SEND Reform Programme Manager

Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council; Halifax; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working arrangement

Standard DBS check required

Flexible working opportunities

Job summary

Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council is seeking a SEND Reform Programme Manager to lead the design, delivery and evaluation of Calderdale's SEND Reform Programme, translating national reforms into local action across education, health and social care.

You will build partnerships with schools, health services, social care and the voluntary sector, manage funding and lead governance, reporting and change management to deliver measurable outcomes for children, young people and families.

Qualifications

• Significant experience leading complex transformation programmes across multiple organisations.
• Strong understanding of the SEND landscape and the roles of education, health and social care services.
• Knowledge of national SEND reforms and inclusion-focused practice.
• Experience of partnership working, co-production and engaging people with lived experience.
• Excellent leadership, communication and influencing skills.
• Experience managing budgets, risks, governance arrangements and programme performance.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, implementation and evaluation of Calderdale's SEND Reform Programme.
• Drive the delivery of national reforms including Inclusion Standards, Individual Support Plans, graduated support pathways and the Experts At Hand model.
• Build strong partnerships across schools, health services, social care, parent carers, children and young people, and voluntary sector organisations.
• Lead programme governance, stakeholder engagement, performance reporting and change management.
• Manage programme funding and resources, ensuring delivery of agreed outcomes and benefits.
• Provide expert advice and influence at senior leadership level across the local authority, NHS and wider partnership.

Skills

Programme management

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Budget management

Change management

Communication

Job description

Post Ref: CC974

Please note: Internal, at risk or redeployee applicants will be seen in the first instance.

Please note: Internal applicants applying for a secondment opportunity must have approval from their line manager before submitting an application.

Lead the future of SEND in Calderdale

Calderdale is committed to ensuring that every child and young person with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) can thrive, belong and achieve their potential. We are looking for an exceptional strategic leader to drive our ambitious programme of SEND reform and help shape a more inclusive future for children and young people aged 0-25.

As our SEND Reform Programme Manager, you will lead Calderdale's response to the national SEND reform agenda, translating policy into practical local action and delivering sustainable improvements across education, health, social care and the voluntary sector. You will play a pivotal role in strengthening inclusion, improving early support and ensuring better outcomes for children, young people and families.

About the role

Lead the design, implementation and evaluation of Calderdale's SEND Reform Programme.

Drive the delivery of national reforms including Inclusion Standards, Individual Support Plans, graduated support pathways and the Experts At Hand model.

Build strong partnerships across schools, health services, social care, parent carers, children and young people, and voluntary sector organisations.

Lead programme governance, stakeholder engagement, performance reporting and change management.

Manage programme funding and resources, ensuring delivery of agreed outcomes and benefits.

Provide expert advice and influence at senior leadership level across the local authority, NHS and wider partnership.

About you

We're looking for someone who combines strategic vision with strong programme delivery skills and a passion for inclusion.

You will bring:

• Significant experience leading complex transformation programmes across multiple organisations.
• A strong understanding of the SEND landscape and the roles of education, health and social care services.
• Knowledge of national SEND reforms and inclusion-focused practice.
• Experience of partnership working, co-production and engaging people with lived experience.
• Excellent leadership, communication and influencing skills.
• Experience managing budgets, risks, governance arrangements and programme performance.

Why Calderdale?

This is a unique opportunity to influence system-wide change and improve the lives of children and young people across Calderdale. You'll join a passionate partnership committed to inclusion and work alongside colleagues across local government, health, education and community organisations to deliver meaningful and lasting impact.

Additional Information

• Hybrid working arrangement.
• Standard DBS check required.
• Occasional evening meetings and very occasional weekend events.
• Politically restricted post.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact [e-mail]

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expect all staff to share this commitment. Applicants to posts that are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act will require a DBS from the Disclosure and Barring Service before the appointment is confirmed.

Closing Date: Thursday 27th August 2026

Interview Date: Friday 11th September 2026

This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa.

If you do not have the right to work in the UK, you must consider your own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the Skilled Worker visa route before applying. To be eligible for sponsorship you'll usually need to be paid the standard salary rate of at least £41,700 per year (unless exceptions apply) and meet the other eligibility criteria. Ensure you are eligible before applying.

Calderdale will reimburse the post holders required professional membership, annually.

We may utilise digital interview methods.

As part of our Vision (https://www.calderdale.gov.uk/vision/) we aim to be a talented, resilient and inclusive community. We welcome applications from all and offer a variety of flexible working / job share opportunities.

All applications are anonymised before being seen by the selection panel.

As part of our fair recruitment process, we ask that all applications are written by the candidate and that Artificial Intelligence (AI) use is limited, unless assistance is required as a reasonable adjustment for a disability. Content should be truthful, accurate, evidence based and not embellished - see guidance.