Salary: £51,356 to £55,539 per annum
Grade: N
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full time (37 hours)
Location: Harrogate, North Yorkshire with the ability to travel across the county as required
Are you an experienced SEND professional with exceptional knowledge of SEND legislation, tribunal processes and dispute resolution?
Do you thrive in complex environments where you can make a meaningful difference for children, young people and families?
We are seeking a Tribunal, Dispute Resolution and Complaints Lead to play a pivotal role within our SEND Assessment Service (0–25), leading on SEND tribunals, complaints, dispute resolution and other associated legal processes. This is an exciting opportunity to influence practice across the local authority and help deliver positive outcomes for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
The role
You will take direct responsibility for the management of SEND cases that are subject to SEND Tribunal appeals, complaints and dispute resolution processes. You will work closely with families, schools, legal representatives, health and social care partners, and senior local authority colleagues to secure effective and lawful outcomes. This will involve supporting locality team managers and caseworkers through robust supervision arrangements and taking lead responsibility to ensure a coordinated response is provided to families and children.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage SEND tribunal appeals, complaints and dispute resolution activity on behalf of the local authority.
- Represent the local authority at SEND Tribunal hearings and other formal proceedings, ensuring compliance with any resulting orders.
- Prepare, coordinate and submit high-quality evidence and case documentation to support tribunal hearings.
- Provide expert advice and guidance to EHC Casework Managers and Officers, on all aspects of SENDIST processes and practice.
- Work proactively with families and partners to resolve disputes at the earliest opportunity and reduce the need for formal appeals.
- Support quality assurance processes and the robustness of SEND decision-making, including SEN Panels.
- Deliver training and workforce development to schools, colleges, governors and professionals across education, health and social care.
- Monitor complaint and tribunal trends, identify areas for improvement and contribute to strategic SEND developments
- Develop high quality CPD opportunities for the wider service in liaison with the Lead for SEND
- Ensure accurate records are maintained and appeals activity is fully coordinated across the service
We are looking for someone who has:
- Extensive knowledge of SEND legislation, statutory guidance and current policy developments.
- Knowledge of children's continuing healthcare and NHS policy.
- Significant experience working within a SEND legislative framework.
- Experience managing complex cases involving legal, professional and ethical considerations.
- Experience of managing financial and reputational risk.
- The ability to work effectively with senior leaders, legal representatives and multi-agency partners.
- Strong negotiation, facilitation and conflict resolution skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex information clearly and confidently.
- The ability to work independently, prioritise effectively and meet demanding statutory timescales.
- A commitment to inclusion, equality and outstanding customer service
Why Join us?
- Generous Annual Leave: 28 days of holiday (pro-rata), increasing to 34 days after 5 years’ service – plus public holidays.
Pension Scheme:
- for your future with our generous Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Fitness Discounts: Discounted Gym memberships at various gyms across the county.
- Lifestyle Savings: Enjoy a wide range of discounts at hundreds of popular high-street and online retailers.
- And more: Additional wellbeing support, employee assistance, and development opportunities.
Ready to make a difference?
Join us and help shape positive futures for children and young people with SEND across our communities.
If you would like more information about this role, please contact Chris Reynolds, Head of SEND and Resources, via email at [email protected]
We look forward to exploring your interest and receiving your application.
Key dates:
Closing Date: 26th July 2026
Interview Date: 4th or 5th August 2026
Key documents:
Job Description
Total Rewards Brochure
Enhanced Level DBS Disclosure is required for appointment to this post.
It is a criminal offence for people who are barred from working in Regulated Activity (under the Safeguarding and Vulnerable Groups Act 2006) to apply for roles that require them to work unsupervised with adults or children at risk.
We are committed to the inclusion, safeguarding, and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk.
North Yorkshire Councils’ purpose is to deliver services and facilities to the diverse residents and visitors of North Yorkshire. To ensure we deliver inclusive services we strive to have a diverse workforce where everybody can be themselves by respecting differences and embedding equality of opportunity. We celebrate diversity and recognise each other’s contributions; we therefore welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds.
Using AI? Please follow our guidance to ensure your application reflects your own knowledge and experience: www.northyorks.gov.uk/advice-your-job-application
