SEND Tribunal Manager

Role Overview

Do you want a challenging and rewarding role with real opportunities to improve outcomes for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)? We have an excellent opportunity for a SEND Tribunal Manager to lead the local authority's response to SEND Tribunal appeals, working closely with assessment, casework and the wider SEN service to ensure decisions are lawful, evidence-based and defensible.

This is a specialist role requiring strong knowledge of the SEN Code of Practice and Tribunal processes, alongside the leadership skills to manage a team.

• Lead a team ensuring appeals are managed efficiently, evidence is of a high quality, and statutory deadlines are consistently met.
• Provide professional oversight of complex and high-risk cases; support officers in decision-making and represent the local authority at Tribunal hearings where appropriate.
• Maintain close liaison with schools, other partners and parents/carers, and engage constructively with them throughout the appeal process.
• Work as part of an experienced senior leadership team, influencing service development, improving systems and strengthening Kent's Tribunal practice.
• Represent the council in a customer-facing role, complying with Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016) and the Council's standard for spoken English.
• Deliver the post on a hybrid schedule, expected to work at least two days per week from a local office and attend meetings across Kent.
• Submit a Basic Disclosure Application to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

• Excellent understanding of SEN legislation, specifically the SEN Code of Practice (2014), Children and Family Act (2014) and Disability Discrimination Act (1995) and their application within Kent.
• Comprehensive knowledge and best practice guidance relating to Early Years, Primary, Secondary and Post 16 education.
• Experience leading and developing staff in a complex, high‑volume environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, ability to present clear, balanced and evidence‑based arguments, and to manage competing pressures while maintaining accuracy, consistency and professionalism.
• Confidence in using data and performance information to monitor trends, identify risks and support service improvement.

This is a county-wide role. The post is currently delivered on a hybrid pattern with an expectation of working at least two days per week from a local office, and attending Tribunal hearings and partner meetings across Kent. The working pattern may change in line with service needs and organisational requirements.

KCC is committed to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the county’s residents, encouraging applications from people of all ages, abilities, genders, sexual orientations, ethnic backgrounds, faiths and those with caring responsibilities. We aspire to create an inclusive workplace where everyone can be themselves at work.

Please apply soon, as the closing date for this advert may be earlier than stated should a number of suitably qualified candidates apply.