SEND Commissioner

Baltimore Consulting Ltd; Ilford; On-site; GBP 64,000 - 84,000; Full time

Job summary

Baltimore Consulting Limited is seeking an experienced SEND Commissioner for a 6-month interim contract with an immediate start. The role involves shaping strategic commissioning decisions across SEND and Alternative Provision programmes, working with senior Children’s Services leaders to provide strategic challenge and direction.

The role focuses on governance, sufficiency planning and service transformation to drive outcomes for children and young people, with on-site presence required for two

Qualifications

• Experience as a SEND Commissioner or related local authority role.
• Strong understanding of SEND commissioning, sufficiency planning and governance.
• Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive service improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead discussions on Specialist Local Provision and future commissioning priorities.
• Support finalisation of the SEND & Alternative Provision Joint Commissioning Strategy with stakeholder buy-in.
• Review placement and sufficiency pressures, identify risks, and propose strategic interventions.
• Provide oversight for Brokerage Audit readiness and accountability.
• Contribute to commissioning governance development and future decision-making plans.

Skills

SEND Commissioner

Strategic commissioning

Governance & risk

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

SEND Commissioner

6-Month Interim Contract | Immediate Start
£400 per day
Inside IR35 (via umbrella)
2 Days On-Site

CVs are being reviewed immediately, with interviews taking place at short notice.

Are you an experienced SEND Commissioner looking for an opportunity where your influence will shape strategic commissioning decisions across high-priority SEND and Alternative Provision programmes? This is an exciting opportunity for a SEND Commissioner to work at the centre of commissioning, sufficiency planning, governance and service transformation, helping to drive critical decisions and strengthen outcomes for children and young people.

As a SEND Commissioner, you will work closely with senior leaders across Children’s Services, providing strategic challenge, assurance and direction on key commissioning priorities. If you thrive in complex environments, can manage competing priorities, and have a strong understanding of SEND commissioning and sufficiency planning, this role offers the chance to make an immediate impact.

Your Role as SEND Commissioner:

• Lead discussions on Specialist Local Provision, driving agreement on future commissioning priorities and outcomes.
• Support the finalisation of the SEND & Alternative Provision Joint Commissioning Strategy, securing stakeholder assurance and buy-in.
• Review placement and sufficiency pressures, identifying emerging risks and recommending strategic interventions.
• Provide oversight and readiness support for the Brokerage Audit, ensuring clear ownership and accountability.
• Contribute to commissioning governance development, including governance frameworks and future decision-making plans.

Your Previous Experience as SEND Commissioner:

• Proven track record as a SEND Commissioner within a Local Authority environment.
• Strong experience of SEND commissioning, Alternative Provision and sufficiency planning.
• Demonstrable expertise in strategic commissioning, governance and partnership working.
• Ability to identify, assess and mitigate complex operational and strategic risks.
• Experience influencing senior stakeholders and driving service improvement programmes.

This is an excellent opportunity for a SEND Commissioner who can quickly build credibility, provide strategic challenge and support critical commissioning activity at a pivotal time. With key decisions approaching and significant programmes progressing, you will play a vital role in ensuring priorities remain on track and risks are effectively managed.

Baltimore Consulting is committed to fair and inclusive recruitment practices, and all applications are considered based on the requirements of the role and the information available at the time of review.