High Needs Block Technical Lead

Panoramic Associates Limted; Trowbridge; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is seeking an experienced Interim High Needs / DSG Finance Lead to guide a council's education services in Trowbridge. This role requires strong leadership in financial management, compliance with funding regulations, and excellent communication skills. The ideal candidate has experience with DSG and SEND funding, thrives in a public-sector environment, and collaborates effectively. A hybrid working arrangement allows flexibility while requiring some on-site presence.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to thrive in complex public-sector environments.
• Comfortable with independent work while fostering teamwork.
• Strong experience with high-needs funding and budgeting processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead on High Needs Block and wider DSG financial management.
• Support SEND and education teams with accurate financial modelling.
• Oversee statutory returns and maintain compliance.
• Provide financial insights on DSG pressures.
• Strengthen financial monitoring and controls.

Skills

High Needs Block

DSG / Education Finance

SEND funding

DFG and other education-related grants

Excellent technical finance skills

Confidence in decision-making

Job description

Location: South West

Day Rate: £375

Working Arrangements: Hybrid (2-3 days on-site)

Start: Immediate

Are you an experienced and confident specialist in DSG, High Needs, and Education Finance? Panoramic Associates are delighted to be partnering with a South‑West council to find a dedicated interim professional who can bring stability, technical strength, and supportive leadership to a busy and evolving area of the finance service.

The Role

As the Interim High Needs / DSG Finance Lead, you’ll play a key role in guiding the council’s education and SEND services through a particularly important period. You will take ownership of high‑needs funding, statutory returns, budgeting, and strategic financial planning – helping to ensure the service is well‑supported and able to make informed decisions.

This position would suit someone who is comfortable working independently, naturally collaborative, and confident navigating the complexities of DSG within a fast‑paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead on High Needs Block and wider DSG financial management
• Support SEND and education teams with accurate financial modelling and forecasting
• Oversee statutory returns and maintain compliance with sector requirements
• Provide clear financial insight to senior leaders on DSG pressures and priorities
• Support preparation for January deadlines and upcoming funding milestones
• Work closely with service managers to strengthen financial monitoring and controls
• Contribute to improvement and recovery planning across the education finance function

Requirements

We’d love to hear from you if you have strong experience in:

• High Needs Block
• DSG / Education Finance
• SEND funding
• DFG and other education‑related grants

In addition, you’ll bring:

• A proven ability to thrive in a complex public‑sector environment
• Excellent technical finance skills and sound judgement
• Confidence supporting decision‑making and leading improvements
• Ideally, previous local government experience
• The ability to work independently while building positive relationships across the team

How to Apply

If this sounds like the right fit for you, and you’re available to begin quickly, please send your CV or get in touch for a chat. I’d be happy to talk through the role in more detail.