- Where is Buckinghamshire?

Buckinghamshire is a predominantly rural county stretching from the outskirts of Greater London to Milton Keynes in the north, which is a unitary authority not under control of the county council.

- How are children and young people's services organised?

Children and young people's services are an integrated portfolio of teams under the leadership of the strategic director, supported by three divisional directors. The divisions handle issues such as school admissions, extended services and preventative services.

- What roles are available?

More then 1,000 staff work in children and young people's services in a wide range of roles. The county council places a high priority on the needs of its employees with an emphasis on training and development.

- What is it like to live in Buckinghamshire?

The county is within easy reach of London. It has a wide range of housing options plus excellent educational facilities, including two universities, and high-performing primary and secondary schools.

- What is the package like?

The council operates a family-friendly working environment through initiatives such as: flexible working; job shares; childcare vouchers, and employee health plans. Other benefits include a local government final salary pension scheme, generous sick pay, and travel and shopping discounts. Some posts may also qualify for travel allowances, housing and relocation schemes, mortgage assistance and car schemes.

- What's new?

The achievement and attainment tables published in January 2008 by the Department for Children, Schools and Families showed that Buckinghamshire came top of all shire authorities in the country for GCSE or equivalent results, with 60.5 per cent of pupils achieving five or more A* to C grades.