SEND Legal Compliance & Tribunal Officer

SEND Legal Compliance & Tribunal Officer

Grade 10 | Children’s Services | Education

Are you passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)? Do you have experience in tribunal processes, mediation, and legal compliance? If so, we have an exciting opportunity to join our SEND service as a SEND Legal Compliance & Tribunal Officer.

About the Role

This is a key role within our Children’s Services team where you will lead on SEND legal compliance, mediation, and tribunal processes. You will act as the Local Authority’s representative in mediation and tribunal proceedings, working closely with families, schools, legal teams and other partners to achieve timely and effective resolutions.

You will:

• Manage SEND tribunal and mediation cases from initial stages through to hearing
• Represent the Local Authority at mediation meetings and tribunal hearings
• Work collaboratively with SEND officers, legal teams and partner agencies to resolve disputes early and reduce tribunal escalation
• Provide expert advice and guidance on SEND legislation and tribunal processes
• Monitor compliance, identify risks, and drive continuous improvement in service delivery
• Analyse trends and produce reports to support learning and service development

About You

We are looking for a confident, skilled professional who can manage complex cases and build strong relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.

You will have:

• Proven experience in SEND tribunal management and mediation
• Strong knowledge of SEND legislation, including the SEND Code of Practice
• Experience working in education, children’s services, or a related field
• Excellent negotiation, communication and problem-solving skills
• The ability to analyse information, manage risk, and make informed decisions
• Experience of working collaboratively with families, schools and multi-agency partners

A relevant qualification (NVQ Level 4 or equivalent) or willingness to work towards this is essential.

What We Offer

• A rewarding role where you can make a real difference
• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning
• A supportive, collaborative working environment
• Flexible working arrangements where possible
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Additional Information

• This role is subject to an enhanced DBS check
• Travel across and beyond the borough will be required

Join us and play a vital role in ensuring fair, effective and child-centred SEND processes that improve outcomes for children and families.

For an informal discussion about the role please contact Samantha Edwards by email, Samantha.Edwards@dudley.gov.uk .

The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable groups and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults; therefore, the post is subject to medical clearance and an enhanced DBS check.

Workplace Attendance: Working in the office 3+ days a week (pro-rata) or Onsite full time

So that we can demonstrate Dudley’s commitment to diversity and inclusion and to improve bias in the recruitment process that could create barriers for candidates. Your personal data will be anonymised when you apply, to ensure that you comply with our anonymisation process, please ensure you have removed your name and date of birth from any attachments prior to uploading them to your application.

Online application forms will only be accepted for this vacancy, online facilities for jobs are available at public libraries within the Dudley Borough.

All applicants must be able to provide documentation to prove their right to work in the UK.

Please note: Dudley MBC does not currently offer sponsorship for candidates without the Right to Work in the UK.

If you require support completing an online or paper application form and or interview techniques, please contact Dudley Adult and Community Learning on 01384 818 143 or acl@dudley.gov.uk who can support with Digital Skills and Job Applications.

If you have a disability and require assistance in making an application please contact the HR Resourcing Team via HR.Resourcing@dudley.gov.uk

If you are experiencing a problem whilst applying for a position, please follow the link below to the WM Jobs Help Page in the first instance https://help.wmjobs.co.uk/

If the WM Jobs Help Page does not resolve your issue then please contact the HR Resourcing Team via HR.Resourcing@dudley.gov.uk

Dudley Council will check the information that you have provided against any details already held for accuracy and completeness. The Council will check, share and cross match your information both internally within the council and with external organisations to protect public funds and prevent or detect crime, only where the law allows us to do so.

The Council’s full Privacy and Disclaimer Statement can be accessed on the website at https://www.dudley.gov.uk/privacy-disclaimer-statement/

N.B. We reserve the right to close this vacancy prior to the advertised date should we receive a large number of applications

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