Senior Appeals Officer

CRA GROUP RECRUITMENT AND PAYROLL LTD; Remote; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A Local Authority in the UK is looking for a qualified Senior Appeals Officer to support the Integrated Children's Disability Service. This fully remote role requires extensive experience in SEND casework management and tribunal representation. You will oversee a SEND team and manage complex appeal cases to ensure compliance with relevant legislation. Ideal candidates should have strong negotiation skills and a detailed knowledge of safeguarding processes. The position offers a 37-hour workweek, with the closing date for applications on 24/10/2025.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 4 years post-qualification experience in children's services.
• Extensive experience of SEND casework management and tribunal representation.
• Strong understanding of key SEND-related legislation.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a locality SEND team ensuring timely delivery of assessments.
• Represent the Local Authority in tribunal hearings.
• Prepare and manage appeal casework including evidence gathering and report drafting.

Skills

SEND casework management

Negotiation

Conflict resolution

Communication skills

Mediation

Education

Level 6 or above in a relevant field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Teams

Outlook

Case management systems

Job description

1-2 months contract with a Local Authority

Job Summary

Nottinghamshire County Council is seeking an experienced and qualified Senior Appeals Officer (Social Care Qualified) to support the Integrated Childrens Disability Service. This temporary position will lead and manage complex SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disability) appeal and tribunal casework representing the Local Authority in mediation and tribunal hearings (SENDIST). The postholder will oversee statutory assessment and annual review processes ensuring compliance with the Children and Families Act 2014, SEND Regulations 2015 and the SEND Code of Practice 2014.

Key Duties and Accountabilities

• Lead and manage a locality SEND team ensuring the delivery of statutory assessments and annual review processes within statutory timescales.
• Represent the Local Authority in First Tier and Upper Tier Tribunal (SENDIST) hearings, mediation and resolution meetings.
• Prepare and manage appeal casework including evidence gathering, analysis and drafting of written submissions and reports.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation including the Children and Families Act 2014, Education Act 1996, Equality Act 2010 and Care Act 2014.
• Promote joint working between education, health, social care and third‑sector partners to improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND.
• Provide expert guidance and supervision to staff on complex SEND casework and appeal processes.
• Manage service delivery and performance against agreed targets maintaining high‑quality standards.
• Lead the development of SEND practice within the Council contributing to policy and service improvements.
• Support safeguarding responsibilities and ensure all work aligns with council policies, Ofsted standards and statutory guidance.

Skills and Experience

• Minimum of 4 years post‑qualification experience in children's services, ideally within a Local Authority SEND team.
• Extensive experience of SEND casework management, mediation and tribunal representation (SENDIST).
• Strong understanding and practical application of key legislation: Children and Families Act 2014, SEND Regulations 2015, SEND Code of Practice 2014, Education Act 1996, Equality Act 2010, Childrens Acts 1989 & 2004, Care Act 2014 and Mental Capacity Act 2005.
• Demonstrable experience of managing hybrid teams and complex workloads within statutory timescales.
• Excellent negotiation, mediation and conflict resolution skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to prepare detailed reports and present evidence clearly.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Teams, Outlook and case management systems.
• In‑depth understanding of inclusion challenges, SEND funding systems and school structures.
• Comprehensive knowledge of safeguarding processes and local authority responsibilities.

Education

• Educated to Level 6 or above in a relevant field (e.g. Social Care, SEND or related service area).

Additional Information

• Closing date: 24/10/2025.
• This is a fully remote role requiring an individual with significant experience in mediation, tribunal representation and senior‑level SEND case management.
• Hours: 37 hours per week (Monday to Friday).