Manager for SEND programme

Bedford Borough Council; Bedford; Hybrid; GBP 62,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Permanent contract

Hybrid working

Senior leadership exposure

Professional development opportunities

Local Government Pension Scheme

Generous annual leave entitlement

Job summary

Bedford Borough Council seeks an experienced Manager for SEND Programme to drive strategic change across education, health and care. You will shape the Local SEND Reform Plan, Joint SEND Strategy and broader improvement programmes in partnership with Bedford Borough Council and the ICB.

The role combines high‑level programme management with operational oversight of the Local Offer and SENDIASS, leading multidisciplinary teams, championing co‑production with children, young people and families,

Qualifications

• Significant experience leading large-scale programmes or transformation projects.
• Experience working strategically across education, health and care partnerships.
• Experience in leading and managing staff and services.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic change across education, health and care partnerships for SEND.
• Oversee the Local Offer and SENDIASS and coordinate with senior leaders.
• Champion co-production with children, young people and families.
• Collaborate with Bedford Borough Council and ICB to deliver the Reform Plan.

Skills

Large-scale programme leadership

Strategic partnership working

Staff management

Leadership and communication

Job description

Bedford Borough is delivering an ambitious programme of SEND transformation, bringing together education, health and care partners to improve outcomes for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

We are looking for an experienced and inspiring Manager for SEND Programme to lead this work. This is an exciting opportunity to shape strategic change across the local area, working jointly with Bedford Borough Council and the Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board (ICB) to deliver our Local SEND Reform Plan, Joint SEND Strategy and wider improvement programme.

This is a varied leadership role, combining strategic programme management with operational oversight. You will lead multidisciplinary teams, oversee the Local Offer and SENDIASS, champion co-production with children, young people and families, and work closely with senior leaders across education, health, social care and the voluntary sector to deliver meaningful and lasting improvements.

If you are an experienced programme leader with a passion for partnership working, service improvement and improving outcomes for children and young people, we would love to hear from you.

We Offer

• Permanent contract
• Opportunity to lead one of Bedford Borough's most
• Significant transformation programmes
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements where appropriate
• Opportunities to work with senior leaders across education, health and care
• A supportive and collaborative working environment
• Continuing Professional Development opportunities
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Generous annual leave entitlement

To Join Us, You Will

• Have significant experience leading large-scale programmes or transformation projects
• Have experience of working strategically across education, health and care partnerships
• Have experience of leading and managing staff and services
• Be committed to improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND
• Have excellent leadership, communication and relationship-building skills.

Closing Date: 11th September 2026

Interview Date: 18th September 2026

Visa Sponsorship

Bedford Borough Council is unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.