Head of SEND Reform

Head of SEND Reform

All potential candidates should read through the following details of this job with care before making an application.

We want Somerset’s children and young people to be able to move through the world without having to force their way through it. And that means that our SEND system needs to do better.

Of course, that’s easier said than done after all, it’s common knowledge that the SEND system is facing nationwide structural challenge. But doing nothing isn’t an option, and we’re committed to finding a way to provide the right support, in the right way, right when it’s needed.

 In response to the Education White Paper, we’re developing an exciting and ambitious SEND Reform Plan for Somerset. This will include the delivery of the new Experts at Hand model, placement sufficiency and future partnership, which this role will lead on.  So, this brand-new role presents an amazing opportunity to bring your service improvement and programme management skills to bear on an absolutely life-changing area of our work.

We’ll look to you to work with the full range of stakeholders – from senior colleagues to system partners – in a way which generates both insight about how we can get better, and a practical shared roadmap to deliver that improvement. It’s a wide-ranging and influential role, and you’ll bring real energy and inspiration to the task of transforming the service and the experience of the young people we support.

A track record of delivering lasting change in a frontline service (ideally within Children’s Services), and wide knowledge of inclusion and the SEND system, are both essential. You must have strong organisational and financial skills and be able to bring together policymakers and experts by experience in a way that rewards everyone. Committed to a consultative, co-producing and appreciative approach, you’ll have the personal  optimism and resilience to work though the kinds of complex issues that might defeat others.

Please visit to find out more. xwzovoh Alternatively, if you’d like to arrange an informal conversation with our recruitment partners, Dawn Faulkner or Rob Naylor at Faerfield, please call .