Interim Service Manager – Statutory SEND Team
Rate: £450 per day inside IR35
Contract: About 5 Months (Until July 31st, 2025)
Location: Hybrid in Bristol 1-2 days in the office – Fully remote will be considered for an exceptional candidate.
Overview:
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Interim Service Manager to lead the Statutory SEND Team for a key public sector organisation. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in driving improvements and ensuring the effective delivery of statutory SEND services, working with families, schools, and external stakeholders to ensure a high-quality, person-centred approach.
You will oversee the management of teams involved in assessment, annual reviews, and tribunal processes, whilst focusing on improving decision-making, processing of EHHNA, and statutory duties. This is a fantastic opportunity for a senior leader with strong SEND expertise to make a real impact in a challenging yet rewarding environment.
Key Responsibilities:
* Lead and manage the SEND team to deliver statutory services, focusing on the identification of needs and availability of education provision across the area.
* Drive improvements in practice and ensure compliance with SEND statutory duties.
* Work collaboratively with multi-disciplinary teams, including social care, health colleagues, education settings, and stakeholders such as Parent Carer Forums.
* Report on SEND data, scrutinise the numbers of children and young people awaiting specialist places, and contribute to operational and strategic discussions on sufficiency.
* Support the development and formalisation of new practices, improving KPI performance (corporate and DfE).
* Implement standard operating procedures to ensure accurate data management and financial compliance.
* Deliver reports for corporate and DfE data reporting.
Key Deliverables:
* Leadership of the SEND team in alignment with the SEND and Inclusion Strategy.
* Delivery of service improvements and development of practice.
* Management of operational data and performance, ensuring accuracy and effective use for strategic planning.
* Strengthening partnerships with all internal and external stakeholders.
Qualifications & Experience:
* Proven success in leading SEND system improvements at a senior level.
* In-depth knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice and local authority statutory responsibilities.
* Experience working with schools, settings, and multi-disciplinary teams.
* Senior leadership experience within a local authority or similar setting.
* Strong understanding of financial pressures facing education settings and local authorities.
* Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to deliver innovative solutions at pace.
* Strong communication and presentation skills, capable of engaging with diverse audiences.
To apply: Please submit your CV and availability for an immediate start.
*Rates depend on experience and client requirements
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