Who You Are You are educated to degree level in a relevant discipline or possess a relevant professional or management qualification at the postgraduate level. You have extensive knowledge of the SEND system within a Local Authority environment and have demonstrated continued professional, managerial, and personal development in the SEND field. Experience in managing complex programmes, including SEND Transformation, and effective communication with senior leaders is essential. You excel in drawing on subject matter expertise, covering areas such as SEND, healthcare, social care, and education. Understanding the changing roles of local authorities and the wider economy's impact on service areas is key. You possess strong analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills, along with the ability to persuade, negotiate, and influence. Profound leadership, team working, project, and programme management skills are required, alongside discretion and initiative in addressing complex issues. Experience in initiating culture change and leading new ways of working in high-profile, complex systems is necessary. What the Job Involves This role involves leading, developing, and overseeing Priority 5 of the Council's SEND and AP Strategy, ensuring the delivery of a DSG management plan for a financially sustainable system in Sutton. You will work with seconded and non-seconded staff, including the Head of SEND and Managing Director of Cognus, to focus on delivering three key areas: Ordinarily Available Provision, Specialist Commissioning, and Specialist/Mainstream Funding Arrangements. The role requires developing guidance for SEND needs, enhancing practices, launching transitional arrangements, and defining enhanced pathways in mainstream schools. Additionally, you will collaborate to develop a SEND commissioning strategy, addressing reliance on independent placements and reviewing resource bases. You will also focus on strengthening the SEMH provision and restructuring funding models to align with the local area's strategic aims. Main accountabilities include ensuring dependencies, risks, and issues are managed effectively, working with senior leaders to initiate change, and developing inclusive education for children and young people with SEND in the Borough. Building strong, positive stakeholder relationships to ensure engagement and delivery of change is crucial.