Interim Service Manager (SEND)

Interim Service Manager – Statutory SEND Team

Rate: £450 per day inside IR35

Contract: About 5 Months (Until July 31st, 2025)

Location: Hybrid in Bristol 1-2 days in the office – Fully remote will be considered for an exceptional candidate.

Overview:

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Interim Service Manager to lead the Statutory SEND Team for a key public sector organisation. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in driving improvements and ensuring the effective delivery of statutory SEND services, working with families, schools, and external stakeholders to ensure a high-quality, person-centred approach.

You will oversee the management of teams involved in assessment, annual reviews, and tribunal processes, whilst focusing on improving decision-making, processing of EHHNA, and statutory duties. This is a fantastic opportunity for a senior leader with strong SEND expertise to make a real impact in a challenging yet rewarding environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the SEND team to deliver statutory services, focusing on the identification of needs and availability of education provision across the area.
• Drive improvements in practice and ensure compliance with SEND statutory duties.
• Work collaboratively with multi-disciplinary teams, including social care, health colleagues, education settings, and stakeholders such as Parent Carer Forums.
• Report on SEND data, scrutinise the numbers of children and young people awaiting specialist places, and contribute to operational and strategic discussions on sufficiency.
• Support the development and formalisation of new practices, improving KPI performance (corporate and DfE).
• Implement standard operating procedures to ensure accurate data management and financial compliance.
• Deliver reports for corporate and DfE data reporting.

Key Deliverables:

• Leadership of the SEND team in alignment with the SEND and Inclusion Strategy.
• Delivery of service improvements and development of practice.
• Management of operational data and performance, ensuring accuracy and effective use for strategic planning.
• Strengthening partnerships with all internal and external stakeholders.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Proven success in leading SEND system improvements at a senior level.
• In-depth knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice and local authority statutory responsibilities.
• Experience working with schools, settings, and multi-disciplinary teams.
• Senior leadership experience within a local authority or similar setting.
• Strong understanding of financial pressures facing education settings and local authorities.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to deliver innovative solutions at pace.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, capable of engaging with diverse audiences.

To apply: Please submit your CV and availability for an immediate start.

*Rates depend on experience and client requirements