Deputy General Secretary: Director of Policy and Professional Development

Association of School and College Leaders

Start date
1st September 2026

About the Organisation

Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) is the leading professional association and trade union for all school, college and trust leaders. We are proud to support and represent more than 25,000 leaders of primary, secondary and post-16 education from across the UK. Our members are responsible for the education of more than four million young people and children. We work to shape national education policy, provide advice and support to our members and deliver first-class professional development.

About the role

This is a rare opportunity for an exceptional senior leader to join our executive team and play a pivotal role in shaping education policy and professional leadership at a national level. As Deputy General Secretary: Director of Policy and Professional Development, you will lead our work with policymakers and influencers, develop clear and authoritative policy positions, and drive the growth of our professional development and membership offer. You will also deputise for the General Secretary, representing the organisation in the media and at senior forums.

This position provides strategic leadership across policy, professional development and membership growth, ensuring ASCL is a “go-to” choice for leaders across the sector. You will be leading our work to influence national education policy, building strong relationships with government, policymakers and key stakeholders. Representing the organisation nationally, including in the media and at major events, this position bridges strategy and delivery, playing a key role in delivering ASCL’s mission. If you’re ready to lead a team that makes a real difference to education leaders and organisations across the UK, we would love to hear from you.

Responsibilities

General Leadership and Management:

• Deputise for the General Secretary as required.
• Lead, guide and inspire a diverse team of policy specialists, professional development experts and others, setting clear goals and performance targets for the teams and individuals.
• Contribute to leading, exemplifying and overseeing transformation and sustainable cultural change throughout the Directorate and the Association.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive and performance-driven work environment
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide constructive feedback to team members.
• Represent the Association and speak/present at public forums, conferences and key stakeholder meetings.
• Develop strategic networks and strong working connections to key individuals and groups to support the positioning and reputation of ASCL as the leading leadership association for schools and colleges.

Strategic Planning:

• Work closely with the Director of Public Affairs and Head of Marketing to undertake intelligence gathering and use market research and analysis to inform strategic decisions and direction.
• Lead in identifying and assessing new opportunities for growth and development of the Directorate and the Association.
• Implement a strong and clear strategic vision on what ASCL can and can’t do. Working in collaboration with all directorates to understand needs and resourcing.

Policy Influencing:

• Lead the policy team in identifying, building relationships and working effectively with key stakeholders, including senior politicians, various government and organisational bodies, opinion formers and other policymakers.
• With the Deputy Directors of Policy, coordinate the work of ASCL Council in determining the Association’s position on relevant policy issues.
• Lead the policy team in writing position statements, papers and reports, and responding to consultations and calls for evidence.
• With the General Secretary and the Director of Public Affairs, sign off on press releases and comments to ensure they align with ASCL’s policy positions, and represent the Association in the media as necessary.

Professional Development Services:

• Report to the PD Board on ASCL PD Ltd Strategy, Budget and Finances 
• Develop a robust business strategy for ASCL Professional Development Ltd.
• Develop a strategy which integrates the professional development business more closely with the rest of the Association, including our policy work and the new professional leadership communities.
• Oversee the development of a range of professional leadership products and services, including conferences, courses, workshops, webinars, consultancy services and the leadership appointment service.

Professional Leadership Communities:

• Develop a strategy to attract, retain and support members by understanding what leaders in different categories want from their union and professional association, and establishing communities to help deliver those benefits.

Monitoring, Reporting and Process Improvement:

• Determine and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess the effectiveness of the Directorate’s work.
• Manage the preparation and presentation of detailed reports on progress, outcomes, and impact to the Leadership Group and elected officers.
• Continuously monitor and refine strategies based on feedback and changing needs.
• Implement approaches and technologies to enhance the efficiency of service delivery.
• Use effective problem-solving approaches to find and implement creative solutions to issues and challenges.

Compliance and Quality Assurance:

• Ensure compliance with relevant regulations and standards.
• Implement quality assurance processes to measure and maintain high standards of service delivery.
• Produce, manage and monitor the Directorate’s budget.

Other:

• Comply with data protection principles in accordance with data protection and GDPR legislation.
• Promote and present the Association and ASCL PD Ltd. in a positive image both internally and externally.
• Undertake CPD and training, as required.
• Engage in performance reviews.
• Such other reasonable duties requested by the General Secretary are commensurate with the role.

Skills, Competencies, Experience & Attributes

Experience:

• Proven experience in a senior role in education policy
• Experience in running campaigns and lobbying
• Experience of running conferences, commercial events and teams
• Experience of working at and reporting to the Board Level
• Experience of deputising for a CEO or General Secretary

Professional Skills:

• Commercial and business acumen
• Credibility to influence stakeholders at all levels, including engagement with a range of media
• Ability to exercise a high level of discretion, diplomacy, judgement and initiative
• Ability to work on a broad brief with competing demands
• Proven experience in managing a team 
• Solid organisational and planning skills
• Ability to think creatively and predict future demands
• Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and maintain 
• Experience in dealing with the media and giving interviews

Knowledge:

• Extensive knowledge and understanding of the educational policy landscape, school/college settings.
• Extensive understanding of the needs of membership organisations and trade unions
• Knowledge of the Political Landscape of Education. 

Compensation & Benefits

• Flexible working: a combination of working from home, attending external meetings and events and being in-person at our Leicester HQ as necessary.
• Generous leave: 33 days annual leave + bank holidays.
• Pension: 9% employer contribution.
• Professional development: ongoing training and peer support.
• Expenses covered: travel, home-working allowance, and equipment provided.
• Inclusive culture: we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities.

Working locations

• Hybrid model, working in the Leicester office and remotely
• In-person at our Leicester HQ when necessary and travel across the UK as required. IT and telephone equipment will be provided.

How to apply

• Download the Job Description and Person Specification, and apply online (which will take you to Networx Recruitment's website). From there, please complete your email address in the top right-hand box and click on the green "Apply Now" button and follow the online application process. 

Interviews

• Interviews will be held in person, at ASCL HQ in Leicester on Tuesday, 14th July 2026.

Policies

We encourage applications regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

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