be opportunities to connect with and influence wider SEND developments, including links with Lincolnshire’s emerging Experts @ Hand offer as this evolves. The postholder will be well placed to help shape how Educational Psychology contributes to early support, professional advice, inclusive practice and wider system reform.

What makes this opportunity different

This is not simply a vacancy to fill. It is a chance to shape a service at a key point of change.

You will be joining a SEND leadership team that is clear about the challenges, but ambitious about what can be achieved. There is real scope to influence practice, improve quality, build professional identity and develop a model that works for Lincolnshire’s children, families, schools and partners.

You will have the opportunity to:

• lead the development of a new hybrid Educational Psychology model;
• shape and grow an internal local authority EP team;
• strengthen quality assurance, moderation and professional standards across EP advice;
• work closely with SEND leaders, schools, settings and partners to improve outcomes;
• influence how Educational Psychology contributes to wider SEND reform and improvement;
• develop a model that is sustainable, credible and professionally rewarding.

Who we are looking for

We are looking for an experienced, HCPC-registered Educational Psychologist who brings professional credibility, strong leadership and a genuine commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people.

You will need to be confident working in a complex local authority and partnership system, with the ability to lead both directly employed and commissioned professionals. You will be someone who can provide clear professional challenge, support high standards and build positive relationships across a wide range of stakeholders.

We are particularly interested in someone who:

• understands the pressures and opportunities within local authority SEND services;
• can lead quality assurance and improvement in statutory EP advice;
• has the confidence to shape and develop new ways of working;
• can build trust and professional confidence across a mixed delivery model;
• is values-led, collaborative and focused on impact;
• wants to play a visible role in shaping the future of Educational Psychology in Lincolnshire.

Why Lincolnshire?

Lincolnshire offers the opportunity to work at scale, across a diverse local area, with real visibility and influence. This role sits at the heart of SEND improvement and provides the scope to shape not only how Educational Psychology is delivered now, but how it develops for the future.

We recognise that Educational Psychologists have choices about where and how they work. This role offers something different: the opportunity to lead strategically, build capacity, influence reform and develop a service model that is both professionally meaningful and genuinely needed.

You will be supported by a committed SEND leadership team and will have the opportunity to make a lasting contribution to children, young people, families and schools across Lincolnshire.

At Lincolnshire County Council, we believe our people are at the heart of everything we do. That’s why we offer a rewarding package designed to support your work–life balance, health and wellbeing, financial security, and career growth. Find out more about our offer to you in the attached brochure.

Interested?

If you are ready for a role where you can lead, shape and make a lasting impact, we would welcome your application.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Katie Marsden, Head of SEND, by emailing katie.marsden@lincolnshire.gov.uk. 

PLEASE NOTE: It is imperative that your personal statement clearly states why you have applied, how you meet the essential and desirable criteria for the role as set out in the Job Description (attached on LCC jobs Site) and what you feel you can bring to this role, the team and the wider County Council.

Please refer to our Job Information Pack here to support you in your application.

Please be advised that this position may be subject to a criminal record check. 

On occasion we receive significantly more applications than expected for some vacancies and under such circumstances we reserve the right to bring forward the closing date of the advertisement. We therefore strongly advise you to apply for the role promptly to avoid disappointment should the closing date be brought forward. Please also note: once an application is submitted it is final and cannot be amended. If you withdraw your application, it cannot be reinstated and you will not be able to submit another application for that vacancy. If you have an issue with your submitted application, please contact recruitment@lincolnshire.gov.uk.

We operate a talent pool scheme whereby candidates who are not successful on this occasion may be considered for a period of up to 3 months for equal positions.

Lincolnshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

A Smarter Working Employer

We have embraced new ways of working and hybrid working will be a feature of this role. You will be given a nominated contractual work base and you will be required to commute to this work base when necessary.  Working arrangements regarding hybrid working will be discussed as part of the appointment process.

Our technology platform and equipment is very good enabling you to connect and collaborate remotely. We require that you have in place good connectivity, and we will discuss during the recruitment process if support with this is needed.

Fluency Duty 

In accordance with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 (Fluency Duty), the ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.

Our values – collaborative, adaptable, eco-conscious, supportive, and responsible – guide everything we do. We’re looking for candidates who share these values and bring them to life in their work, helping us build strong teams and make a real difference in the communities we serve.