SEND Tribunal Manager

Role Responsibility

Do you want a challenging and rewarding role with real opportunities to improve outcomes for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)?

We have an excellent opportunity for a SEND Tribunal Manager to lead the local authority’s response to SEND Tribunal appeals, working closely with assessment, casework and the wider SEN service to ensure decisions are lawful, evidence-based and defensible. This is a specialist role requiring strong knowledge of the SEN Code of Practice and Tribunal processes, alongside the leadership skills to manage a team.

You will lead a team ensuring appeals are managed efficiently, evidence is of a high quality, and statutory deadlines are consistently met. You will provide professional oversight of complex and high-risk cases, support officers in decision-making, and represent the local authority at Tribunal hearings where appropriate.

The role involves close liaison with schools and other partners, as well as constructive engagement with parents and carers. You will be part of an experienced and supportive senior leadership team, with opportunities to influence service development, improve systems and strengthen Kent’s Tribunal practice.

Kent County Council is committed to continuous professional development and offers regular opportunities for training, mentoring and professional growth.

To be considered for this role, you should have an excellent understanding of SEN legislation, specifically SEN Code of Practice (2014), Children and Family Act (2014) and Disability Discrimination Act (1995) and its application within the context of Kent, as well we a comprehensive understanding of  guidance, and best practice in relation to Early Years, Primary and Secondary Education, as well as Post 16.

You will also have experience of leading and developing staff in a complex, high-volume environment, excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present clear, balanced and evidence-based arguments and the ability to manage competing pressures while maintaining accuracy, consistency and professionalism

You will be confident working with data and performance information to monitor trends, identify risks and support service improvement.

This post is subject to a Basic Disclosure Application to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

This post is considered by KCC to be a customer-facing position. The Council therefore has a statutory duty under Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016) to ensure that post holders have a command of spoken English sufficient for the effective performance of the job requirements. The appropriate standards are set out in the Job Description/Person Specification.

This is a county-wide role. The post is currently delivered on a hybrid with an expectation of working at least two days per week from a local office and attend meetings across Kent, including Tribunal hearings and meetings with partner organisations. As this is an office-based contract, the working pattern may be subject to change in line with service needs and organisational requirements.

Start Date

Negotiable

About the Company

KCC is committed to building a workforce which reflects the diversity of the county's working residents, encouraging applications from people of all ages, abilities, genders, sexual orientations, ethnic backgrounds, and faiths, and aspires to create an inclusive workplace where everyone can be themselves at work.

Please note – if you are interested, please apply as soon as possible as the closing date for this advert may be earlier than stated should a number of suitably qualified candidates apply.

Contact Details

For further information on this role, please contact :

Georgette Williams, EHC Tribunal, Placement and Assessment Manager - georgette.williams@kent.gov.uk - 03000 421923

About the Company

Work that works for you and us - let's talk flexibility!

KCC is committed to building a workforce which reflects the diversity of the county's working residents, encouraging applications from people of all ages, abilities, genders, sexual orientations, ethnic backgrounds, faiths and those with caring responsibilities, and aspires to create an inclusive workplace where everyone can be themselves at work.

Please note - if you are interested, please apply soon as possible as the closing date for this advert may be earlier than stated should a number of suitably qualified candidates apply.