Head of Commissioning- SEND (Part-time)

Slough Borough Council; Slough; Hybrid; GBP 84,000 - 94,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

26 days annual leave

Local Government Pension Scheme

Wellbeing initiatives

Tax-free childcare

Season ticket loan

Job summary

Slough Borough Council invites applications for Head of Commissioning - SEND. You will shape local provision for 0-25, lead SEND sufficiency planning and market development, and oversee commissioning services with a substantial High Needs Block budget.

The role requires strategic leadership, collaboration across education, health and social care, and delivery of improvements with value for money. Hybrid working with minimum 2 days in the office is expected.

Qualifications

• Strategic SEND leadership and system thinking.
• Experience in commissioning education services.
• Ability to lead in children’s services transformations.

Responsibilities

• Lead SEND sufficiency planning and market development.
• Manage High Needs Block budget and commissioning services at scale.
• Strengthen partnerships across education, health and social care to deliver value for money.
• Reduce reliance on out-of-area placements and improve local provision.

Skills

Strategic SEND leadership

Education commissioning

Children's services leadership

Job description

Directorate: Children's Services

Pay Level: SML12 - £84,461 - £93,712 fully inclusive of Local Weighting Allowance

Contract Type: Permanent

Working Hours: 2-3 days per week

Location: Observatory House/ Slough Hybrid (minimum 2 days per week in the office)

DBS requirement: Enhanced

The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday 11th October

Interviews will be held week commencing Monday 19th October

What you’ll be doing

Are you a strategic SEND, education commissioning or children’s services leader who wants to make a genuine difference? As Head of Commissioning - SEND, you will shape the future of local provision for children and young people aged 0-25, ensuring they can access high-quality support closer to home and achieve better outcomes.

This is a pivotal opportunity to lead SEND sufficiency planning, market development and commissioned services at scale. Managing a significant High Needs Block budget, you will strengthen partnerships across education, health and social care, develop sustainable local solutions, and reduce reliance on out-of-area placements while delivering value for money.

We are looking for a commercially astute, collaborative and influential leader who can turn strategy into lasting improvement. If you are motivated by inclusion, system transformation and the chance to improve lives for children, young people and families, this role offers the platform to make a lasting positive impact.

Our Council

Our vision is to make a difference to our communities and environment. Every employee contributes to services for local people, directly or by supporting colleagues. We celebrate diversity and want residents to enjoy fulfilling, prosperous and healthy lives.

What we offer

We offer a supportive place to grow your career, where your input is valued and heard. You will join a friendly, collaborative environment where ambition and innovation are encouraged.

We support flexible and hybrid working to help colleagues achieve a positive work-life balance. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, recruit on merit and value a workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Annual increments, where applicable, are usually payable on 1 April, subject to six months' service and satisfactory performance, until the maximum spinal column point is reached.

• 26 days' annual leave, rising to 30 days after 2 years and 33 days after 5 years' service.
• The Local Government Pension Scheme
• Wellbeing initiatives and employee networks that help us celebrate and promote equality.
• Tax-free childcare and childcare services
• Season ticket loan to help with rail or bus travel to and from work.

Accessibility and Support

Slough Borough Council is an inclusive employer. If you need support during the application process or reasonable adjustments for interview, please contact our Recruitment Team: [e-mail].

Information shared will be treated confidentially and used only to provide appropriate support throughout recruitment and beyond.

Our staff networks represent diverse colleague groups and help make the Council a place where people feel included and can thrive.

Right to Work and Checks

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. If you require sponsorship, please contact [e-mail] before applying.

We are committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults. Appointments are subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks.

How we recruit at Slough Borough Council

Our 8 Core Skills

At Slough Borough Council, we are moving Forward Together. Our core skills reflect what we value and will form part of your interview.