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.
What Sets Us Apart
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
Initial Consultation
Discuss your career goals, preferences, and ideal working environment with your dedicated consultant.
CV Enhancement
We'll review and strengthen your CV to highlight your experience and potential.
Role Matching
Receive carefully selected opportunities that match your skills, values, and aspirations.
Interview Preparation
Comprehensive support including practice interviews, organisation insights, and presentation coaching.
Offer Negotiation
We'll advocate for your best package—salary, responsibilities, development budget, and working conditions.
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
"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."
Anonymous
"My experience with Dovetail & Slate, specifically Matty and his team, has been nothing but exceptional. They have all really invested in me as the client and ensured they understand our needs. This translates equally to the commitment they show to the candidates they work with, being transparent with them and guiding them through the whole process. Where a candidate has been offered and accepted a role the job doesn't finish there, the team remain engaged with the candidate for time afterwards to see how they are doing and if there are any issues they may need support with. Even when our recruiting needs are fully met, the conversation continues just to keep abreast of things so that they are ready to react when called upon. I decline to work with other recruitment agencies such is my trust in Dovetail & Slate."
Anonymous
"From the first telephone call Mr D. Cordukes, from start to finish conducted a professional service. Always upfront with a vast amount of knowledge and advice. It was a pleasure to work with him and Dovetail & Slate team."
Anonymous
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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Meet Your Career Partners
Our specialist consultants are here to support your permanent position search
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Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Find Your Permanent Role?
Join thousands of professionals who've built rewarding careers in public service through Dovetail & Slate.