Commissioning Specialist - SEND

WMJobs; Telford; On-site; GBP 49,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salaries

Hybrid working model

Local Government Pension Scheme

Staff discounts

Free parking

Job summary

Telford & Wrekin Council is seeking an experienced SEND Commissioner to lead strategic commissioning for children and young people aged 0–25. You will oversee commissioning across education, health and care, focusing on health provision and integrated service delivery.

A degree in a relevant field is essential, with postgrad qualifications desirable. The role involves building a market that delivers high-quality, cost-effective provision, monitoring outcomes, and working with partners to improve

Qualifications

• Significant commissioning experience, ideally within SEND.
• Strong understanding of SEND legislation and EHCP processes.
• Experience managing budgets, contracts and provider performance.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and analytical skills.
• Ability to translate complex information into strategies and solutions.
• Strong leadership and organizational skills.
• Commitment to inclusion and co-production.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate commissioning across targeted, targeted plus and specialist provision.
• Commission therapies, mental health support and specialist provision.
• Develop strategies aligned to local priorities including SEND JSNA.
• Shape and manage the provider market for quality and value.
• Monitor service performance and outcomes using data.
• Lead partnerships with ICBs, NHS providers, schools and voluntary sector.
• Provide expert advice to senior leaders and boards.
• Champion co-production with children, young people and families.
• Ensure compliance with SEND Code of Practice and statutory requirements.

Skills

Commissioning expertise

SEND knowledge

Budget management

Negotiation skills

Analytical skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Inclusion

Co-production

Education

Relevant degree

Postgraduate qualifications desirable

Job description

Telford & Wrekin Council,

Commissioning Specialist - SEND

37 hours

Grade PO12 - £49,282 - £52,413

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 looking for 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 key 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.

You will

• Lead and coordinate commissioning across targeted, targeted plus and specialist provision
• Commission a wide range of services including therapies (e.g. SALT, OT, physiotherapy), mental health support and 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

You will play a central role in ensuring that 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.

• Have significant experience of commissioning, ideally within SEND or children’s services
• Have a strong understanding of SEND legislation, EHCP processes and partnership working
• Be experienced in managing budgets, contracts and provider performance
• Demonstrate excellent communication, negotiation and analytical skills
• Be able to analyse complex information and translate this 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, with postgraduate or commissioning-related qualifications 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 have achieved this twice.

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.

We believe great services start with great people — and that means building a workforce that reflects our community. At Telford & Wrekin Council, everyone belongs, and every voice matters.

What we offer

• We offer competitive salaries and a fantastic leave package — starting at 24 days, rising to 32 days with service, plus 8 bank holidays and an extra concessionary day to enjoy.
• Flexible working & career progression
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Staff discounts & salary sacrifice perks
• Free parking & confidential wellbeing support
• Hybrid working model - whether you're in the office or working from home, we support a balance that fits your personal and family commitments.

If you would like to find out more about this role contact Team Leader, Samantha Ives on 01952 381282 or email [e-mail], or Head Of Service, Laura Goodfellow on 01952 385583 or email [e-mail]

Roles involving children or vulnerable adults will require a criminal records check. It’s an offence to apply if you’re barred from working with these groups.

Please note: We do not hold a sponsorship licence for visas.