SEN Tribunal Officer

Venn Group; West Midlands; Remote; GBP 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Venn Group is seeking an experienced SEN Tribunal Officer to support the Local Authority in managing SEND Tribunal appeals. You will handle a caseload of 30-40 appeals and represent the Local Authority at hearings and case management discussions.

The role requires in-depth knowledge of SEND legislation, experience preparing submissions and witness statements, and the ability to work remotely with high-volume deadlines.

Qualifications

• Significant experience managing SEND Tribunal appeals within a Local Authority.
• Strong knowledge of SEND legislation and Tribunal procedures.
• Experience representing Local Authorities at SEND Tribunal hearings.
• Experience preparing evidence bundles and witness statements.
• Ability to manage a high-volume caseload to strict deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong stakeholder engagement with parents, schools, legal representatives and officers.
• Analytical skills with ability to make clear recommendations.
• Highly organised with meticulous attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of approximately 30-40 SEND Tribunal appeals.
• Represent the Local Authority at SEND Tribunal hearings and case management discussions.
• Prepare detailed responses to appeals with Grounds of Resistance and supporting evidence.
• Coordinate collection and review of professional advice, assessments and witness statements.
• Liaise with parents, carers, schools, legal representatives and external partners throughout the Tribunal process.
• Collaborate with SEN Case Officers, Educational Psychologists and other professionals to prepare robust cases.
• Review EHCPs and related documents to support Tribunal proceedings.
• Negotiate to resolve where possible to avoid unnecessary hearings.
• Monitor Tribunal deadlines and ensure statutory timescales are met.
• Provide guidance to colleagues on SEND legislation and tribunal processes.
• Maintain accurate records and produce progress reports.
• Support continuous improvement of SEND services through Tribunal insights.

Skills

SEND Tribunal experience

Legislation knowledge

Hearing representation

Legal submissions

Stakeholder management

Analytical thinking

Job description

We are seeking an experienced SEN Tribunal Officer to support the Local Authority in managing SEND Tribunal cases.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of approximately 30-40 SEND Tribunal appeals.
• Represent the Local Authority at SEND Tribunal hearings and case management discussions.
• Prepare detailed responses to appeals, including Grounds of Resistance and supporting evidence.
• Coordinate the collection and review of professional advice, assessments and witness statements.
• Liaise with parents, carers, schools, legal representatives and external partners throughout the Tribunal process.
• Work collaboratively with SEN Case Officers, Educational Psychologists and other professionals to ensure robust case preparation.
• Review Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and associated documentation to support Tribunal proceedings.
• Negotiate and seek resolution where appropriate to avoid unnecessary hearings.
• Monitor Tribunal deadlines and ensure compliance with statutory timescales.
• Provide advice and guidance to colleagues regarding SEND legislation, Tribunal processes and case management.
• Maintain accurate records and produce reports on case progress and outcomes.
• Support the continuous improvement of SEND services through lessons learned from Tribunal activity.

Candidate Requirements

• Significant experience managing SEND Tribunal appeals within a Local Authority environment.
• Strong knowledge of SEND legislation, the Children and Families Act 2014, SEND Code of Practice and Tribunal procedures.
• Proven experience representing Local Authorities at SEND Tribunal hearings.
• Experience preparing legal submissions, evidence bundles and witness statements.
• Ability to manage a high-volume caseload and work effectively to strict deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to engage confidently with parents, schools, legal representatives and senior officers.
• Ability to analyse complex information and provide clear recommendations.
• Highly organised with strong attention to detail.
• Experience working remotely and managing cases independently.