Senior Eligibility & Appeals Officer – Manage, Lead and Make an Impact

The Senior Eligibility & Appeals Officer opportunity stands out with a competitive annual salary between £35,451 and £39,165, offering a permanent full-time contract with 37 hours weekly. The position is exclusively open to internal applicants and demands leadership, management, and communication expertise within a small but essential team.

The core responsibility involves overseeing a team performing approximately 20,000 eligibility assessments annually for home-to-school transport, including complex cases for those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. The officer is also expected to coordinate the appeals process, ensure team training, and liaise with stakeholders across various education services.

Job Responsibilities and Daily Tasks

This role centres on managing a team tasked with timely and accurate eligibility assessments, supporting children and young people to access educational transport. Key duties include full line management and planning service-critical activities, particularly in preparation for each new school year.

You will coordinate the appeals process, recruit and train panel members, and maintain excellent communication with families, schools, and stakeholders. Accuracy, consistency in assessment, and policy adherence remain paramount.

Expect to handle complex queries, provide written and verbal responses, and present outcomes at panel hearings. Proficiency with IT and data management – especially using databases and spreadsheets – is vital for reporting and evidence handling.

Pros of the Role

One major benefit is career progression potential within a large, respected organisation. The leadership and collaboration aspects are particularly rewarding for those passionate about public service and inclusion.

With a clear impact on young people’s educational access, the position offers both professional and personal satisfaction, making each day’s work truly meaningful. Internal applicants also benefit from an established support system and training resources.

Cons of the Role

The high caseload, constant need to meet tight deadlines, and frequent engagement with urgent or complex cases can be demanding and occasionally pressure-filled. Analytical precision is critical and can be stressful if mistakes occur.

Another aspect is the challenging nature of appeals and complaint resolution, where assertiveness and resilience are essential to manage difficult conversations empathetically and professionally.

Verdict

For those seeking an impactful, career-enhancing leadership position in public service, this offer is strong. If you thrive under responsibility, enjoy helping families, and are skilled in team management and detailed policy work, it’s well worth considering.