Experts at Hand Lead - SEND

Sheer Jobs Ltd; Swindon; On-site; GBP 25,461,000 - 30,443,000; Full time

Job summary

Sheer Jobs Ltd seeks a senior leader to direct the Experts at Hand model for SEND reform. The role focuses on mobilisation, partnership with PEP, SEND managers and ICB, and embedding a multi-disciplinary team including EP, SaLT, OT and specialist teachers.

You will drive readiness for rollout from Sept 2026 and ensure high-quality, accessible, sustainable support for schools. You will shape governance, performance and reporting, monitor impact, and allocate funding effectively to maximize value.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in SEND, education, health or local authority services.
• Experience leading service development and delivering change at pace.
• Strong partnership working, influencing and system leadership skills.
• Ability to translate strategic priorities into high-quality operational delivery.

Responsibilities

• To lead on the development and delivery of the Experts at Hand model, ensuring readiness for implementation from September 2026.
• To work in partnership with the PEP, SEND managers and Integrated Care Board (ICB) to support joint commissioning, co-production and integrated working.
• To establish and embed a multi-disciplinary delivery model (EP, SaLT, OT, specialist teachers) and clear systems for access and delivery.
• To ensure the model promotes inclusive practice by building capacity in mainstream settings, including workforce development, group approaches and time-limited targeted support.
• To be responsible for establishing governance, performance and reporting arrangements to support service improvement and accountability.
• To monitor and evaluate impact, ensuring data informs service development, performance reporting and continuous improvement.
• To contribute to the deployment of resources and effective use of funding, ensuring the service enhances existing provision and delivers best value.
• To represent and promote the Experts at Hand model within the Local Authority, schools and partner agencies at LA SEND forums and Education events.

Skills

SEND experience

Change leadership

Partnership skills

Operational delivery

Job description

Experts at Hand Lead (SEND Reform)

Fixed Term until March 31st 2027 (Maternity Leave Cover)

Reports to: Head of SEND

Job Purpose

To lead and co-ordinate the mobilisation and early delivery of the Experts at Hand model, working in partnership with the extended senior leadership team for Education (in particular the PEP and Head of SEND) and wider local area partnership to ensure a high-quality, accessible and sustainable model of support for schools and settings.

To be responsible for the strategic planning and implementation of the Experts at Hand model, supporting the graduated response and improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND.

Key Responsibilities

• To lead on the development and delivery of the Experts at Hand model, ensuring readiness for implementation from September 2026
• To work in partnership with the PEP, SEND managers and Integrated Care Board (ICB) to support joint commissioning, co-production and integrated working
• To establish and embed a multi-disciplinary delivery model (EP, SaLT, OT, specialist teachers) and clear systems for access and delivery
• To ensure the model promotes inclusive practice by building capacity in mainstream settings, including workforce development, group approaches and time-limited targeted support
• To be responsible for establishing governance, performance and reporting arrangements to support service improvement and accountability
• To monitor and evaluate impact, ensuring data informs service development, performance reporting and continuous improvement
• To contribute to the deployment of resources and effective use of funding, ensuring the service enhances existing provision and delivers best value
• To represent and promote the Experts at Hand model within the Local Authority, schools and partner agencies at LA SEND forums and Education events.

Key Deliverables (12 months)

• Operational Experts at Hand model and published local offer
• Multi-disciplinary workforce in place and delivering effectively
• Governance, partnership and reporting arrangements embedded
• Evidence of improved access, early intervention and impact in settings
• Strong foundations for sustainable service development

Person Profile

• Significant experience in SEND, education, health or local authority services.
• Experience of leading service development and delivering change at pace
• Strong partnership working, influencing and system leadership skills
• Ability to translate strategic priorities into high-quality operational delivery

Rate of Pay

Umbrella: 600 per day