The Implementation Review Unit (IRU):

• advises the DCSF on policy implementation and bureaucracy from a schools perspective
• is an independent body which works with the DCSF and its agencies to ensure that workload implications are properly considered as policies impacting on schools are developed and implemented
• works in a range of maintained schools across the country
• currently includes serving primary, secondary and special school headteachers, teachers and support staff.

The new panel will undertake the review of obstacles to delivery in schools as announced in the Your child, your schools, our future White Paper published on 30 June.

Member profile

You should be currently working in maintained schools, with direct experience of curriculum delivery and/or school leadership, management and administration, including dealing with external organisations. Candidates are being sought from the following workforce areas:

• serving headteachers with at least two years' experience of headship
• serving teachers with at least five years' experience as a teacher
• a serving headteacher or senior teacher with extensive knowledge of special educational needs provision in a school setting
• senior support staff.

The time commitment will be approximately 25 days a year, of which around 15 days a year will be spent preparing for and attending national level meetings in London. Your school will be reimbursed for salary costs and travel and subsistence costs will be paid.

A Chair and deputy Chair will also be appointed from the successful applicants. The Chair will lead the review of obstacles to delivery, and this role will require an extra time commitment of approximately ten days a year.

Good communication and influencing skills are essential, and previous representational experience is desirable.

This is an opportunity to make a lasting contribution to the quality of education service in England, to increase the effectiveness of new and existing initiatives, and to improve the job satisfaction and morale of everyone working in schools.

For further information and an application form, send an email with your name and contact details, headed 'IRU Recruitment'.

The closing date for applications is 1 September 2009 at 5:00 pm