Senior Lead of Statutory SEND Services)

Senior Lead of Statutory SEND Services (SEND Service Manager)
Location: Southeast Council
Salary: £66,572 - £69,181
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent
Department: People Department - SEND Assessment, Access, and Inclusion

Are you passionate about driving real change for children and young people with SEND?
Do you have the leadership skills to oversee a critical statutory service at a senior level?

What you will do as the Senior SEND Lead:

• As one of the Council's most senior SEND specialists, you'll lead the Statutory SEND Assessment and Review Teams, oversee complex SEND Tribunal processes, and collaborate closely with schools, health partners, and parents.
• You'll be responsible for ensuring statutory compliance, delivering high-quality EHC plans, and driving continuous improvement to improve outcomes for young people with SEND.
• You'll manage a growing team (currently 20, with further expansion anticipated) and oversee elements of the city's multi-million-pound High Needs Block allocation.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Leadership of statutory SEND services (0-25)
• Strategic lead for external inspections, safeguarding case reviews, and embed best practice
• Oversee SEND Tribunal casework and represent the council in high-profile cases
• Monitor, review, and drive the efficient use of SEND resources
• Work in partnership with schools and other agencies to promote inclusive practice
• Report to senior leadership and DfE meetings on performance and statutory compliance
• Deputise for the Head of SEND Assessment, Access, and Inclusion when required

What you will have as the Senior SEND Lead:

• Extensive experience in senior SEND statutory services leadership
• Strong understanding of the SEND Code of Practice and legislation
• Excellent track record of SEND Tribunal and safeguarding management
• Skilled at managing large teams and multi-million-pound SEND budgets
• Must have worked as a SEND Service Manager or above within a Local Authority previously

If you're interested in discussing this opportunity in more detail or know someone who this may be of interest to, pleasecontact Nicole VanderMeulen on orapply today.

(We offer a senior referral scheme upon successful placement of your recommendation so please do get in contact)


Our clients are passionate about creating and evolving a diverse workforce and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant. Recruiting decisions are based on your experience and skills. Any reasonable adjustments in the workplace will be fully supported during the application and hiring process.