We are seeking a dedicated and experienced SEND Commissioning Officer to join the London Borough of Waltham Forest and play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering high-quality, cost-effective services for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. Your Key Responsibilities: Lead the commissioning of services for children and young people with SEND, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, policies, and best practice. Conduct comprehensive needs analyses, gathering and analyzing data to inform commissioning decisions. Develop, negotiate, and monitor contracts with external providers to ensure the effective delivery of high-quality services that meet the needs of children, young people, and their families. Build and maintain strong working relationships with key stakeholders, including service providers, local authority colleagues, health professionals, educational institutions, and families, to ensure a joined-up approach to service delivery. Collaborate with finance teams to manage budgets effectively, ensuring value for money and efficient use of resources. Evaluate the impact of commissioned services through data analysis and feedback from service users, adapting and improving services as needed. Ensure that the voice of children, young people, and families is central to all commissioning activity. Skills and Experience: Experience in a commissioning, contract management, or procurement role, ideally within the SEND, education, or health sectors. Strong knowledge of SEND legislation, policies, and best practice within the UK. Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain effective partnerships. Proven ability to manage budgets, analyse data, and assess the effectiveness of services. A proactive and flexible approach, with the ability to adapt to changing priorities and respond to the evolving needs of service users. Strong commitment to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion. OR3183 SEND Commissioning Officer SEND Commissioning Officer SEND Commissioning Officer