SEND Assistant Tribunal Officer

Wokingham Borough Council; Wokingham; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Wokingham Borough Council is seeking a SEND Assistant Tribunal Officer to support the SEND Tribunal Officer in meeting deadlines and coordinating with parents, legal representatives and schools to manage appeals. The role requires a proactive, collaborative approach to ensure timely delivery of case materials.

You will compile high-quality legal bundles, maintain records using Capita for reporting, and manage calendars to meet tribunal requirements, while supporting training and championing

Qualifications

• Educated to A level, HNC or equivalent, or able to evidence ability at an equivalent level.
• Basic understanding SEND legal framework including Children and Families Act 2014 and SEND Code of Practice 2015.
• Ability to quickly assimilate information and make informed decisions under short time constraints. A methodical approach to tasks, recording and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Support the SEND Tribunal Officer to adhere to Tribunal deadlines/timescales to ensure Tribunal Officers can participate fully in the appeal process and mitigate the risk of being barred from proceedings.
• Be the initial point of contact for the First-Tier Tribunal (SEND), parents/carers, legal representatives, educational settings and others in relation to live appeals.
• Ensure high quality bundles are compiled, in line with set deadlines, to support the SEND Tribunal Officer with their appeals.
• Maintain the Tribunal inbox and respond to and resolving (where possible) day to day enquiries received by parents/carers, legal representatives, educational settings and others.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Decision making under time pressure

Organisational skills

Education

A level / HNC or equivalent

Job description

Employer: Wokingham Borough Council
Salary: £37,563 - £41,178 per annum (plus benefits)
Location: Wokingham Borough Council, Shute End/Home Working
Contract: Contract
Working Pattern: Full Time
Hours: 37 hours per week.
DBS Check: Enhanced
Closing Date: 27/09/2026 at 23:00
Reference: 713527

We have an excellent opportunity for a SEND Assistant Tribunal Officer to join our team within the Children's Services: Education & SEND Service here at Wokingham Borough Council, on a Full-time, 10 month, Fixed-Term Contract.

As SEND Assistant Tribunal Officer, you will support the SEND Tribunal Officer to meet Tribunal deadlines and timescales, working collaboratively with parents/carers, legal representatives, educational settings and other stakeholders to ensure strong management of appeal processes and timely delivery of case materials. You'll serve as the initial point of contact for the First-Tier Tribunal (SEND), responding to day-to-day enquiries while providing clear visibility and transparency across the Tribunal caseload.

This role involves compiling high-quality legal bundles in line with set deadlines, maintaining accurate records using Capita for reporting and forecasting purposes, organising calendars to ensure adherence to Tribunal requirements, and escalating complex or urgent matters to the Tribunal Team as needed. The post-holder will work independently and pro-actively, supporting training preparation for key stakeholders and championing the principles of corporate parenting throughout all aspects of service delivery.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a collaborative, motivated professional to join our team.

Not only is this an excellent opportunity, but it's a fantastic time to join our team. You will receive an extensive range of employee benefits including:

Generous Annual Leave– 28 days annual leave (rising by 5 days after 5 years of continued local government service), plus bank holidays

GP Helpline - Available 7 days a week

Employee Assistance Programme- Including a 24/7Your CareHelpline

Free Onsite Gym- Located at Shute End Offices, Wokingham

Local & Lifestyle Discounts- Save on shopping, entertainment, dining out & more

Move through Menopause Course

Sports & Social Group Activities– Including running, football, cricket & more

And more!

Key Responsibilities

• Support the SEND Tribunal Officer to adhere to Tribunal deadlines/timescales to ensure Tribunal Officers can participate fully in the appeal process and mitigate the risk of being barred from proceedings.
• Be the initial point of contact for the First-Tier Tribunal (SEND), parents/carers, legal representatives, educational settings and others in relation to live appeals.
• Ensure high quality bundles are compiled, in line with set deadlines, to support the SEND Tribunal Officer with their appeals.
• Maintain the Tribunal inbox and respond to and resolving (where possible) day to day enquiries received by parents/carers, legal representatives, educational settings and others.

Candidate Requirements

• Educated to A level, HNC or equivalent, or able to evidence ability at an equivalent level.
• Basic understanding SEND legal framework including Children and Families Act 2014 and SEND Code of Practice 2015.
• Ability to quickly assimilate information and make informed decisions under short time constraints. A methodical approach to tasks, recording and reporting.

Our Area:

Wokingham Borough Council has recently been ranked 2nd most productive council in England by the Impower Productivity Index, recognising our strong performance and efficient use of public money.

Our Borough is set in the heart of Berkshire with excellent transport links to Reading and central London. Our area comprises of a vibrant and historical market town, attractive villages, and miles of beautiful countryside.

We're home to a range of high performing schools, a host of international businesses and an incredible community. The borough has a strong local economy with accelerated growth, a range of excellent public facilities and low levels of crime, offering an exceptional quality of life.

Alternatively, to arrange an informal discussion about the role, contact Julie Monahan, SEND Practice Manager, via [e-mail] (Strictly no agencies).

Interview date: TBC

AI in Applications:

We recognise that candidates may choose to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support the preparation of their job applications. When used appropriately, AI can be a helpful aid in structuring responses, checking clarity, and improving presentation.

However, applications must reflect your own skills, experience and understanding. If an application appears to rely excessively on AI-generated content, it may not meet the required standard and could be rejected.

We encourage all applicants to ensure their submissions are authentic, tailored to the role, and clearly demonstrate their own knowledge, experience and suitability.

Whilst this is a fixed term contract appointment, for anyone already employed by Wokingham Borough Council this would be classed as a secondment if successful. Therefore, the usual permission requests for secondments apply and you must speak to your line manager in the first instance before applying.

If your application is shortlisted for an interview, you will be required to provide proof of your right to work in the UK at that stage. Additionally, successful candidates must present proof upon receiving a job offer.

Please note that all offers are conditional and subject to the satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.

Please be aware that we will be reviewing the applications we receive on a daily basis, and we reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified.

Wokingham Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, other workers and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful candidates for this role will be subject to Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks along with other relevant employment checks.

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we regret that we are unable to respond to every applicant individually.

If you do not hear from us within 4 weeks of the application closing date, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion.

We appreciate your interest in joining Wokingham Borough Council and thank you for taking the time to apply.

Woking is an equal opportunities employer.