Resolution and Tribunals Manager

Suffolk County Council; Ipswich; Hybrid; GBP 49,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Ipswich seeks an experienced SEND Resolution and Tribunals Manager to lead efforts in improving services for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. The role requires managing disputes, working closely with families, and ensuring compliance with SEND legislation. Candidates should possess a strong passion for advocacy and multi-agency collaboration.

Benefits

Up to 29 days annual leave

Membership in Local Government Pension Scheme

Health and wellbeing benefits

Career development opportunities

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• Passion for improving the lives of children, young people and families in Suffolk.
• Comprehensive knowledge of SEND legislation, policies and safeguarding practices
• SEND experience and experience of multi-agency working within social care, health and education.
• Ability to inspire, empower and develop a high-performing team.

Responsibilities

• Manage change and lead effective ways of working.
• Support early resolution of disputes involving children and young people with SEND.
• Represent the local authority during mediation and tribunals.

Skills

Passion for improving lives

Knowledge of SEND legislation

Experience in multi-agency working

Ability to inspire a team

Education

Degree in relevant field

Job description

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Job Description

• Suffolk County Council
• Address: Endeavour House, Ipswich IP1 2BX - Hybrid
• Salary: £48,163 per annum (pro rata for part time)
• Hours: 37 - Flexible working options available
• Contract: Fixed Term/Secondment for 12 months

As a modern, flexible and effective organisation, we are driven to make a positive difference to Suffolk. That's why, when you join us as a SEND Resolution and Tribunals Manager, you will be encouraged to share your fresh thinking and empowered to explore new ideas that will shape and improve our services.

Reimagine the possibilities.

Suffolk County Council has pledged its commitment to improve services for Children and Young People with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and features in the Suffolk corporate strategy as a key priority for Suffolk major programmes. Our plans and priorities - Suffolk County Council.

Your role and responsibilities

As a manager in Children and Young People's Services you will be at the forefront of managing change, leading high quality and effective ways of working and managing staff, resources or projects to achieve the best possible outcomes for children, young people and their families in Suffolk. To act as a catalyst for change working directly alongside children, young people and their families. To support the early resolution of disputes involving children and young people with SEND and their families. Working in partnership with Suffolk County Council Legal and Family Services to represent the local authority during mediation and tribunals and ensuring that the LA meets all statutory requirements regarding the SEND code of practise and Children and Families Act 2014.

You will:

• act as a catalyst for change working directly alongside children, young people and their families
• support the early resolution of disputes involving children and young people with SEND and their families
• work in partnership with Suffolk County Council Legal and Family Services to represent the local authority during mediation and tribunals and ensuring that the LA meets all statutory requirements regarding the SEND code of practise and Children and Families Act 2014
• promote the principles of mediation and other forms of alternative dispute resolution in resolving complaints and concerns as close to the point of contact as possible.
• represent the Local Authority at mediation meetings with families to resolve as far as possible disputes and disagreements specifically regarding SEND
• overseeing the procedures and processes related to reviews for children within Suffolk
• ensure the team maintain high quality communication and engagement with families
• oversight and support for complex matters.

You will need:

• a passion for improving the lives of children, young people and families in Suffolk
• comprehensive knowledge of SEND legislation, policies and safeguarding practices
• SEND experience
• experience of multi-agency working within social care, health and education
• the ability to inspire, empower and develop a high-performing team.

You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (docx). If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.

The Team

The Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) team works closely with families, schools, and other professionals to assess children's needs and develop Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).

The Resolution and Tribunal Team make an important contribution to the work of Inclusion Services, to bring about the priorities within the Suffolk SEND Strategy, to do this they work closely with multiagency partners and stakeholders including education settings, SENDIASS and parent/carer forums. The team will focus on seeking early resolutions to disputes within the SEND system, to improve the experience of those accessing Inclusion services. The team oversee the coordination and representation of the Local Authority at SEND Tribunals and Mediation, working with SCC Legal as appropriate.

We work alongside; Special Education Services, SEND Funding and Provider Services and Educational Psychology and Therapeutic Services, Social Care and Health and we are all dedicated to helping children and young people achieve their individual outcomes.

Empowering Everyone

We are big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We are always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.

For more information

Please contact Gabby Thompson or Lucy Jacobs.

You can reach them via email:[e-mail] or by calling 01473 264821 or Lucy via email: [e-mail] or by calling 01473263643

How to apply

Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (JPP) (docx).

Step 2 - Click 'Apply Now' to start your online application.

Step 3 - Upload asupporting statementanswering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template.

1. How have you supported the development of a high-performing team? Can you give an example of how you motivated or mentored staff to improve performance?
2. Describe a situation where you represented an organisation in a SEND Tribunal or mediation. What was your approach, and what was the result?
3. How do you promote early resolution and alternative dispute resolution methods in your work?
4. How do you demonstrate a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion in your leadership?

We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We ask you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process.

Please note: Without a supporting statement, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format. If you would like an adjustment to this process due to a disability, please contact us at 03456 014412 or: [e-mail]

Closing date: 11.30 pm, 19 August 2025

Interview date: 26 August 2025

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. #LI-Hybrid

About Us

As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We're driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.

In return, you'll enjoy:

• up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
• membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
• performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
• training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
• a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
• diverse and active staff networks
• flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day

Plus lots more!

If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk).