Strategic Consultant Alternative Povision

CRA GROUP RECRUITMENT AND PAYROLL LTD; England; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Part time

Job summary

A local authority in the UK seeks an experienced professional for a pivotal role focused on leading the strategic development of Alternative Provision (AP) services. This 4-month contract requires strong leadership and stakeholder engagement skills to create a sustainable inclusive education system. The ideal candidate should possess a degree in a related field and demonstrate expertise in promoting inclusive education practices. The role is based in Chichester, England and closes on October 28, 2025, requiring immediate applications.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to engage stakeholders effectively.
• Strong leadership experience in driving change.
• In-depth knowledge of inclusive education practices.

Responsibilities

• Review current state of alternative provision services.
• Develop a strategic plan for a sustainable AP service.
• Engage with education providers to meet demand.

Skills

Promoting inclusive education

Stakeholder engagement

Leadership skills

Excellent communication

Knowledge of alternative provision

Service commissioning

Education

Degree-level qualification in Education, Social Work, or Public Policy

Postgraduate qualification or certification in SEND Inclusion

Job description

Summary

• This 4‑month contract with a local authority aims to lead the strategic development and transformation of the Councils Alternative Provision (AP) services in alignment with the SEND & AP Change Programme. The role is pivotal in creating a sustainable inclusive education system through effective planning, commissioning and stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

• Review the current state of the council’s alternative provision and wider SEND services using the 3‑tier model framework.
• Develop a strategic plan to implement a sustainable 3‑tier AP service.
• Contribute to the creation of the Local Area Inclusion Plan (LAIP) and use it to forecast multi‑year demand for AP.
• Engage with education providers and settings to identify how demand can be effectively met.
• Promote early and accurate identification of needs to support inclusion.
• Advise on strategic and individual commissioning of services ensuring changes support inclusive mainstream education.
• Design and implement tools to monitor the impact and effectiveness of AP services.
• Lead the development of strategy for Appropriate and Alternative Provision.

Essential Experience Required

• Proven ability to promote inclusive education and engage stakeholders effectively.
• Strong leadership skills with experience in driving cultural and mindset change.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills across diverse stakeholder groups.
• In‑depth knowledge of appropriate and alternative provision and inclusive education practices.
• Understanding of service commissioning within education or public sector.
• Reflective practitioner with a strategic mindset.
• Familiarity with the SEND & AP Change Programme and its implementation.

Essential Qualification Required

• Degree‑level qualification in Education, Social Work, Public Policy or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Postgraduate qualification or professional certification in SEND Inclusion or Educational Leadership is desirable.

Additional Information

• Working hours: 37 hours per week
• Location: West Street Chichester West Sussex PO191RG United Kingdom.
• The role closes on 28th October 2025 – apply ASAP.

Required Skills

To lead the strategic development and transformation of Councils Alternative Provision (AP) services aligning with the SEND & AP Change Programme. This role will support the creation of a sustainable inclusive education system through effective planning, commissioning and stakeholder engagement.

Required Education

To lead the strategic development and transformation of Councils Alternative Provision (AP) services aligning with the SEND & AP Change Programme. This role will support the creation of a sustainable inclusive education system through effective planning, commissioning and stakeholder engagement.