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Build Your Public Service Career

Permanent Positions Across Education & Public Sector

Find your long-term home in public service. From teaching and lecturing to NHS roles, local government, and housing—we connect you with permanent positions where you'll thrive, progress, and make a lasting impact.

750+
Live Permanent Roles
£28-85k
Typical Salary Range
UK-Wide
Opportunities
3
Office Locations

Why Permanent?

Permanent positions offer more than job security—they're your opportunity to build deep relationships, shape services, and progress your career in meaningful ways. Whether you're an ECT seeking your first teaching role, a healthcare professional ready for the next step, or an experienced public servant looking for a fresh challenge, we'll help you find where you belong.

We work across the full spectrum of public service. Our roots are in education—it's where we started and where we've placed thousands of professionals into roles that transform lives. But we also understand that public service takes many forms, from healthcare and housing to local government and beyond. Because education matters, and so does every public service role that supports communities.

We promise, we deliver. It's that simple.

Why Choose a Permanent Role

The benefits of building your career with stability and purpose

Career Progression

Access leadership development, enhanced responsibilities, and clear pathways to senior positions within your organisation.

Financial Security

Competitive salaries with annual progression, Teachers' Pension or NHS Pension schemes, and comprehensive benefits packages.

Deep Impact

Build lasting relationships with students, patients, or communities. See the long-term results of your work and dedication.

Professional Development

Funded CPD opportunities, qualification support, and access to specialist training programmes and networks.

Work-Life Balance

Predictable schedules, generous holiday entitlement (typically 25+ days plus bank holidays), and defined working patterns.

Our Support

We don't just find you a job—we support your entire journey from application through your first year and beyond.

Permanent Roles We Recruit

Build your career across education and public sector services

Teaching & Lecturing

Primary teachers (EYFS, KS1, KS2), secondary subject specialists, FE lecturers, HE academics, ECT positions, and education leadership roles including heads of department and senior leadership teams.

Education Support & SEN

Teaching assistants, HLTAs, learning support assistants, SENCO roles, SEN teachers, inclusion coordinators, EAL specialists, and specialist support for SEND settings.

Healthcare & NHS

Healthcare assistants, nursing roles, allied health professionals, NHS administrative positions, healthcare management, patient support services, and clinical support staff.

Local Government

Social workers, youth workers, community development officers, planning officers, environmental health professionals, housing officers, and local authority administrative roles.

Education Leadership

Headteachers, deputy heads, assistant principals, curriculum leads, pastoral leaders, school business managers, and multi-academy trust positions.

Housing & Social Care

Housing officers, tenancy management, supported housing coordinators, homelessness prevention officers, social care workers, and community support roles.

Administrative & Professional

School administrators, finance officers, HR professionals, data managers, exams officers, facilities managers, and corporate services across all public sector organisations.

Early Years & Childcare

Early years teachers, nursery managers, childcare practitioners, early years consultants, EYFS specialists, and children's centre roles.

Your Permanent Position Journey

1

Initial Consultation

Discuss your career goals, preferences, and ideal working environment with your dedicated consultant.

2

CV Enhancement

We'll review and strengthen your CV to highlight your experience and potential.

3

Role Matching

Receive carefully selected opportunities that match your skills, values, and aspirations.

4

Interview Preparation

Comprehensive support including practice interviews, organisation insights, and presentation coaching.

5

Offer Negotiation

We'll advocate for your best package—salary, responsibilities, development budget, and working conditions.

6

Ongoing Support

Regular check-ins throughout your first year and beyond. We're here for your entire career journey.

Success Stories

Hear from professionals who found their permanent home through Dovetail & Slate

5/5
"10/10 I had an excellent experience with Dovetail and Slate, who quickly understood what I was looking for and matched me with the perfect role. I really appreciated the regular updates and clear communication throughout. I felt supported at every step, which made the whole process smooth and stress-free. I would highly recommend Dovetail and Slate to anyone seeking their next career move. I did not have to chase or worry about anything."
RF

Rabena Faried

candidate Further & Higher Education
Jon Heller

Jon Heller

Principal Recruitment Consultant

Consultant
5/5
"I wanted to thank David from the bottom of my heart for sending me on the UCB assignment. His call seven weeks ago came as a godsend, as I was looking for work and never knew I was capable of achieving more. If he had not shown faith in me that day, I would never have come out of my shell and would never have had the chance to show my capabilities. I really appreciate his efforts as he went above and beyond looking after me in this short-term assignment. He gave me regular weekly calls to check up on me and is always ready to provide work for me in the future. I have absolutely loved working with Dovetail and Slate and look forward to continuing to do so."
NK

Nida Kiani

candidate Further & Higher Education
David Hilliker

David Hilliker

Principal Recruitment Consultant

Consultant
5/5
"Dovetail & Slate offers amazing recruitment services. The organisation's prompt response to emails and calls is quite encouraging. It provides detailed and comprehensive information to potential employees or job seekers with excellent professional follow-up guidance. I had different recruiters inviting me for a talk after going through my LinkedIn page and knowing that I am highly experienced, but they would not provide details and clarity about their offers. Clarity and comprehensive details are an essential part of information that should never be ignored. This organisation is good at providing clear and comprehensive information. Also, the polite manner of approach from the organisation's representatives is quite welcoming. I strongly recommend the establishment keeps up with its approach to recruiting job seekers. My experience with the organisation is awesome."
HO

Henry Oyakhire Adebamah

candidate Further & Higher Education
JJ Grace

JJ Grace

Principal Recruitment Consultant

Consultant

What You Can Expect

Financial Package

  • Competitive salaries: ECTs from £30,000 (£36,745 inner London), experienced teachers £35,000-£55,000+, healthcare from £24,000-£45,000+, senior roles £50,000-£85,000+
  • Generous pension schemes (Teachers' Pension 23.68% employer contribution, NHS Pension, Local Government Pension)
  • Annual pay progression and performance-related increases
  • Enhanced responsibilities often come with additional allowances (TLRs, shift enhancements, etc.)

Professional Growth

  • Funded CPD with typical budgets of £500-£2,000 per year
  • Support for professional qualifications (NPQH, master's degrees, specialist certifications)
  • Clear career progression pathways with mentoring and coaching
  • Access to professional networks and sector events

Work-Life Balance

  • Generous holiday allowance (teachers 13 weeks, others typically 25-30 days plus bank holidays)
  • Defined working hours with protected time for planning and preparation
  • Enhanced sick pay and parental leave provisions
  • Employee wellbeing support and occupational health services

Safeguarding & Compliance

We're fully committed to safeguarding and the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. Our safer recruitment process is KCSIE-aligned and regularly audited.

All candidates undergo comprehensive pre-employment checks including:

  • Enhanced DBS checks appropriate to the role
  • Identity and right to work verification
  • Professional reference verification (a minimum of two references)
  • Qualification verification and Teaching Regulation Agency checks where applicable
  • Overseas police checks where applicable
  • Prohibition and barred list checks for relevant roles

Resources to Support Your Journey

Practical guides to help you secure your ideal permanent role

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Check back soon for new resources

Meet Your Career Partners

Our specialist consultants are here to support your permanent position search

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Frequently Asked Questions

Latest Permanent Positions

View all 158 jobs

Construction Technician

Dovetail Ref: 00000021

An FE College in South London is seeking a Construction Technician to support learners in practical construction workshops. The role requires hands-on experience across multiple trades (such as Brickwork, Carpentry, or Plumbing) and involves maintaining workshop standards, preparing materials, and supporting teaching staff. This is a permanent, full-time position offering excellent benefits including pension, free parking, and gym access.

FE & HE £24,999.55 per annum (pro rata from £28,564.64 for 38 weeks) permanent Term-time mid Urgent
South London
2 days ago

Education Administrator

Dovetail Ref: 160

An Education Administrator role supporting apprenticeship programmes in Coventry. The position involves managing exam administration, monitoring learner attendance and progress, and providing coaching support to apprentices. Requires strong administrative skills, digital literacy, and an enhanced DBS check.

FE & HE £26,000 - £28,000 per annum permanent entry Urgent
Coventry
5 days ago

Welding Workshop Tutor

Dovetail Ref: 64390375

A full-time, permanent Workshop Tutor position specialising in Welding (MIG, TIG, MMA) at a Lancashire-based education and training provider. The role involves training apprentices in practical workshop sessions, with salaries ranging from £32,000-£34,000 for industry professionals or up to £41,000 for qualified teachers. Industry candidates are welcome and will receive support to achieve teaching qualifications.

FE & HE £32,000 - £41,000 per annum permanent mid Urgent
Lancashire +1 more
5 days ago

Ready to Find Your Permanent Role?

Join thousands of professionals who've built rewarding careers in public service through Dovetail & Slate.