SEND Reform Implementation Lead

Posted 21 June 2026
Salary 800
LocationChichester PO19 United Kingdom
Job type Contract
Sector Interim & Executive Management
Reference5299087

Job description

6 months contract Role with a local authority

Summary

  • The Interim SEND & Inclusion Strategic Lead is a crucial position within the Education and Skills Directorate, part of the Department of Children, Young People and Learning. This role is essential for implementing the West Sussex Plan, ensuring that every child and young person receives the best possible start in life. This is a 6-month contract role with a local authority.

Responsibilities

  • Provide strategic leadership across SEND and Inclusion, driving the delivery of the SEND Strategy and related transformation programs.
  • Analyze complex, ambiguous, and evolving information to design and implement long-term solutions aligned with statutory requirements and future legislation.
  • Lead cross-sector collaboration with education providers, health partners, social care, and other stakeholders to ensure coordinated service delivery.
  • Influence and advise senior leaders, acting as a key decision-maker on high-impact strategic matters affecting children and young people.
  • Ensure statutory compliance while managing financial sustainability and service capacity through phased implementation plans.

Requirements:


Essential Experience

  • Significant senior leadership experience within education, SEND, inclusion, or children’s services.
  • Proven track record of delivering strategic change programs in complex public sector environments.
  • Experience working with SEND frameworks, statutory requirements, and multi-agency service delivery (education, health, and care).
  • Demonstrable experience of managing large-scale transformation and implementing policy into practice.

Essential Qualifications

  • Degree-level qualification or equivalent professional experience in education, public administration, leadership, or a related field.
  • Relevant professional qualification in education, SEND, leadership, or management (desirable).
  • Evidence of continuous professional development (CPD) in leadership, inclusion, or SEND-related areas.

Additional Information

  • Working hours: 37 hours per week.
  • Pay rate: £750 - £850 per day UMB.
  • Location: County Hall, Chichester, PO19 1RQ.
  • Working arrangements: County-wide and dependent on service/delivery needs. Hybrid working supported.
  • Payment Schedule: Bi-weekly.
The role closes soon, apply ASAP.