SEND Reform Lead: Experts at Hand Lead (SEND Reform)

Ackerman Pierce; Swindon; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Ackerman Pierce is seeking a SEND Reform Lead to co-ordinate mobilisation and early delivery of the Experts at Hand model, reporting to the Head of SEND. The role covers strategic planning, implementation, and ensuring high-quality, accessible delivery for schools and settings.

The post requires significant SEND experience, strong partnership and system-leadership skills, and the ability to translate strategy into operational delivery.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in SEND, education, health or local authority services.
• Experience of leading service development and delivering change at pace.
• Strong partnership working, influencing and system leadership skills.
• Ability to translate strategic priorities into high-quality operational delivery.

Responsibilities

• Lead on development and delivery of the Experts at Hand model, readiness for implementation from Sept 2026.
• Support joint commissioning, co-production and integrated working with PEP, SEND managers and ICB.
• Establish a multi-disciplinary delivery model (EP, SaLT, OT, specialist teachers).
• Embed inclusive practice by building capacity in mainstream settings and workforce development.
• Establish governance, performance and reporting for service improvement.
• Monitor and evaluate impact with data informing service development and accountability.
• Deploy resources effectively to deliver value and align with local offer.
• Represent the model within LA SEND forums and Education events.

Skills

SEND expertise

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

SEND Reform Lead: Experts at Hand Lead (SEND Reform)

Fixed Term until March 31st 2027 (Maternity Leave Cover)

Reports to: Head of SEND

Job Purpose

To lead and co-ordinate the mobilisation and early delivery of the Experts at Hand model, working in partnership with the extended senior leadership team for Education (in particular the PEP and Head of SEND) and wider local area partnership to ensure a high-quality, accessible and sustainable model of support for schools and settings.

To be responsible for the strategic planning and implementation of the Experts at Hand model, supporting the graduated response and improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND.

Key Responsibilities

• To lead on the development and delivery of the Experts at Hand model, ensuring readiness for implementation from September 2026
• To work in partnership with the PEP, SEND managers and Integrated Care Board (ICB) to support joint commissioning, co-production and integrated working
• To establish and embed a multi-disciplinary delivery model (EP, SaLT, OT, specialist teachers) and clear systems for access and delivery
• To ensure the model promotes inclusive practice by building capacity in mainstream settings, including workforce development, group approaches and time-limited targeted support
• To be responsible for establishing governance, performance and reporting arrangements to support service improvement and accountability
• To monitor and evaluate impact, ensuring data informs service development, performance reporting and continuous improvement
• To contribute to the deployment of resources and effective use of funding, ensuring the service enhances existing provision and delivers best value
• To represent and promote the Experts at Hand model within the Local Authority, schools and partner agencies at LA SEND forums and Education events.
• Operational Experts at Hand model and published local offer
• Multi-disciplinary workforce in place and delivering effectively
• Governance, partnership and reporting arrangements embedded
• Evidence of improved access, early intervention and impact in settings

Person Profile

• Significant experience in SEND, education, health or local authority services.
• Experience of leading service development and delivering change at pace
• Strong partnership working, influencing and system leadership skills
• Ability to translate strategic priorities into high-quality operational delivery