Strategic Lead: SEND Reforms at East Sussex County Council

Lewes, England, United Kingdom -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

09 Aug, 26

Salary

76131.0

Posted On

11 May, 26

Experience

10 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Strategic Leadership, System-wide Change Management, Partnership Building, Data Analysis, Performance Management, Governance Frameworks, Risk Management, SEND Policy Knowledge, Statutory Duties Compliance, Inclusive Practice

Industry

Government Administration

Description

Do you want to lead system-wide change so more children and young people with SEND can thrive in their local community? If so, this is a unique opportunity to shape and deliver East Sussex’s SEND ambitious reform programme. As Strategic Lead: SEND Reforms, you will provide clear, visible countywide leadership and hold accountability for the development and delivery of East Sussex’s Local SEND Reform Plan, including assurance and reporting to the Department for Education. You will work across the Education leadership team and in partnership with schools, colleges, health and social care partners to align priorities, strengthen inclusive practice and drive sustainable system change. You will establish strong governance and performance frameworks, ensuring delivery remains on track while keeping a relentless focus on improving outcomes for children and families. We are looking for candidates who: * Have a strong track record of effective leadership * Can lead complex, system-wide change programmes to fixed deadlines. * Build credible, trusted partnerships across education, health and social care. * Use data, insight and performance measures to drive improvement. * Can establish effective governance, risk and assurance arrangements. * Have a strong understanding of SEND practice, policy and statutory duties. Please download the Job Description and Person Specificatio [ https://fa-euru-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/cs/groups/public/documents/document/yta4/ota1/~edisp/ucmfa08905922.docx]n for more information. To apply for this role, please follow the ‘Apply Now’ button above and upload your CV and a Supporting Statement. We will be using your Supporting Statement to shortlist so please be sure to address how you meet all the criteria in the person specification, drawing on any relevant work/life experience, education, or personal interests. For guidance on how to write an application see our how to apply page [https://fa-euru-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/External/pages/10005] and our statement on the use of AI [https://fa-euru-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/External/pages/23001]. Interviews will take place in person on Tuesday 09 June 2026 at County Hall, St Annes Crescent, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 1UE. Candidates who meet certain criteria are given priority when we shortlist. See our priority status page [https://fa-euru-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/External/pages/10009] for details. This is a rare opportunity to shape a nationally significant reform programme. You will influence inclusion, early intervention and long-term outcomes for children and young people with SEND, working at a system level to turn strategic ambition into lasting, meaningful change. We offer a diverse range of benefits to help and support you during your employment. More information can be found on our benefits page [https://fa-euru-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/External/pages/11003]. For an informal discussion about this opportunity contact Sarah Speedie, Head of Education, SEND and Safeguarding via sarah.speedie@eastussex.gov.uk [sarah.speedie@eastussex.gov.uk] to request a MS teams call or phone call. 'I’ve had a varied and long career over the past 35 years and the public sector was an area I’d not worked in before. This has been a fantastic opportunity for me to bring my years of experience and apply to new, public facing roles.' David, Change Manager For work that makes a difference, choose East Sussex. Additional Information This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced check for Regulated Activity with the Disclosure & Barring Services (previously the Criminal Records Bureau). For further information about what is required in this process please go to https://www.gov.uk/dbs-check-applicant-criminal-record [https://www.gov.uk/dbs-check-applicant-criminal-record]. Please note that we require evidence of an overseas police check if you have lived or worked abroad. Your starting salary will be pro rata if the above position is part-time or term-time only. If you require sponsorship to work in the UK please let the hiring manager know this in your application so we can check eligibility for sponsorship for the role. For further information please go to https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas [https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas] If you require any reasonable adjustments, due to disability, to enable you to participate fully in the process please contact the hiring manager on the contact details above.

Responsibilities

Lead the development and delivery of East Sussex's Local SEND Reform Plan while providing countywide leadership. Coordinate with education, health, and social care partners to drive sustainable system change and improve outcomes for children and families.