High Needs Block Technical Lead

Location: South West

Day Rate: £375

Working Arrangements: Hybrid (2-3 days on-site)

Start: Immediate

Are you an experienced and confident specialist in DSG, High Needs, and Education Finance? Panoramic Associates are delighted to be partnering with a South West council to find a dedicated interim professional who can bring stability, technical strength, and supportive leadership to a busy and evolving area of the finance service.

As the Interim High Needs / DSG Finance Lead, you'll play a key role in guiding the council's education and SEND services through a particularly important period. You will take ownership of high needs funding, statutory returns, budgeting, and strategic financial planning - helping to ensure the service is well supported and able to make informed decisions.

This position would suit someone who is comfortable working independently, naturally collaborative, and confident navigating the complexities of DSG within a fast paced environment.

• Lead on High Needs Block and wider DSG financial management
• Support SEND and education teams with accurate financial modelling and forecasting
• Oversee statutory returns and maintain compliance with sector requirements
• Provide clear financial insight to senior leaders on DSG pressures and priorities
• Support preparation for January deadlines and upcoming funding milestones
• Work closely with service managers to strengthen financial monitoring and controls
• Contribute to improvement and recovery planning across the education finance function

We'd love to hear from you if you have strong experience in:

• High Needs Block
• DSG / Education Finance
• SEND funding
• DFG and other education related grants

In addition, you'll bring:

• A proven ability to thrive in a complex public sector environment
• Excellent technical finance skills and sound judgement
• Confidence supporting decision making and leading improvements
• Ideally, previous local government experience
• The ability to work independently while building positive relationships across the team

If this sounds like the right fit for you, and you're available to begin quickly, please send your CV or get in touch for a chat. I'd be happy to talk through the role in more detail.