Strategic SEND Improvement & Assurance Lead

Hampshire County Council; Winchester; On-site; GBP 58,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Assured EAP access

Generous annual leave and LGPS

Sponsorship not available

Job summary

Hampshire County Council seeks a Strategic Manager (SEND Improvement & Assurance) to lead a newly established function shaping SEND services across Hampshire. You will provide governance, assurance and strategic direction to improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND and their families.

You will oversee performance reviews, data insights and strategic boards, collaborating with education, health and social care partners to drive system-wide improvement and evidence-based decisions

Qualifications

• Significant experience leading strategic improvement, assurance or governance activity.
• Strong analytical skills, with experience interpreting complex data and financial information and translating findings into clear, actionable recommendations.
• Proven ability to influence, support and constructively challenge senior leaders and partners to deliver change and improvement.
• Strong understanding of the local government environment, including governance, accountability and political decision-making.
• The ability to think strategically and operate effectively in complex, evolving environments, bringing clarity and focus where there is ambiguity.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with a commitment to continuous improvement and strengthening outcomes for children and young people with SEND and their families.

Responsibilities

• Lead Hampshire’s SEND Improvement & Assurance Framework and SEND Improvement & Assurance Board, providing strategic oversight, governance and accountability.
• Monitor system performance, risks, outcomes and delivery, identifying areas for improvement and coordinating assurance activity where needed.
• Analyse complex performance and financial information, turning evidence into clear intelligence and recommendations for decision-makers.
• Lead strategic reviews, deep dives and assurance activity to evaluate impact, inform investment decisions and support long-term sustainability.
• Build strong relationships across education, health and social care, influencing partners and senior leaders to drive improvement.
• Prepare and present high-quality reports, assurance findings and recommendations to senior leaders, governance boards and partnership forums, supporting effective decision-making and accountability.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Analytical skills

Influence leadership

Governance

Strategic thinking

Communication skills

Job description

Hampshire County Council seeks a Strategic Manager (SEND Improvement & Assurance) to lead a newly established function shaping SEND services across Hampshire. You will provide governance, assurance and strategic direction to improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND and their families.

You will oversee performance reviews, data insights and strategic boards, collaborating with education, health and social care partners to drive system-wide improvement and evidence-based decisions