About the team We are excited to announce an opportunity for a full-time Appeals Presentation Officer. This exciting role involves preparing and presenting the Local Authority’s and schools’ case to independent admission and transport appeal panels, working closely with schools and the wider team. About the role The Appeals Presentation Officer is responsible for presenting and defending the school’s case at independent panel hearings, clearly demonstrating why a place could not be offered. To prepare for these hearings, the officer will collaborate with the school to draft a detailed statement and thoroughly investigate the admissions application process from start to finish. This involves liaising with schools, colleagues from the Admissions and Transport service, and other teams across the Local Authority to ensure all relevant admissions legislation is correctly applied. At the Independent Appeal Panel hearing, the officer will formally represent the school/Local Authority, presenting the case comprehensively and answering detailed questions from panel members and parents regarding both the school and the individual appellant’s case. Additionally, the Appeals Presentation Officer will present and defend the Local Authority’s decisions at Transport Appeal panels, explaining the rationale behind decisions not to offer home to school transport. The officer will also support the Appeals Preparation Manager in preparing and updating school statements for use at Independent Appeal Panel hearings, including liaising with and visiting schools as needed. About you This role offers a dynamic and fast-paced environment where no two days are the same. You will need to be highly organised, proactive, and able to work under pressure. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, along with proven presentation abilities, are essential. You must maintain attention to detail and accuracy while managing a high volume of work and remain calm and diplomatic in sensitive situations. We’ll need you to have: Proven experience in verbally presenting information to audiences and answering challenging questions which may be posed. Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy. Strong organisational skills and the ability to work systematically to tight deadlines. Ability to independently manage and prioritise workload. A flexible approach and be a strong team player. Experience in delivering high standards of customer service in a pressurized environment. Competence with IT packages, including word processing, email, and Microsoft Teams. Desirable: Knowledge of policies and legislation related to school admissions, appeals, and home-school transport entitlement. If you are self-driven, confident, and skilled at presenting information, this role is perfect for you. It offers a great opportunity to enhance your presentation skills and expand your knowledge of admissions, appeals, and transport legislation. You will also build relationships with schools across Hertfordshire and colleagues within the Local Authority. How to apply As part of your application, please upload your most recent CV. Ensure your CV is up to date with your employment history (including any employment gaps), and includes any training/qualifications. We encourage you to include examples of where you have demonstrated the requirements/criteria in the advert/job profile to allow the panel to fully recognise your skills and abilities. You will have the opportunity to include a short covering paragraph within your application to give us a little more information about your skills, knowledge, and experiences. Additional information Disability Confident We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and guarantee an interview to anyone disclosing a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post. Safeguarding This role has been identified as requiring a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check. Driving required You’ll need to have the ability to drive and/or travel around Hertfordshire, either using your own mode of transport or a company car to travel to other locations. English Fluency The ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.