Description Special Educational Needs, Disabilities (SEND) and Alternative Provision (AP) Commissioning Officer Full-time, permanent Salary G7 (£42,324 - £46,512pa) This is an exciting time to be joining Havering SEND and Alternative Provision Service, a thriving multi-professional service whose core purpose is to deliver better outcomes and experiences for children and young people with SEND and accessing alternative provision, and their families. The SEND and AP Commissioning Officer is a vital role, formed as part of a recent reorganisation of SEND and AP services. Two key drivers for this reorganisation and the creation of this role, were to better connect support and services for children and young people with SEND and those accessing AP through integrated commissioning, and to strengthen the Council's AP commissioning by separating out commissioning functions from those relating to the placement of children and young people in alternative provision. The purpose of the role is to enhance what is already being provided and commissioning placements and provision to ensure that children and young people receive access to high quality SEN and AP provision. Key functions include: shaping and developing the Alternative Provision offer and the future direction of support in line with the DfE’s SEND and alternative provision improvement plan leading on the effective commissioning of Alternative Provision in the borough Working in co-production with local school leaders and our local SEND parent carer forum (Havering SEND Family Voice) ensuring services are inclusive, accessible and effective establishing and maintaining key partnerships Achieving social value from our commissioning arrangements You will also play a crucial role in implementing a quality assurance framework alongside procurement and contract management processes and developing the range and resilience of providers. You will bring imagination, innovation and a dedication to improving the life chances of all the borough's children and young people; alongside the ability to work collaboratively with partners to ensure the right opportunities are there at the right time and of the highest quality. Among just a few of the reasons to choose Havering are: An excellent induction package Protected CPD time as part of Havering's ‘10 days of learning’ The chance to be part of a supportive, vibrant, talented service of more than 100 staff An excellent balance between home/flexible working arrangements and time together as a team to create, collaborate and develop a sense of belonging Easily accessible workspaces Excellent transport links to inner and outer London including via the Elizabeth Line, as well as to Essex, Hertfordshire and surrounding areas High quality IT equipment and responsive IT support An enhanced DBS check is required for this post. For an informal discussion about this post, please contact Head of SEND and Alternative Provision Services, marcus.bennetthavering.gov.uk to arrange a time to speak. The closing date for the receipt of applications is 23/02/2025, however interest in this job may be high and we therefore reserve the right to close the vacancy early. You will be notified if your application has been successful. Interview date to be confirmed. Should you require any help or advice with your online application, please contact the Recruitment Helpdesk on 01708 432770. Please view Job Profile here Additional Information We want everyone to choose Havering. When you apply for a job with us, your application is considered on its merits regardless of your age, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender identity or sexual orientation. Our residents and service users come from all walks of life, and so do our employees. Find out what it means to Choose Havering. The London Borough of Havering has important responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. If you are appointed to a job that involves working with these groups, you may be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Please attach your supporting statement, explaining in no more than x2 A4 sides why and how you meet the criteria for this role. We practice anonymised recruitment. Please ensure that you remove all personal information from any documents that you upload.