Job Information
Achieving for Children is a Community Interest Company that has a public sector ethos, combined with the freedom to innovate enabling us to do things differently. As a not-for-profit social enterprise owned by three local authorities (Windsor & Maidenhead, Kingston and Richmond), we offer the freedoms of a social enterprise with the employment benefits of local government. To find out more about us
Assistant Tribunal and Mediations Officer
We are looking to appoint an enthusiastic, well organised and motivated professional committed to supporting the needs of children and young people with SEN. The role requires excellent interpersonal skills, flexibility, and the ability to work independently as well as contributing to the wider team. This role will involve supporting our tribunals and mediations manager in all aspects of service delivery - previous SEN knowledge is required, previous experience within a mediations and tribunal team is beneficial but not essential as we would be happy to support the learning and development of the right candidate.
About the role
As the Assistant Tribunal and Mediation Officer, you will play a vital role in representing AfC and providing essential support to multidisciplinary professionals involved in SEND appeals and mediations. This role requires close collaboration with our legal teams, ensuring that AfC, its partners, and stakeholders are effectively represented and make impactful decisions.
In this position, you will:
1. Work alongside the Tribunal Manager to develop and refine internal tribunal and mediation systems and processes. Your contributions will be key in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of these processes, leading to positive outcomes for all parties involved.
2. Manage casework, preparing responses, and occasionally representing AfC in appeals and mediations. A significant part of your role will be identifying and pursuing opportunities to de-escalate issues before they reach formal appeal routes.
3. Must have up-to-date and proven knowledge of SEND legislation (including the Children & Families Act, Children Act, Equalities Act, etc.) and relevant SEND case law. Your ability to persuade, negotiate, and build positive working relationships will be crucial, especially when working with children, young people, and families during challenging times.
Additionally, you will attend SEND panels and provide both internal and external training related to SEND tribunals and mediation, further enhancing the capabilities of those around you.
For an informal discussion about the post, please contact Katie Worley, Associate Director for SEND -
About you
4. Educated to degree level with a relevant professional qualification or Level 3+ training in SEND-related areas (Desirable).
5. Experienced and knowledgeable practitioner in the complex area of SEND (Essential).
6. Proven experience in building strong partnerships, maintaining relationships, and co-producing solutions with diverse stakeholders, including children, young people, and families.
7. Knowledgeable in representing the Local Authority at SEND and Disability Tribunals, particularly in lower-risk appeals.
8. Experienced in mediation and disagreement resolution with parents and professionals to resolve disputes and negotiate changes to EHC plans.
9. Skilled in arranging and chairing conferences, performing duties related to First Tier Tribunals and appeals.
10. Capable of preparing responses for appeal hearings, coordinating with legal services and SEND teams, and advising on the legal aspects of SEND cases.
About our benefits
We are focused on creating a positive supportive environment, where you will have access to a really wide range of resources, as well as a competitive salary and all the perks to enable hybrid working. In AfC you will also have access to:
11. 29 days annual leave, increasing to 33 days after 2 years and 35 days after 4 years with an additional day off in your birthday month(Or for term term workers, your leave entitlement consists of the non-working periods in your contract.)
12. Tailored induction sessions commencing on the date you start working for AfC
13. Local Government salary and pension scheme (LGPS or Teachers Pension)
14. Flexible working options - helping to keep a good work life balance
15. A comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
16. A range of staff benefits and discounts
17. An excellent learning and development offer to support your career pathway
To find out about all of the breadth of benefits of working for Achieving for Children. For our social work offer .
Important Information
Start dates: Achieving for Children have meaning successful candidates join on a set date in each month. Candidates are advised to prepare for this should a job offer be accepted to ensure eligible continuous service is not affected.
Right to work: The UK has introduced a new points-based immigration system affecting EU and Non-EU workers and sponsorship requirements. We advise checking the for right to work guidance.
Equality: We particularly welcome applications from sections of the community who are currently underrepresented within our teams. Achieving for Children are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions and can improve the way we deliver services. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer.
Safeguarding: We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to this post will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
For more information about AfC: Drop in and meet Regina on the first Wednesday of every month at Civic Centre, Twickenham.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you complete and return your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.