Job Introduction
As a Free School Meal (FSM) Engagement Officer, you’ll step into a rewarding role where your work truly matters. Using your excellent communication skills, collaborative mindset, and genuine passion for supporting communities, you’ll work with schools, families and partner organisations to increase awareness, registration and uptake of free school meals.
By identifying and removing barriers to registration, and supporting schools and eligible families, you’ll directly contribute to reducing health inequalities and helping children across Hampshire achieve their full potential, in line with the county’s Health and Wellbeing and Public Health strategies.
What you’ll do:
- Lead targeted initiatives to achieve increased FSM registration and uptake across Hampshire.
- Work with schools, families, and partners to identify and remove barriers, using a behaviour change approach.
- Deliver campaigns, workshops, and accessible resources to engage families, including underrepresented communities.
- Train and support school staff to improve FSM processes, promote pupil premium, and strengthen family engagement.
- Manage the Online Free School Meal Portal, including applications, queries, and process improvements.
- Use data and insight to monitor performance, track impact, and inform continuous improvement.
- Build strong partnerships across education, public health and wider stakeholders, promoting policy changes and wider school food priorities.
What we’re looking for:
- A passionate individual with experience of working within the school and education system, who is committed to improving outcomes for children and young people.
- A confident communicator who can engage, influence, and build trust with diverse audiences.
- Strong collaboration skills, with experience working across teams and organisations.
- A proactive problem-solver with the ability to develop and implement effective solutions and work autonomously.
- Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
- Knowledge of the school and education system and free school meal policy and delivery.
- Experience using data to inform decisions and measure impact.
- Confidence with Microsoft 365 and digital systems.
Why join us:
- Make a real difference – your work will directly improve children’s health, wellbeing, and educational outcomes.
- Be part of a collaborative and supportive team – work with dedicated professionals across County Supplies, Public Health, and the Children’s Services Directorate.
- Strategic impact – contribute to key county-wide priorities including reducing inequalities and supporting children to have the best start in life.
- Access to Health Assured's comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme to support your physical and mental wellbeing, including 24/7 telephone support, a suite of online resources, and legal and financial advice.
- A competitive benefits package that includes generous annual leave entitlement, occupational sick pay, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.
To learn more about this role, please review our Candidate Pack available on our website. Please click on the Apply button for details.
Applicants can expect to hear from us within two weeks of the advertised closing date.
Please note: We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role and therefore it is essential that you already have the right to work in the UK before applying.
Other roles you may have experience of may include: Project Officer, Programme Officer, Education Access and Inclusion Officer, Pupil Support & Engagement Officer, School Nutrition Engagement Officer, Free School Meals Engagement and Delivery Officer, School Meals Outreach Officer
Safer Recruitment
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.
