Experts at Hand Lead
(Inclusion Service, Town Hall and Civic Offices)
£53,460 pa
South Tyneside Council is seeking an ambitious, experienced and highly motivated leader to become our first Experts at Hand (EAH) Lead.
This is an exciting opportunity to play a leading role in the implementation of South Tyneside's Local SEND Reform Plan and shape the future of SEND support across the Borough.
The Experts at Hand model is a key element of national SEND Reform and will provide children, young people, families and educational settings with access to coordinated multi-agency advice, guidance and targeted support. As EAH Lead, you will provide operational leadership for the model, ensuring that support is delivered consistently, effectively and equitably across South Tyneside.
You will be responsible for leading the implementation, coordination and continuous improvement of the EAH model, overseeing performance, quality assurance, governance arrangements and the use of data and intelligence to drive service improvement. You will also lead the Inclusion Service within the model and work closely with education, health, social care and wider partners to strengthen inclusive practice and improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND.
We are looking for an individual with substantial experience of working within SEND, strong leadership skills and a proven ability to lead service improvement and partnership working across complex systems. You will have a strong understanding of SEND legislation, inclusive practice and the ability to use data, evidence and professional judgement to influence strategic and operational decision-making.
This role offers a unique opportunity to help shape a new model of support that will strengthen inclusion, improve access to specialist expertise and ensure that children and young people receive the right support at the right time.
If you would like to discuss this opportunity further, please contact:
Andy Ritchie, Head of SEND, Access & Inclusion,
[email protected] 07775 040 284 or
Becca Gibbons, SEND Strategic Development Officer,
[email protected] 07971 715 883
We offer an excellent benefits package and further information is available here - www.southtyneside.gov.uk/workinghere
South Tyneside Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment and an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) disclosure will be sought along with other relevant pre-employment checks.
We do not currently offer skilled worker visa sponsorship.
To view our Privacy Notice please visit: https://southtyneside.gov.uk/article/2780/Privacy-notice-for-job-applicants
Please note that if you apply for this role, all communication regarding your application will be sent to the email address that you have registered with North East Jobs, please ensure you check your junk mail.
Closing date: Noon, 31 August 2026
Interviews will take place on 11 September 2026 