Join us and make a difference in Devon.
Are you passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people? Are you looking for an opportunity to be part of a transformative redesign of Inclusion & Learning in Devon?
Devon County Council invites applications for the position of Head of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Operations. This pivotal role offers a unique opportunity to lead the transformation of the Council’s statutory SEND service. Working closely with parents and carers and wider partners to deliver the local authority’s statutory responsibilities, through a relational and restorative approach.
This is Devon
Devon County Council is a large and diverse organisation that is responsible for a wide range of services, including education, social care, highways, libraries, waste management, public health, and economic development. We work with our partners and communities to make Devon a great place to live, work, and visit.
We are ambitious for Devon and our people. We have a clear vision and strategic plan to guide our actions and decisions. We want to create a prosperous, resilient, and healthy county, where people can fulfil their potential and enjoy a high quality of life. We are committed to tackling the challenges and opportunities that face us, such as climate change, population growth, increased demand on Childrens services, and digital transformation.
We are also committed to our principles and behaviours, which shape how we work and interact with each other and our stakeholders. We are honest, respectful, courageous, and solutions focused. We value diversity and inclusion, and we strive to be collaborative, innovative, and accountable. We are proud of our achievements, and we learn from our mistakes. We are always looking for ways to improve and develop ourselves and our services.
Devon County Council is on a mission to create a child-centred and future-focused inclusive education system. We are looking for dynamic and experienced leaders to be part of this change and work with us to provide impactful support through relational, needs-led practice and effective leadership so that every child and young person can thrive and go on to lead a fulfilling adult life.
Our Devon SEND Transformation Programme is well underway and our new highlights a turning point for the partnership in improving the experiences and outcomes of children and young people with SEND.
This is the role
As the Head of SEND Operations, you will report directly to the Deputy & SEND Strategic Director. You will be accountable for the strategic leadership of the statutory SEND Operations Team, ensuring the Council’s statutory duties are met through close collaboration with parents, carers and wider partners.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Strategic Leadership: Lead the statutory SEND Operations Team, ensuring services meet the Council’s statutory obligations.
2. Programme Delivery: Collaborate with the Deputy Director and local area partners to deliver Devon’s SEND Transformation programme, improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND and ensuring financial sustainability.
3. Partnership Working: Engage with children and young people with SEND and their families to drive service improvements based on user experience. Work with children’s and adult’s social care, health and community services, schools, and other education providers to enhance experiences and outcomes for children and young people with SEND.
Ideal Candidate:
4. Qualifications: Degree or equivalent relevant professional qualification or experience. Leadership qualification or evidence of leadership and management study, and continuous professional development relevant to the job.
5. Experience: Proven leadership and management experience at a senior level in education, early years, or local authority, including operational delivery, performance, budget, and people management. Substantial experience in effective partnership working to improve outcomes for children and young people.
6. Skills: Ability to influence, lead, and deliver major cultural and organisational change in a complex environment. Experience in co-production with children, young people, families, and carers, using their feedback to improve service delivery.
7. Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of statutory responsibilities across education, including SEND, relevant legislation, regulatory and inspection regimes, Ofsted frameworks, and education finance, including the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG).
What we can offer you
Devon County Council is committed to providing good or better services for children and young people, so they can thrive and go on to live meaningful adult lives. As part of the Inclusion and Learning Leadership Team, we will work together as one entity, valuing and demonstrating strong leadership and developing a collaborative approach towards continuous improvement. Each Head of Service will hold individual accountability for the results and performance improvement of their own area, alongside joint ownership of all service areas to meet the needs of children and young people in Devon.
We appreciate the adaptability and provide options for flexible working, yet we also recognise the significant benefits of maintaining a solid in-office presence. Physical presence fosters superior collaboration, relationship development, and a community feel and is a requirement for this role.
We are committed to the health and wellbeing of our staff, and we have a range of initiatives and schemes to help you achieve a healthy work-life balance. If you are passionate about public service and want to make a difference in Devon, we would love to hear from you.
Working for Devon County Council has all the benefits that you can expect from a large employer. In return for the vital contribution that you make, we offer:
8. 26 days annual leave per year (rising with length of service) plus Bank Holidays effective from 1 April 2024
9. Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme - more information can be found on the
10. Access to our confidential Employee Assistance Programme – available 24/7 to support you with personal and work life
11. Flexible working opportunities, including home-working (subject to the needs of the role)
12. Discounts from local and high street retailers through the Devon Discounts scheme
If you feel you have the qualities to bring to these roles, we would very much like to hear from you. For further details about these exciting roles please contact Kellie Knott on or Jack Newton on
Interview details: Provisional interview dates week commencing 24/03/2025.
Interviews will be held in person at County Hall, Exeter.
Internal Applicants, please note: If you are an existing DCC employee, please use your iTrent Employee Self Service (ESS) details to log in and apply.
Click ‘Apply Now’ to view the job description and person specification
Additional information
13. DCC embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and safe. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon. More information can be found on our .
14. - The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours etc.
15. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
16. This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
17. Personal data we collect from you will be processed in accordance with the .
18.