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Commissioning Specialist - SEND
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Commissioning Specialist - SEND
Commissioning Specialist - SEND
Location: Telford & Wrekin Council Hours: 37 per week Grade: PO12 Salary: £49,282 – £52,413 per annum
About the Role
At Telford & Wrekin Council, we are committed to improving outcomes for children and young people and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive.
We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated SEND Commissioner to lead the strategic commissioning and development of services for children and young people aged 0–25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
This is a critical role, responsible for ensuring high-quality, inclusive and cost-effective provision that meets both local need and statutory requirements.
In this role, you will lead the Local Authority’s commissioning of SEND services across education, health, and care, with a particular focus on health-related provision and integrated, system-wide delivery.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and coordinate commissioning across targeted, targeted plus and specialist provision
- Commission a wide range of services, including:
- Therapies (e.g. speech and language therapy (SALT), occupational therapy (OT), physiotherapy)
- Mental health support
- Specialist provision
- Develop and implement commissioning strategies aligned to local priorities, including the SEND JSNA and Local Inclusion Plan
- Shape and manage the provider market, ensuring sufficiency, quality, and value for money
- Monitor service performance, outcomes, and impact, using data to identify gaps and drive improvement
- Lead partnership working with key stakeholders, including ICBs, NHS providers, schools, and voluntary sector partners
- Provide expert advice to senior leaders, boards, and partners, influencing policy and system development -Champion co-production with children, young people, and families
- Ensure compliance with statutory requirements, including the SEND Code of Practice and Children and Families Act 2014
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You will play a central role in ensuring services are responsive, sustainable, and deliver improved outcomes for children, young people, and their families.
Key Requirements
We are looking for someone who can operate confidently at a strategic level and bring strong commissioning expertise within a complex system.
You will:
- Have significant experience of commissioning, ideally within SEND or children’s services
- Demonstrate a strong understanding of SEND legislation, EHCP processes, and partnership working
- Be experienced in managing budgets, contracts, and provider performance
- Have excellent communication, negotiation, and analytical skills
- Be able to analyse complex information and translate it into effective strategies and solutions
- Have strong leadership, organisational, and problem-solving skills
- Be committed to inclusion, co-production, and improving outcomes for children and young people
A degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field is essential. Postgraduate or commissioning-related qualifications are desirable.
Selection Process
As part of the recruitment process, candidates will be required to deliver a 5-minute presentation on the opportunities and challenges associated with SEND joint commissioning.
Why Telford & Wrekin?
We’re incredibly proud to be rated Outstanding by Ofsted—and remain the only authority in the West Midlands to achieve this twice.
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Our April 2024 Ofsted inspection highlighted:
- Exceptional social work practice
- Participation is a real strength
- Care leavers benefit from a generous local offer
- Staff feel valued and supported by visible senior leaders
Join us and be part of a service where high-quality practice, strong leadership, and positive outcomes for children and young people are at the heart of everything we do.
What We Offer
We provide a competitive salary, fantastic leave package (starting at 24 days, rising to 32 days with service, plus 8 bank holidays and an extra concessionary day), and additional benefits:
- Flexible working and career progression
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Staff discounts and salary sacrifice perks
- Free parking and confidential wellbeing support
- Hybrid working model, supporting a balance that fits your personal and family commitments
Additional Information
For further details on the role and to view the job description and person specification, follow the provided links.
Contact Head Of Service Paul Grocutt or call +01952 380757 for more information.
Interviews for successful candidates are scheduled for the week commencing Monday, 13 July 2024.
For further information on working at Telford & Wrekin Council, including our full list of benefits, see manufacturer links.
Roles involving children or vulnerable adults require a criminal records check. It’s an offence to apply if you're barred from working with these groups.
We do not hold a sponsorship licence for visas.
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