Warrington Borough Council's Inclusion Service is leading an ambitious programme of SEND reform to improve outcomes for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and their families. Working across education, health, social care and wider partners, we are driving transformation that delivers earlier intervention, greater inclusion and better support for families.
This role sits at the heart of our SEND Reform Programme, helping to shape and deliver improvements aligned to the Children and Families Act 2014, the SEND Code of Practice, the Government's SEND and Alternative Provision Improvement Plan, Best Start Family Hubs and emerging Families First reforms.
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Senior Programme Manager to lead the implementation of priority projects and workstreams within Warrington's SEND Reform Plan.
Reporting to the Deputy Director for Education and Inclusion, you will provide strategic programme leadership across a complex partnership landscape, working with schools, health services, social care, family hubs, parent carer forums, voluntary sector organisations and government advisers.
You will be responsible for delivering transformational change programmes that improve inclusion, strengthen early intervention and prevention, support timely identification of need and ensure children, young people and families receive the right support at the right time.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading the delivery of priority SEND transformation projects and workstreams.
- Strengthening partnership working across education, health and social care.
- Embedding co-production with children, young people and families throughout programme delivery.
- Overseeing the development and continuous improvement of Warrington's SEND Local Offer.
- Managing programme performance, benefits realisation, risk and governance arrangements.
- Supporting preparation for SEND inspections, reviews and assurance activity.
- Ensuring programme outcomes contribute to improved inclusion, reduced inequalities and better experiences for children and families.
- Aligning SEND reform activity with Best Start Family Hubs, Families First reforms and wider Council priorities.
What's needed?
We are looking for an individual with substantial experience of leading complex transformation programmes, ideally within SEND services or children's services.
You will have:
- Degree-level qualification or equivalent experience.
- Strong programme and project management skills with a proven track record of delivering outcomes.
- Experience of co-production with children, young people and families.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
Benefits
- As well as a competitive salary, working for us means you get:
- 26 days annual holiday - raising to 31 after 5 years of service (pro-rata)
- Access to our attractive and competitive benefits package
- Access to our Health & Wellbeing Programme
Key Dates & Further Information
This is a 24-month fixed-term position, working 37 hours per week within the Inclusion Service.
The ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.
DBS clearance is required.
If you are applying for the job internally, please ensure that you apply via the Careers Page on SAP, however if you are applying for an additional job you would need to apply externally.
If you are a permanent WBC employee you will need to apply for this fixed term position as an internal secondment opportunity and will need to discuss this with your current line manager prior to applying.
In accordance with Home Office guidance, successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment.
Sponsorship is not available for this role; therefore, you must have the right to work in the UK to be eligible for appointment.
Warrington Borough Council is a Disability Confident employer.
