Head of Service SEND and Statutory Operations

Norfolk County Council; England; Hybrid; GBP 64,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Norfolk County Council is seeking a strategic leader as Head of Service – SEND Statutory Operations to join and oversee SEND provision and support in Norfolk. This position involves managing EHCP delivery, ensuring compliance with legal commitments, and leading inclusive practices across education and care sectors. Join us to make a lasting impact on the lives of children and young people.

Benefits

Generous holiday entitlement

Health and Wellbeing services

Flexible working opportunities

Local Government Pension Scheme

Employee discounts programme

Qualifications

• Experience in SEND, education, or children's services required.
• Understanding of Norfolk's education, health and care landscape.
• Knowledge of tribunal process and Ofsted/CQC frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Lead delivery of EHCP functions in locality.
• Chair key decision-making panels.
• Manage teams and drive service quality.

Skills

Strong leadership experience in SEND

Excellent communication skills

Knowledge of SEND Code of Practice

Track record of service transformation

Job description

2 posts | Head of Service – SEND Statutory Operations | 8400 | 1 x permanent contract, 1 x fixed term contract for 12 months (secondment opportunity) | 37 hours per week | £64,089 to £71,512 per annum | Grade N | Norfolk – hybrid working

Are you a strategic, compassionate and solutions-driven leader in SEND? Do you want to shape inclusive education that makes a real difference in children's lives?

We are looking for two outstanding individuals to join Norfolk County Council as Head of Service – SEND Statutory Operations:

• One permanent post
• One temporary post for 12 months

As a Head of Service, you will lead one of our three locality-based SEND Statutory Operations teams, delivering our legal responsibilities under the Children and Families Act 2014. You will manage experienced team managers, with a direct impact on the quality, timeliness, and equity of EHCP delivery for children and young people across Norfolk.

What you'll be doing:

• Lead delivery of EHCP functions in one of our three localities
• Chair key decision-making panels and oversee quality assurance for your locality
• Support our Local First Inclusion programme, working closely with families, schools, and partners
• Contribute to national and regional SEND developments
• Line manage and develop teams, embedding a strong culture of reflective, person-centred practice

What we’re looking for:

• Strong leadership experience in SEND, education, or children's services
• Excellent knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice, tribunal process, and Ofsted/CQC frameworks
• Outstanding communication skills – a confident and inclusive leader
• A track record of delivering service transformation and improved outcomes for vulnerable CYP
• Understanding of Norfolk’s education, health and care landscape

Apply now and help us build a SEND system that’s inclusive, transparent, and puts children first.

To find out more or for an informal conversation, contact: Sam McCallum, or 01603 224486

Before you apply, we recommend reading the full Job Description and Person Specification to help you demonstrate you meet the criteria.

These are some benefits you can enjoy by working for Norfolk County Council:

• Competitive salary
• Generous holiday entitlement
• Health and Wellbeing services including fast-track physiotherapy and a free counselling service
• Flexible working opportunities including flexi-time, part time, remote and hybrid working – dependent on your job role and business need.
• Financial benefits such as:
  • ‘Norfolk Rewards’ our employee discounts programme which helps you save money on almost anything, from everyday groceries and clothes, to holidays, new technology, gym membership, trips to the cinema and days out.
  • A Blue Light card for Fire Service and Social Care Workers
  • Relocation expenses (where applicable)
  • An advance of your expenses if you travel for work
  • Local Government Pension Scheme with generous employer contribution, life assurance, death in service payments and dependants’ pensions.
  • Tax efficient ways of getting extra pension and new bikes
  • Access to our tax efficient car lease scheme for greener travel enabling you to lease a brand new, ultra-low emission vehicle (subject to eligibility)
  • A payment if you refer someone you know to a hard to fill job

You can find information on our Terms and Conditions here.

Already a Norfolk County Council employee? See and apply for internal and external vacancies in myOracle using your @norfolk.gov.uk or @nccal.ac.uk email.

We would like to make you aware that priority consideration for this post may be given to current employees who are at risk due to restructure within the organisation or are in a redeployment position.

Redeployment closing date: 13 July 2025

All other applicants closing date: 17 July 2025