Service Director – SEND and Inclusion

Overview

In this role you will lead SEND services and act as Senior Responsible Officer for the SEND Reform Plan, guiding high-quality support to schools and providers. You will oversee key SEND leadership roles, delivering strategic direction and workforce development while meeting statutory duties and corporate parenting responsibilities. You will collaborate across health, education and social care to improve outcomes for children with SEND and prepare for inspections. This position offers strategic impact in SEND strategy, commissioning, and multi-agency coordination.

Pay / Benefits

• Generous annual leave (31 days + 5 after 5 years)
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• GP helpline
• Employee Assistance Programme (24/7)
• Free eye tests and flu vaccination
• Free onsite gym

Responsibilities

• Provide high quality, safe and effective services to children, young people and families
• Deliver high quality support and challenge to schools and education settings and providers to maximise outcomes
• Assure the Council’s effectiveness in delivering SEND services and corporate parenting responsibilities
• Lead SEND services as Senior Responsible Officer and work with other services to support Wokingham schools
• Develop and implement strategy and commissioning for children, young people and adults, working with partners to secure good outcomes and value
• Oversee SEND reforms, multi-agency coordination with health, education and social care, and prepare for inspections

Key requirements

• Degree level or equivalent in a relevant profession
• Membership of a relevant professional body (or eligibility)
• Significant experience managing an operational service including people, budgets and performance
• Experience leading complex and major projects to successful outcomes
• Experience developing and delivering policies and strategies
• Experience managing areas within the service portfolio
• Knowledge of developments and challenges in local government and the wider public sector

• Strong communication skills
• Political acumen
• Sound judgement
• Strategic planning and commissioning
• Budget and performance management
• Multi-agency coordination (health, education, social care)

…