SEN Commissioning Officer

SEND Commissioning Officer

Location: Weston-Super-Mare (Hybrid – 2 days per week in the office)
Contract: 6 months initially
Hours: 37 hours per week
Rate: £240 per day (Umbrella)

About the Role North Somerset Council is seeking an experienced and motivated SEND Commissioning Officer to join our team on an initial 6-month contract.

You will be operationally responsible for determining the right number of places and commissioning contractual arrangements for SEND school placements provided to North Somerset Council by maintained and independent schools, as well as alternative provision providers.

Your role will be to secure the highest quality provision through robust contractual arrangements that deliver excellent value for public money. This includes commissioning services from private and third-sector providers, and managing placements for children whose needs cannot be met within mainstream or local settings.

Key Responsibilities

• Commission and manage SEND school places and alternative provision contracts.
  
  
• Ensure value for money and high-quality outcomes through effective contract management.
  
  
• Monitor provider performance using rigorous contract monitoring regimes.
  
  
• Foster strong commercial relationships with providers to maintain quality and consistency.
  
  
• Work collaboratively with internal teams and external partners to co-produce and jointly commission services that meet local needs.
  
  

About You You’ll have proven experience in commissioning, contract management, or placement planning — ideally within SEND, education, or children’s services. You’ll bring strong negotiation, analytical, and partnership-building skills, alongside a commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.

Why Join Us? This is an excellent opportunity to make a tangible impact on the lives of children and young people in North Somerset, while working within a supportive and collaborative local authority environment.