SEND Reform Implementation Lead

Civic Recruitment Limited; Chichester; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Job summary

Civic Recruitment Limited is seeking an Interim SEND & Inclusion Strategic Lead for the Education and Skills Directorate in West Sussex. This 6-month contract role involves implementing the West Sussex Plan and ensuring every child and young person starts well in life.

The post requires significant senior leadership experience in SEND and inclusion, with a proven track record in public sector change programs and cross-agency delivery.

Qualifications

• Significant senior leadership experience in education, SEND, inclusion, or children’s services.
• Proven track record delivering strategic change programs in complex public sector settings.
• Experience with SEND frameworks, statutory requirements and multi-agency service delivery.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership across SEND and Inclusion and drive delivery of the SEND Strategy.
• Analyse complex information to design long-term solutions aligned with legislation.
• Lead cross-sector collaboration with education providers, health partners, social care and other stakeholders.
• Influence senior leaders and act as a key decision-maker on high-impact matters for children.
• Ensure statutory compliance while managing financial sustainability and capacity.

Skills

Senior leadership

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Public sector experience

Education

Degree-level qualification

CPD in leadership or SEND

Job description

Chichester, United Kingdom | Posted on 22/06/2026

Job Description

6 months contract Role with a local authority

Summary

• The Interim SEND & Inclusion Strategic Lead is a crucial position within the Education and Skills Directorate, part of the Department of Children, Young People and Learning. This role is essential for implementing the West Sussex Plan, ensuring that every child and young person receives the best possible start in life. This is a 6-month contract role with a local authority.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership across SEND and Inclusion, driving the delivery of the SEND Strategy and related transformation programs.
• Analyze complex, ambiguous, and evolving information to design and implement long-term solutions aligned with statutory requirements and future legislation.
• Lead cross-sector collaboration with education providers, health partners, social care, and other stakeholders to ensure coordinated service delivery.
• Influence and advise senior leaders, acting as a key decision-maker on high-impact strategic matters affecting children and young people.
• Ensure statutory compliance while managing financial sustainability and service capacity through phased implementation plans.

Requirements:

• Significant senior leadership experience within education, SEND, inclusion, or children’s services.
• Proven track record of delivering strategic change programs in complex public sector environments.
• Experience working with SEND frameworks, statutory requirements, and multi-agency service delivery (education, health, and care).
• Demonstrable experience of managing large-scale transformation and implementing policy into practice.

Essential Qualifications

• Degree‑level qualification or equivalent professional experience in education, public administration, leadership, or a related field.
• Relevant professional qualification in education, SEND, leadership, or management (desirable).
• Evidence of continuous professional development (CPD) in leadership, inclusion, or SEND‑related areas.

Additional Information

• Working hours: 37 hours per week.
• Location: County Hall, Chichester, PO19 1RQ.
• Working arrangements: County-wide and dependent on service/delivery needs. Hybrid working supported.