Head of SEND Transformation

This job is brought to you by Jobs/Redefined, the UK's leading over-50s age inclusive jobs board.

Job Description

• Suffolk County Council - Endeavour House, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 2BX
• £70,086 - £79,174 per annum (pro rate for part time)
• 37 hours - Flexible working options available
• Permanent

Are you passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)?

Suffolk County Council is looking for a visionary leader to join us as the Head of SEND Transformation within our Local Area Partnership.

Your role and responsibilities

As our Head of SEND Transformation, you will lead and deliver key projects across the SEND Local Area Partnership in Suffolk. Your mission will be to ensure that the needs of children and young people are identified and met early, providing them with the necessary support to achieve positive outcomes. This role is crucial in shaping the future of SEND services across Suffolk, fostering collaboration between various departments and stakeholders to enhance service delivery and support.

You will:

• lead a dedicated change team to implement the SEND transformation strategy.
• provide strategic oversight and drive at pace changes to the SEND system.
• collaborate with stakeholders, including health, social care, schools, and settings, to bring the local area partnership together.
• manage the SEND priorities in line with the SEND strategy and priority action plan.
• work closely with colleagues on high needs block review and dedicated school grants to ensure financial oversight.
• develop and enhance governance structures for the SEND programme.
• foster a transparent culture, acknowledging successes and areas for improvement.

You will need

• Extensive knowledge and experience in SEND.
• Strong programme and project management skills.
• Proven leadership abilities with a passion for SEND.
• Experience working in a local authority and understanding of local partnership working.
• Excellent communication, co-production, participation, and engagement skills.
• Ability to drive positive outcomes for children and young people.

You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (docx). If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.

The team

You will be joining a fantastic and dedicated change team. The team is committed to driving positive outcomes for children and young people in Suffolk. While there are some vacancies, this presents an exciting opportunity for the new Head of SEND Transformation to help shape and build the team. The culture in Suffolk is one of transparency and collaboration, where successes are celebrated, and areas for improvement are openly acknowledged. You will be working with passionate individuals who are committed to making a difference.

Empowering Everyone

We're big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We're always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.

For more information

Please contact Jo Hedley for a casual conversation. You can reach them by calling 01473 263709 or emailingjo.hedley@suffolk.gov.uk.

How to apply

Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (JPP) (docx).

Step 2 - Click 'Apply Now' to start your online application.

Step 3 - Please use the Supporting Statement templateto answer the questions below, using no more than 400 words per question.

1. Can you provide an example of a time when you successfully led a team through a significant transformation or change? What strategies did you use to ensure the team remained motivated and focused on the goals?
2. Describe a situation where you had to develop and communicate a clear vision for a project or initiative. How did you ensure that all stakeholders were aligned with this vision?
3. Tell us about a time when you had to develop and implement a strategic plan for a service or project. What were the key challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them?
4. How do you foster a culture of continuous improvement within your team? Can you provide an example of how you have achieved this?

We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We encourage you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process.

Please note: Without a supporting statement, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format. If you would like an adjustment to this process due to a disability, please contact us at 03456 014412 or recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk.

Closing date: 11.30pm, 20 March 2025.

Interview date:4 April 2025.

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.

About Us

As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We're driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.

In return, you'll enjoy:

• up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
• membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
• performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
• training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
• a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
• diverse and active staff networks
• flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day

Plus lots more!

If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk).