Head of SEND Services

Reimagine the possibilities
At Suffolk County Council, we're reimagining what local government can achieve. We're a forward-thinking organisation that values innovation, collaboration, and making a real difference in our communities.
  
This is a time of exciting and positive change in Suffolk. We’ve made great strides in our children and young people services improvement journey, supported by our excellent corporate leadership team, chief executive, and elected members. However, we know we still have a long way to go and face a number of challenges across a complex landscape.
  
Our new DCS is building an exceptional team to deliver the very best outcomes for our children and young people. As our Head of SEND Services, you’ll have a wide range of responsibilities, including EHCP assessments, specialist settings admissions and our innovative SEND Assessment Centre programme. You’ll work closely with parents and carers and children and young people in the development of services and take a lead role in the development and implementation of the Council’s SEND Strategy.
  
We’re seeking an ambitious leader to inject pace to our SEND improvement plan. A leader who can take staff with them and foster excellent relationships across the council and with schools and parent carer forums. With a proven track record of SEND improvement, you’ll be a subject matter expert with strong financial acumen. Experience of the Delivering Better Value (DBV) programme or Safety Valve would also be beneficial to thrive in this role.  
  
In return, you’ll be joining an ambitious council and a service which has embarked on an exciting transformation journey. You’ll work with incredible practitioners as well as an empowering and nurturing leadership team who will support your development as a senior leader. You’ll have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of our children and young people to ensure no child is left behind. 
  
Come and be part of something unique and reimagine the possibilities. 
  
To find out more please contact our retained recruitment consultants at Tile Hill: Chris Barrow on 07437 839048, Zarvesha Rasool on 07551 392696, or Anita Denton on 07725 554802, or visit the microsite.
  
Closing date: Midnight on Sunday 9th February 2025

To apply:
To apply, please submit an up-to-date copy of your CV (four sides of A4 maximum), along with a supporting statement (four sides of A4 maximum) detailing your experience, and achievements and addressing the key criteria for the role set out on this site and using examples to demonstrate how you meet the requirements. Documents should be uploaded via our website, please include and upload the below information in two documents only. If you experience any issues whilst applying, please contact abbie.hamilton-grant@tile-hill.co.uk.

Applications should include:

• Full contact details;
• Names, positions, organisations and contact details for two referees (we will ask your permission before contacting referees);
• Details of your current salary and notice period
• Notification of any dates when you are not available for an interview.

  
At Tile Hill, we are committed to inclusion and accessibility. We champion and support all individuals to ensure everyone feels valued, listened to and motivated to get the very best out of each recruitment process and that processes are designed to meet the needs of individuals. If you have any specific requests and would like a confidential discussion with the Tile Hill team, then please email inclusion@tile-hill.co.uk.