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SEND Quality Assurance, Improvement and Performance Lead

Children's Services – SEND

Closing Date: 16th August 2026

Interviews: 26th August 2026

Salary: G12 £52,413 - £60,050 (Pay award Pending) per annum Full Time | Permanent Location: Lincolnshire (Hybrid Working Available)

Help shape the future of SEND services across Lincolnshire

This is an exciting opportunity to join Lincolnshire County Council's SEND leadership team at a pivotal point in our improvement and transformation journey.

We are seeking an experienced, ambitious and highly analytical professional to take on the newly created role of SEND Quality Assurance and Improvement Lead. Reporting directly to the Head of SEND, you will play a key strategic role in driving quality, performance and continuous improvement across a complex multi-agency SEND system.

This is far more than a traditional quality assurance role. We are looking for someone who can translate intelligence into action, challenge existing practice, influence change across services and partnerships, and ensure that quality assurance activity leads to meaningful improvements for children and young people with SEND and their families.

You'll be instrumental in helping us understand what is working well, identify where improvements are needed, and ensure that evidence, data and lived experience are used to shape service development, commissioning decisions and system transformation.

About the Role

As SEND Quality Assurance and Improvement Lead, you will:

• Lead the development and delivery of Lincolnshire's SEND Quality Assurance Framework across education, health and care.
• Drive inspection readiness and support the development of our Self-Evaluation Framework and SEND Improvement Plan.
• Use intelligence from audits, complaints, tribunals, co-production activity and performance data to identify trends, risks and opportunities.
• Produce high-quality analysis and reports that influence strategic decision-making.
• Work with senior leaders and partners to challenge and support improvements in practice, performance and statutory compliance.
• Help ensure that the voices of children, young people and families are embedded within quality assurance and service development activity.
• Shape a culture of continuous improvement across the SEND system.
• Lead strategic quality assurance and improvement projects that deliver measurable and sustainable impact.

About You

We're looking for someone who:

• Has substantial experience of quality assurance, improvement, performance management or service transformation within SEND, education, children's services, health or a related field.
• Understands SEND legislation, statutory processes and the wider SEND system.
• Has experience of analysing complex data and turning insight into practical improvement actions.
• Can build effective relationships and influence senior leaders, partners and stakeholders.
• Is confident providing challenge where required and supporting services to improve.
• Has excellent communication, analytical and report-writing skills.
• Can work strategically whilst maintaining a strong focus on delivery and outcomes.
• Is passionate about improving the experiences and outcomes of children and young people with SEND.

Why Join Us?

Lincolnshire is on an ambitious journey to strengthen and transform SEND services. This role offers a unique opportunity to influence system-wide improvement, shape future service delivery and make a genuine difference to the lives of children, young people and families.

At Lincolnshire County Council, we believe our people are at the heart of everything we do. That’s why we offer a rewarding package designed to support your work–life balance, health and wellbeing, financial security, and career growth. Find out more about our offer to you in the attached brochure.

• Competitive salary of £52,413 - £60,050 (G12)
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Employee wellbeing and support programmes
• Ongoing professional development opportunities
• The opportunity to work alongside passionate colleagues committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for children and young people

Be Part of Something That Matters

This is a high-profile role with significant influence across the local SEND partnership. If you are motivated by improvement, driven by evidence and committed to making a difference, we would love to hear from you.

Join us and help shape a stronger, more inclusive and more effective SEND system for Lincolnshire's children, young people and families.

If you would like an open and informal discussion regards this role then please contact; Katie Marsden via email Katie.Marsden@lincolnshire.gov.uk

PLEASE NOTE: It is imperative that your personal statement clearly states why you have applied, how you meet the essential and desirable criteria for the role as set out in the Job Description (attached on LCC jobs Site) and what you feel you can bring to this role, the team and the wider County Council.

Please refer to our Job Information Pack here to support you in your application.

Please be advised that this position may be subject to a criminal record check.

On occasion we receive significantly more applications than expected for some vacancies and under such circumstances we reserve the right to bring forward the closing date of the advertisement. We therefore strongly advise you to apply for the role promptly to avoid disappointment should the closing date be brought forward. Please also note: once an application is submitted it is final and cannot be amended. If you withdraw your application, it cannot be reinstated and you will not be able to submit another application for that vacancy. If you have an issue with your submitted application, please contact recruitment@lincolnshire.gov.uk.

We operate a talent pool scheme whereby candidates who are not successful on this occasion may be considered for a period of up to 3 months for equal positions.

Lincolnshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

A Smarter Working Employer

We have embraced new ways of working and hybrid working will be a feature of this role. You will be given a nominated contractual work base and you will be required to commute to this work base when necessary. Working arrangements regarding hybrid working will be discussed as part of the appointment process.

Our technology platform and equipment is very good enabling you to connect and collaborate remotely. We require that you have in place good connectivity, and we will discuss during the recruitment process if support with this is needed.

Fluency Duty

In accordance with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 (Fluency Duty), the ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.

Our values – collaborative, adaptable, eco-conscious, supportive, and responsible – guide everything we do. We’re looking for candidates who share these values and bring them to life in their work, helping us build strong teams and make a real difference in the communities we serve.