Service Director - Education and SEND

West Berkshire Council; England; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in England is seeking a Service Director for Education and SEND. This pivotal role involves leading high-performing services to ensure all children have access to excellent education. The ideal candidate will have a strong track record in leadership and a commitment to innovation and equality. Responsibilities include managing significant budgets and providing strategic advice to senior leaders. Deadline for applications is December 11th.

Benefits

Continuous professional development

Supportive and inclusive environment

Qualifications

• Proven track record of leading large, complex services.
• Experience in educational leadership within a local government context.
• Capability to manage change and regulatory activity.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage Education and SEND services.
• Provide strategic advice to Members.
• Drive efficiency and effectiveness.

Skills

Leadership experience

Financial acumen

Communication skills

Partnership working

Commitment to equality

Education

Degree-level education

Relevant professional qualification

Job description

We’re leading an exciting new era for education and SEND in West Berkshire. We’re transforming services to achieve the very best for our children and young people—and we’re looking for a visionary leader to join us.

West Berkshire Council is seeking an exceptional Service Director for Education and SEND to join our Children’sServices family. You will lead a high-performing service at the heart of our Children’s Directorate.

You will drive high standards and outcomes for all children and young people, ensuring that every learner—regardless of need—has access to excellent education and support. You will lead a talented team, oversee commissioning arrangements, and work collaboratively with schools, partners, and stakeholders to deliver our vision for inclusive, high-quality education.

In this pivotal role, you will provide strategic leadership across an exciting portfolio including Early Years, SEND, School Effectiveness, Sufficiency & Place Planning, Inclusion & Early Intervention, Virtual School, Educational Psychology, and Children’s Commissioning.

Our Ideal Candidate

We are looking for an experienced senior leader with:

• A proven track record of leading large, complex services and delivering transformational change.
• Strong financial acumen and experience managing significant budgets.
• Deep understanding of local government and the legislative landscape for education and SEND.
• Exceptional communication and influencing skills to build trusted relationships with Members, partners, and stakeholders.
• Commitment to equality, innovation, and partnership working.

Why Join Us?

At West Berkshire Council, we are committed to delivering high-quality services that make a real difference to our communities. You’ll be part of an ambitious and forward-thinking leadership team in a supportive and inclusive environment that values:

• Innovation and collaboration
• Continuous professional development
• Strong advocacy for children

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage Education and SEND services, ensuring alignment with Council strategy.
• Provide strategic advice to Members and senior leaders.
• Drive efficiency, effectiveness, and continuous improvement.
• Represent the Council on regional and national boards.
• Oversee significant budgets including the Dedicated Schools Grant.
• Deputise for the Executive Director as required.

Essential Requirements

• Degree-level education and relevant professional qualification.
• Senior leadership experience in education or SEND within a complex organisation.
• Ability to manage change, partnerships, and regulatory activity.Enhanced DBS clearance and political restriction apply.

This role has been identified as public facing in accordance with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016; the requirement to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence in English applies.

This post is a Sensitive Post for the purpose of the Local Government Housing Act 1989 and the post-holder is therefore restricted from engaging in any prescribed political activities. In summary, this means that you are prohibited from holding political office and from involvement in any political activity within or outside the workplace. Full details of the restrictions can be found in the Council’s Policy and Guidance on Politically Restricted Posts.

Explore everything that a career with West Berkshire Council has to offer here:

How to Apply

Please now complete a short online application form. You will then be able to upload your CV.

For an informal discussion with AnnMarie Dodds, Executive Director Children’s Services (DCS), please contact Angela Penrose, Senior Management Support Assistant via email: [e-mail]

Closing Date: Thursday 11th December

Interviews Details

First stage technical Interview:

Wednesday 17th December via Microsoft Teams

Second stage Interview (two days):

Tuesday 6th and Wednesday 7th January, in person at Shaw House in Newbury.

We regret that we will be unable to progress applications from candidates who are unable to attend all interview dates.

Equal Opportunities

The Council supports Equal Opportunity of employment, and positively encourages applications from people who fall within any of the nine protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010

This privacy notice applies to job applicants applying for vacancies with West Berkshire Council https://info.westberks.gov.uk/pnapplications