Appeals Officer Appeals Officer

This is an opportunity to join a small but busy team, responsible for processing school admission appeals and reviews against permanent exclusion. As an Appeals Officer, you will be dealing with complex and often legal queries raised frequently by parties to the process. You will be required to interpret and apply relevant legislation, regulations and statutory guidance to your work. You will be planning and organising appeals and reviews dealing with members of the public, schools and volunteers from many different backgrounds. You will organise hearings and reviews in line with relevant legislation as well as helping appellants feel they have had a fair hearing in line with natural justice. This is a front line service and you will communicate with a wide range of people including residents, partner organisations, volunteers and other teams within the Council. You will also be required to accurately record, store and process data and have a good understanding of the need for confidentiality and requirements of data protection legislation. Hearings and reviews will be held in person, remotely or can be hybrid and you will be responsible for your own workload. There will be some flexibility over working hours needed particularly at certain times of the year. Shortlisting Criteria To be considered for shortlisting for this position, your application will clearly evidence the following

• Ability to understand, interpret and apply legislation
• Experience of working with the public and excellent customer care skills
• Good written and oral communication skills with the ability to build sound relationships
• Ability to prioritise and plan workload in the context of conflicting priorities and strict deadlines
• Excellent IT skills and use of databases with the ability to accurately record, store and process data
• Good team ethic with a flexible and creative approach to work
• A good understanding of the need for confidentiality and requirements of data protection legislation
  
  The starting salary for this role is £35,730 per annum based on a 36-hour working week.
Do you want to challenge yourself and learn new skills in a varied and fast paced role? We are excited to be hiring a new Appeals Officer to join our fantastic team, based in Weybridge. The Council adopts a hybrid working policy with a weekly balance of remote and in-person office based working at least 2 days a week. There will be flexibility to work from different Council offices on occasions and the team will provide support. Rewards and Benefits
• 26 days' holiday (prorated for part time staff), rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 30 days after 5 years' service
• Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
• An extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
• Up to 5 days of carer's leave per year
• Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
• A generous local government salary related pension
• Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping and many more
• 2 paid volunteering days plus 1 team volunteering day per year
• Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources