Support Staff Reference Group

The Support Staff Reference Group will advise on the potential impact of policies on primary and secondary education, including any barriers to implementation.

The application window for the Support Staff Reference Group has now closed.

We will keep applicants updated on the next steps in the recruitment process by email.

If you have any questions, refer to the Information pack for applicants: 2025 or email referencegroup.recruitment@education.gov.uk.

Terms of reference

The Support Staff Reference Group will support policy development and implementation across the Department for Education (DfE) by contributing views and providing feedback to ministers and officials. The group is not representative and has no power of veto over policy decisions.

Meeting dates

The group will meet 4 times per year, during term time.

Membership

The Support Staff Reference Group is open to all members of school staff who are not employed as teachers, school or trust leaders. For example, this could include:

  • teaching assistants
  • school business professionals
  • administration staff
  • librarians
  • those providing welfare or pastoral support
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