SEND Commissioning and Brokerage Officer Location: Uxbridge Day Rate: £278.13 per dayn Council ⏳ Hours: Full-time, 36 hours per week (Monday – Friday, 9 AM – 5 PM) About the Role We are seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented SEND Commissioning and Brokerage Officer to support the procurement, contract management, and placement processes for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). This role is crucial in ensuring high-quality education placements, best-value services, and effective partnerships with independent, private, and voluntary sector providers. The successful candidate will play a key role in service development, market management, contract compliance, and financial monitoring to meet local priorities and national performance indicators. Key Responsibilities: Procurement & Contract Management: Develop service specifications and implement outcome monitoring frameworks. Support tendering processes, ensuring compliance with contract procedure rules. Monitor service quality, performance, and contract compliance for SEND education providers. Manage contracts, issue SLAs, and ensure efficient cost negotiations for placements. SEND Placements & Brokerage: Lead the brokerage of placements from independent and non-maintained special schools (INMSS/ISP). Maintain a comprehensive database of SEND education providers, including Ofsted ratings, costs, and available provision. Support the placement decision-making process, ensuring alignment with EHCP outcomes. Negotiate cost-effective placements that promote independence and preparation for adulthood (PFA). Ensure panel approvals for placements, securing health and social care contributions where required. Financial & Data Management: Support finance teams in budget monitoring, cost analysis, and value-for-money (VFM) assessments. Track cost savings and expenditure trends from brokerage negotiations. Ensure accurate financial records, cost changes, and contract updates are maintained. Service Development & Market Engagement: Work closely with the SEND Commissioner to develop and implement commissioning strategies. Assist in identifying service gaps and developing new provisions to meet demand. Collaborate with other local authorities, social care teams, and health partners on service planning. Promote local SEND education provision wherever possible. Stakeholder Engagement & Quality Assurance: Develop and maintain strong partnerships with education providers, local authorities, and SEND teams. Ensure effective monitoring, evaluation, and quality assurance processes for SEND services. Support annual review processes, ensuring that EHCP outcomes and funding arrangements are met. Identify and report safeguarding concerns, complaints, or issues affecting service quality. Essential Skills & Experience: ✅ Experience in SEND commissioning, procurement, or contract management within an education or local authority setting. ✅ Strong understanding of SEND legislation, EHCP processes, and education funding frameworks. ✅ Proven ability to negotiate contracts and manage provider relationships. ✅ Experience in data analysis, financial monitoring, and value-for-money assessments. ✅ Strong project management and problem-solving skills. ✅ Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with experience working collaboratively across multiple teams. Why Join Us? Competitive day rate of £278.13 Opportunity to make a real impact on SEND education provision Work within a dynamic and multi-disciplinary team Gain valuable experience in commissioning, procurement, and brokerage Apply Now If you are a strategic thinker with a passion for improving SEND education services, we want to hear from you