Dispute Resolution Officer

West Yorkshire Pension Fund; Bradford; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

West Yorkshire Pension Fund is seeking an experienced SEND Dispute Resolution Officer to improve outcomes for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. The role focuses on early resolution of disputes across education, health, care plans and placements.

You will lead discussions with families, schools and professionals, provide SEND legislation guidance, and support Tribunal processes to resolve issues quickly and effectively.

Qualifications

• Experience leading SEND dispute resolution processes.
• Ability to liaise with families, schools, and professionals.
• Knowledge of SEND legislation and practice.

Responsibilities

• Lead on SEND dispute resolution cases, managing concerns, disagreements and complaints.
• Facilitate solution-focused discussions between families, schools and professionals.
• Support SEND Tribunal processes, including preparing responses, evidence bundles and statements.
• Provide specialist advice on SEND legislation and best practice.
• Review complex cases and support child-centred decision making.
• Build relationships with families, schools, health professionals and stakeholders.
• Analyse trends in disputes, complaints and appeals to support service improvement.
• Contribute to training and development of strategies that reduce complaint escalation and Tribunal activity.

Skills

SEND disputes

Stakeholder engagement

Tribunal support

Legal/regulatory advice

Dispute resolution

Job description

The following content displays a map of the jobs location - Britannia House, Hall Ings, Bradford

Are you passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)? Do you have the skills to manage complex situations, build positive relationships and find practical solutions where disagreements arise?

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated SEND Dispute Resolution Officer to join our SEND Integrated Assessment & Psychology Service.

This is a key role within our SEND service, leading on the early resolution of disputes and concerns relating to Education, Health and Care (EHC) assessments, plans, provision and placements. You will work closely with families, schools, professionals and legal representatives to resolve issues quickly and effectively, reducing the need for formal complaints and Tribunal appeals wherever possible.

As our SEND Dispute Resolution Officer, you will:

• Lead on SEND dispute resolution cases, managing concerns, disagreements and complaints.
• Facilitate positive and solution-focused discussions between families, educational settings and professionals.
• Support SEND Tribunal processes, including preparing responses, evidence bundles and statements.
• Provide specialist advice on SEND legislation, dispute resolution and best practice.
• Review complex cases and make recommendations to support lawful, proportionate and child-centred decision making.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with families, schools, health professionals and other stakeholders.
• Analyse trends in disputes, complaints and appeals to support service improvement.
• Contribute to training and the development of strategies that reduce complaint escalation and Tribunal activity.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race (including colour, nationality, and ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and able to thrive. If you require any adjustments to the recruitment process to support your application, please let us know, and we will work with you to meet your needs.

The RESPECT Allyship Programme is available to all staff, which offers the opportunity to learn more about the diverse communities & groups and provides added benefits and resources to its members.