We are looking for an experienced leader with extensive working knowledge of services/arrangements for SEND including the SEND code of practice and related legislation, statutory guidance, government policy, practice guidance and best practice.
This is a new role that will deliver leadership across Berkshire including SEND self-evaluation, reporting and improvement work across the CFAA Division.
You will work closely with the Divisional senior leadership team and with system partners, including the DCO and neurodiversity leads in the ICB, SEND leads in the local authorities, as well as with service leads and clinicians across all relevant teams in the division. We are anticipating statutory SEND inspections in several of our local authorities over the next 12 months and part of the role will include development and oversight of our self-evaluation framework (SEF), coordinating reports and divisional representatives for inspections and supporting improvement work, including action plans arising from inspections.
There will be an expectation of the post holder to travel to sites across Berkshire. Hybrid working can be supported; but to act as SEND Lead for the Division the ability to travel and meet face to face will be key in attending relevant partnership meetings, maintaining expertise in subject matter knowledge and in establishing a network of SEND Champions in all services, to improve quality, experiences and outcomes for SEND.
Various professional registrations will be appropriate as this does not need to be restricted to HCPCs.
Working with the Divisional Senior Leadership Team (Operational and Clinical), take a lead on the development and oversight of the SEND self-evaluation framework (SEF), coordinating training, audits and oversight of action plans.
Facilitat ing internal Berkshire Healthcare SEND meetings.
Champion ing co-production and engagement with families, children and young people ensuring their voices has an impact on development of services .
Work ing with business and performance leads, to ensure the SEND dashboard and any other required reporting is maintained and reports submitted within required timeframes .
Line - manag ing the CFAA EHCNA (education, health and care needs assessment) coordinators.
Coordinat ing and report ing on quality audits and mandatory EHCNA performance targets, taking a lead on any improvement action required .
Act ing as a central point of contact for SEND within the Division, overseeing and coordinating attendance at and involvement with system SEND forums and strategic groups and ensuring robust communication about all matters relating to SEND within the Division.
Working closely with the Designate Clinical Officers and Divisional Leadership Team, coordinat ing and oversee ing the divisions involvement/response/submissions for inspections
Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is a specialist mental health and community health services trust. Rated ‘outstanding’ by the CQC, we’re committed to providing the best possible care to people across Berkshire. As an employer, we’re committed to offering an inclusive and compassionate environment where our people share in a sense of belonging and are supported to flourish.
Our values at Berkshire Healthcare are:
Caring for and about you is our top priority
Committed to providing good quality, safe services
Working Together with you to develop innovative solutions
Your wellbeing is important to us. Some of the benefits of working for us include:
Flexible working options to support work-life balance
27 days’ annual leave rising with service + opportunity to buy and sell
Generous NHS pension scheme
Excellent learning and career development opportunities
‘Cycle to Work’ and car leasing scheme including electric vehicles
Access to a range of wellbeing tools and services
Discounts at hundreds of popular retailers and restaurants
Staff networks for race, diversity, disabilities, the environment and armed forces community to support equality
Generous maternity, paternity, adoption and special leave
Free parking across Trust sites
The role has been advertised as a full-time role, but part time hours would be considered. Base can be agreed at point of offer.
The “must haves” for this role:
In‑depth knowledge of SEND legislation, statutory responsibilities and the SEND Code of Practice (0–25) and its application within health systems.
Experience of providing system‑level leadership and influence across health, local authorities, education and wider partners.
Significant experience of inspection readiness, assurance and improvement leadership, including Area SEND inspections and CQC‑related processes.
Experience of operating with high levels of autonomy, managing risk and providing credible challenge to senior leaders and system partners
For further information about the role, please see attached job description and person specification.
We strongly encourage you to review how you meet the criteria in the person specification and write about this point-by-point in your supporting statement for the best chance of being shortlisted.
We’re committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Our commitment to inclusion is reflected in our accreditations: Race Equality Matters Silver Trailblazer, Neurodiversity in Business Corporate Member, Disability Confident Leader, Carer Confident Level 2, and the Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award. Reasonable adjustments will be provided to candidates as needed.
We have identified that this is a role where we have underrepresentation of ethnically diverse colleagues. As part of our commitment to inclusion and Unity Against Racism we offer guaranteed interviews to candidates who meet the essential criteria and identify as: Asian or Asian British, Black or Black British, Mixed and ‘Other’ Ethnic Groups.
We welcome a conversation about flexibility and any other questions you may have. Please don’t hesitate to call: Helen Alderman via
[email protected] or Louise Noble via
[email protected] who’ll be delighted to help.
Please note, if we receive a high number of applications, we may close this role earlier than the advertised closing date, so please submit your application as soon as possible.
