Send Reforms Programme Lead

Halton Borough Council; Widnes; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Halton Borough Council in Widnes is seeking a Lead SEND Reform to drive system-wide SEND improvement. You will work with the Head of SEND and Inclusion, health partners, schools and families to translate strategic ambitions into lasting change.

This high-profile role offers genuine influence, a broad remit across multi-agency workstreams, governance and performance reporting, and the opportunity to shape the local SEND system with co-production at its core.

Qualifications

• Experience leading SEND reform or similar education service transformations.
• Ability to coordinate multi-agency improvement workstreams and governance.
• Strong communication and political acumen to influence senior leaders.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of Halton's SEND reform and improvement programme.
• Coordinate and oversee complex multi-agency improvement workstreams.
• Establish governance, assurance and performance reporting arrangements.
• Manage programme risks, dependencies, resources and outcomes.
• Provide strategic challenge and support to senior leaders and boards.
• Build relationships with schools, health partners, families and stakeholders.
• Drive collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement.
• Ensure voices of children, young people and families are central via co-production.
• Monitor impact and use data to inform decision-making.
• Represent Halton regionally and nationally to shape SEND reform.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Strategic thinking

Data analysis

Job description

Reference: 80309Posted: 2026-08-22Closing date: 2026-09-20Location: Municipal Bldg, Kingsway, Cheshire, Widnes WA8 7QF, UKSalary: 60059

• 72059/yearType: Full timeEmployer: Halton Borough CouncilShape the Future.

Change Lives.

Lead SEND Reform

This is more than a programme leadership role.It is an opportunity to lead system-wide SEND reform, influence strategic decision-making at the highest level, and create lasting improvements for children, young people and families across Halton.

This is a high-profile role with significant scope, genuine influence and the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy.

Why Halton?

Across the country, local areas are strengthening their SEND services and recruiting leaders to support reform.

At Halton, we believe we can offer something genuinely different.

Our borough is large enough to provide strategic challenge and complexity, yet small enough for you to see the impact of your work.

Relationships matter here.

Partnership working is authentic.

Decisions can be made and acted upon.

Change happens because people come together around a shared ambition to improve outcomes for children and young people. You won't be one of many programmes leads operating within a complex bureaucracy.

You’ll work closely with our Head of SEND and Inclusion, senior leaders across the Council, health partners, schools and families, helping to shape strategic direction and drive meaningful reform across the local area SEND system. This is a role for someone who wants to make a visible difference. If you are looking for a place where your expertise will be valued, your leadership will be trusted and your contribution will have a direct impact on families' lives, Halton could be the perfect next step in your career.

About the Role

As SEND Reforms Programme Lead, you will work in partnership with the Head of SEND and Inclusion to coordinate and deliver Halton's SEND Improvement and Reform Programme, ensuring that strategic ambitions are translated into sustainable improvements for children, young people and families.

• Lead the delivery of Halton's SEND reform and improvement programme.
• Coordinate and oversee complex multi-agency improvement workstreams.
• Establish effective governance, assurance and performance reporting arrangements.
• Manage programme risks, dependencies, resources and outcomes.
• Provide strategic challenge, advice and support to senior leaders and partnership boards.
• Build strong relationships with schools, settings, health partners, families and wider stakeholders.
• Drive a culture of collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement.
• Ensure the voices of children, young people and families are central to programme delivery through meaningful co-production.
• Monitor impact and use data intelligently to inform decision-making and future improvements.
• Represent Halton regionally and nationally, helping to shape the wider SEND reform agenda.

Join Us

This is a rare opportunity to work alongside an ambitious and committed SEND leadership team, lead meaningful reform at a time of national change, and help shape a more inclusive future for children and young people.

If you have the vision to see what is possible, the influence to bring others with you, and the determination to make change happen, we would love to hear from you.