Send Reform Implementation Lead

SEND Reform Implementation Lead

£750 – £850 per day (umbrella)
South East England
Hybrid working (county-wide, dependent on service need)
Interim contract

About the Role
We are seeking an experienced SEND Reform Implementation Lead to support a forward-thinking Local Authority within its Education & Skills Directorate.
Sitting within the SEND and Inclusion service, this pivotal role will drive the implementation of SEND reform across a complex, multi-agency system. The postholder will play a key part in delivering strategic change aligned to the SEND Strategy, ensuring improved outcomes for children and young people with additional needs.
The role is central to achieving system-wide transformation across education, health and care, with a strong focus on inclusive practice, early intervention, and collaborative working with families and partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation of SEND reform across education, health and care systems
• Translate national policy and legislation into effective local delivery models
• Develop and embed inclusive practice, early help, and coordinated support approaches
• Work collaboratively with schools, settings, health partners and families
• Influence and advise senior leaders and key stakeholders across the system
• Oversee delivery of transformation programmes and improvement initiatives
• Support strategic decision-making balancing statutory duties, finance and capacity
• Monitor progress and impact of reform programmes, ensuring measurable outcomes
• Drive forward partnership working and system integration across services

About You
You will be a confident and credible senior practitioner or leader with significant experience in SEND, education, or local authority transformation.
You will bring:

• Proven experience leading SEND or education system change programmes
• Strong understanding of SEND legislation, policy, and reform agenda
• Experience working within or alongside local authority children’s services
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, negotiation, and influencing skills
• Ability to manage complex, ambiguous and evolving information
• Strong strategic leadership with a focus on outcomes and impact
• Commitment to inclusion, co-production and improving life chances for children and young people
• Resilience and adaptability in a fast-paced, politically sensitive environment

Why This Role?
This is a unique opportunity to lead at the heart of SEND reform, shaping services that directly improve outcomes for children and young people. You will be joining a committed system focused on inclusion, collaboration and long-term transformation.

To apply or find out more, please get in touch with your CV and availability.