Head of Commissioning

Venn Group; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Venn Group is seeking an experienced Head of Commissioning to provide strategic leadership across SEND commissioning, sufficiency planning and market development for children and young people aged 0-25 in London. You will drive the development and delivery of SEND strategies and ensure the right provision is available locally.

The role oversees the full commissioning cycle, from needs analysis and market engagement through to procurement, contract management and evaluation, working with schools,

Qualifications

• Experience in SEND sufficiency planning and market development.
• Experience managing High Needs Block budgets.
• Experience commissioning services and managing contracts.
• Experience leading complex change and service transformation.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and delivery of SEND commissioning and sufficiency strategies.
• Forecast future demand using demographic, EHCP and placement data.
• Oversee full commissioning cycle from needs analysis to procurement and evaluation.
• Collaborate with schools, health, social care and families to develop integrated services.

Skills

SEND sufficiency planning

Market development

Contract management

Strategic leadership

Budget management

Cross-organisational collaboration

Job description

Head of Commissioning - SEND

We are seeking an experienced Head of Commissioning to provide strategic leadership across SEND commissioning, sufficiency planning and market development for children and young people aged 0-25.

The Role

You will lead the development and delivery of the Council's SEND commissioning and sufficiency strategies, using demographic, EHCP and placement data to forecast future demand and ensure the right provision is available locally.

A key focus will be on developing the local SEND market and reducing reliance on independent and out-of-area placements.

You will oversee the full commissioning cycle, from needs analysis and market engagement through to procurement, contract management and evaluation. You will also work closely with schools, education providers, Health, Social Care, Integrated Care Boards and families to develop effective and integrated services.

You will also lead the commissioning elements of the SEND Post Inspection Action Plan, supporting wider improvement and transformation across SEND services.

About You

You will have proven experience in:

• SEND sufficiency planning and market development
• Managing High Needs Block budgets
• Commissioning services and managing contracts
• Developing local specialist SEND provision
• Strategic partnership working across education, health and social care
• Leading complex change and service transformation

You will have strong knowledge of the Children and Families Act 2014, SEND Code of Practice, High Needs funding, school place planning and public-sector commissioning and procurement.

Experience of the Ofsted/CQC Area SEND inspection framework and leading improvement activity would also be highly valuable.

Key details:

• Day Rate: £600 p/d umbrella
• Location: London / Hybrid
• Start: ASAP