Commissioning Manager - SEND

Are you solution-focused, innovative, and driven by enabling the best possible outcomes for children and young people?

At Surrey County Council we are all about ensuring everyone benefits from education, skills and employment opportunities that help them succeed in life. As part of the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Commissioning team, you will play a key role in ensuring young people have the necessary opportunities to access local educational, employment or vocational pathways. We want every young person in Surrey to be supported in achieving their outcomes; whether that is being able to be supported to live independently, to access local apprenticeships, employment opportunities or develop a skill further in a local college.

This requires us to transform the way we do things for the better, exploring new ideas and innovative solutions in collaboration with our operational colleagues in key Surrey County Council services and external provider partners. We are committed to working in genuine co-production wherever possible, developing an in-depth understanding of young people's experiences. We are strength-based and want to focus on the assets that young people bring and that exist within our local communities and the wider system. We value the courage to take action to make a difference.

About you

We have an ambitious programme of change underway in commissioning, aligned to the "Preparing for Adulthood" agenda. We are looking for a high-calibre and experienced Commissioning Manager to be at the heart of our Commissioning Team, within the Children, Families and Lifelong Learning directorate. As a team we want to be defined by high aspirations; empathy; taking real action; and not giving up on children and young people. We want to appoint someone who brings a relentless focus on enabling the best outcomes for children and young people, backed up by strong experience of commissioning and/or delivery in relevant settings, such as Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), early help, health, or adult social care. We need you to have the professional confidence to take a lead within your areas of responsibility as part of a complex system and work collaboratively with colleagues and partners at all levels from across Surrey.

In the role, you will have the opportunity to influence the wider direction of the Commissioning Division and support high-profile transformation programmes at the Council. You will also be working with friendly and supportive colleagues who are committed to delivering excellent outcomes.

Some of the key areas linked to this role are:

• Supporting the market management of specialist post-16 institutions (SPI) and developing strong relationships with local colleges
• Managing and inputting into decisions around post-16 options for young people
• Working closely with health and adult social care to ensure transitions are seamless, and that young people can access the right support, at the right time
• Commissioning of post-16 services for young people with additional needs
• Contract management of existing service provision.

The Commissioning Manager will also have a key role in shaping and implementing our "Preparing for Adulthood" agenda.

If you have the skills, experience, and passion to help us on our ambitious journey, we'd love to hear from you!

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 28/03/2023

Interviews will take place shortly thereafter.

An enhanced DBS 'Disclosure and Barring Service' check for regulated activity (formerly known as CRB) and the Children's and Adults' Barred List checks will be required for this role.

We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit.

Benefits

From flexible working to job sharing (where possible) we are committed to providing a healthy work life balance. A laptop and mobile will be supplied if applicable to your role. You will benefit from 26 days annual leave, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service, a generous local government salary related pension, as well as the option to join our car lease scheme. For more information about the wide variety of benefits you can take advantage of please visit our website.

Our Commitment

Surrey 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. We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer of first choice reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all under represented groups.