SEND Commissioning LeadCouncil
Grade 10Children’s CommissioningWakefield CouncilHybrid / flexible working
Wakefield Council is looking for an experienced and motivated SEND Commissioning Lead to join our Children’s Commissioning Service. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in shaping high-quality, effective and sustainable services and placements for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
As SEND Commissioning Lead, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across SEND commissioning activity, with a particular focus on placement sufficiency, provider oversight, market development, value for money, contract management and service improvement. You will lead the review of current practice, identify opportunities for efficiencies, and support robust cost discussions and negotiations with providers to secure appropriate, high-quality provision.
The role sits within Children’s Commissioning and works closely with SENART (SEN Assessment and Review Team), alongside colleagues across education, social care, health, finance and legal services. You will support a joined-up approach to service planning and placement decision-making, helping to ensure that decisions balance assessed need, quality, suitability, risk and cost.
Collaborative regional working is an integral part of this post. You will contribute to Wakefield Council’s involvement in the White Rose Framework, related SEND market development activity and associated electronic marketplace developments. You will also have a key role in supporting SEND Reform, including the development of formal commissioning arrangements that enable education providers to share their expertise across the wider Wakefield education system.
The post will also involve providing professional leadership and line management support to staff within the area of responsibility, as well as representing the service in internal, regional and partnership forums where required.
What we are looking for
We are looking for someone who can bring:
significant experience in one or more of the following: SEND, commissioning, education, social care, health commissioning or a related field
knowledge of SEND legislation, policy and statutory processes
experience of commissioning, contract management, provider challenge and cost negotiation
the ability to review practice, use data intelligently and identify efficiencies and service improvements
excellent communication, influencing and relationship-building skills
the ability to work collaboratively across services and with regional partners
a strong commitment to children, young people and families, with a person-centred and co-productive approach
What you will help us achieve
In this role, you will help improve SEND placement sufficiency, reduce avoidable cost escalation, and improve the timeliness, transparency and consistency of placement decision-making. You will also help strengthen our approach to market management, provider relationships and value for money across SEND services.
At Wakefield Council, we are committed to creating a workplace that is inclusive, supportive and ambitious, with a strong focus on equality, diversity and inclusion. You will be joining a service that is focused on improving outcomes, strengthening partnerships and making the best use of resources for children, young people and families.
What you will receive:
A competitive salary
Generous holiday entitlement with the option to buy up to 10 extra days of annual leave
Hybrid working (subject to role suitability)
Access to high-quality training programs to advance your career to the next level.
We are committed to supporting the wellbeing of our staff. We recognise that resilient teams need good work life balance as well as supportive leadership.
Discounted and subsidised public transport (Arriva Bus Annual Travel Ticket, Northern Trains Limited (NTL), MetroCard).
Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) and a Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVC) scheme providing a tax efficient way to increase our pension.
Great range of benefits including an Employee Assistant Programme, discounted membership to our excellent leisure facilities with free 12 weeks exercise program, discounts for a range of retail, entertainment, health and leisure providers, a cycle to work scheme, and many more
Want to know more?
If you would like to know more about the role, the recruitment process or working for Wakefield Council, feel free to contact.
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Join us and make a real impact in the community. Apply today to become a valued member of our team!
Safeguarding
Wakefield Council is wholly committed to ensuring children and vulnerable adults are fully supported and safe. We are dedicated to the safeguarding of all children and vulnerable adults whilst promoting their welfare. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this responsibility.
DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service)
The successful applicant will be required to complete a Disclosure Application Form and to provide criminal conviction information.
Probation
In accordance with the Council Probation Procedure, this post is subject to a 6-month Probationary Period.
Fluency Duty
To comply with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 (Fluency Duty), public facing roles will be subject to the Fluency Duty.
Diversity
Having a diverse workforce that is reflective of the communities we serve helps us to achieve the best outcomes for all. We encourage applications from everyone and actively seek to ensure that everyone feels included in the workplace so that we can make the most of our differences.
Why Wakefield
To find out more about the benefits of working at Wakefield Council, click here....[more details]
- Location:
Wakefield One, Burton St, Wakefield WF1 2EB
- Region: