Assistant Director – Education and Inclusion Competitive Salary up to £98,204 depending upon experience Are you a dynamic strategic leader in Education and Inclusion? This is an incredibly exciting time to be joining Solihull as we continue to progress our transformation journey through innovation and positive change. We are committed to being ambitious in the way that we will work with children, young people, their families, and carers working with education, health and other key partners. We are looking for an experienced and forward-looking senior leader to join us as Assistant Director for Education and Inclusion. With senior experience of SEND and education, you’ll continue to improve, develop and lead our work to drive outcomes for children and young people including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Reporting directly to the Director of Public Health, Education and Inclusion and supporting the DCS in the delivery of the council’s statutory responsibilities for children and young people, you will lead the vision and values we uphold to ensure that Solihull is a place where every child and young person has a great chance to succeed and achieve their full potential. As Assistant Director for Education and Inclusion, you will oversee the management, quality delivery and performance of key services including our services for children with SEND, education place planning and improvement and arrangements to support inclusion of all learners including those who are not in school. You will have excellent leadership and partnership skills, able to work effectively with senior leaders including early years, schools and colleges, social care, health and the voluntary and community sector. You’ll have a solutions-focused outlook and the ability to work with others to develop and deploy innovative approaches to improve outcomes for children and young people, through co-design. The role will focus on providing the leadership and expertise to ensure the ongoing effectiveness of key services and to develop and implement strategic partnership plans to drive continuous improvement in a context of changing policy legislation and practice. You will have a proven track record of improving and/or leading successful children’s services in education and inclusion. To be considered for this post, you will also need to demonstrate: Relevant degree or membership of an appropriate professional institute or substantial relevant equivalent experience. Experience working in a senior leadership post, relevant to SEND and education. Substantial and proven experience in improving outcomes, with a particular focus on SEND outcomes, for children and young people. Experience of complex and significant budget management and delivery of value for money solutions Effective leadership and management experience across a range of services and with multiple stakeholders Ability to work effectively within a multiple accountability environment and, in particular, a political environment, establishing a positive relationship with partners, Councillors, MPs and Ministers Very strong communication, influencing, negotiation and problem solving skills. If you have a proven track record of delivering positive outcomes and the energy, passion, drive and skills to help deliver better futures for our children and young people of Solihull, then we’d really like to hear from you. In return we offer: Flexible working, and agile working arrangements. Generous annual leave entitlements with opportunity to buy up to 10-days additional leave per year. Access to our Employee Assistance Programme – a 24 hour independent, free and confidential advice and support service. Family and carer friendly policies. Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme. Employee benefits including staff discounts, subsidised travel passes and Cycle 2 Work Scheme. To apply, please click on the link below. If you have a specific question regarding this post, please contact: Ruth Tennant, Director Public Health, Education & Inclusion - 0121 704 6187 / ruth.tennantsolihull.gov.uk Closing Date: 9 March 2025 Interviews will be held on 24 March 2025. Candidates will be required to complete online Psychometric assessments prior to the interview as part of the recruitment process. This post will require an Enhanced DBS check. An online search will be carried out for all shortlisted candidates. This is an essential car user post as the demands of the job make it operationally essential and there is a contractual requirement to make a suitable vehicle available to ensure the requirements of the job can be carried out effectively. Applicants must be able to drive, have a driving licence and be a car owner/have access to a suitable vehicle, however for disabled applicants, reasonable adjustments will be made where required. This post is covered by the Fluency Duty, as outlined in the Code of Practice on the English language requirements for public sector workers. Solihull Council is proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees - a place where we can all be ourselves and succeed on merit. Solihull Council has a responsibility for, and is committed to, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk, and requires all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Attached documents Job Description & Person Specification