At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commissioning for SEND services, ensuring quality and compliance for children and young people.
- Company: Ackerman Pierce, a trusted name in social work recruitment with 15 years of experience.
- Benefits: Guaranteed weekly payments, personal consultant support, and a quick registration process.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children with SEND while developing your professional skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in SEND commissioning and strong negotiation skills required.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for continuous service improvement.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Interim SEND Commissioning Officer (6-Month Contract) Location: Hybrid – On-site and remote working Contract: Interim, 6 months Hours: Full time About the Role We are seeking an experienced SEND Commissioning Officer to join on an interim basis for six months. This role is a key opportunity for a skilled commissioning professional to shape and manage high-quality, value-for-money provision for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Key Responsibilities Lead on the commissioning and contract management of SEND and alternative provision placements, ensuring quality, value for money, and compliance. Work with colleagues in education, health, and social care to forecast future demand and ensure sufficient local provision. Monitor provider performance, safeguarding standards, and pupil outcomes through structured contract monitoring and review processes. Negotiate placement fees and service contracts, ensuring best value and positive outcomes for children and young people. Support the reduction of out-of-area and independent placements by developing strategies for more localised provision. Collaborate with procurement, data, and SEND teams to plan and manage resources effectively. Develop and maintain strong partnerships with schools, providers, parent carers, and other stakeholders to ensure placements meet children’s needs. Produce reports, data analysis, and recommendations for internal panels and boards to inform strategic decision-making. Contribute to continuous service improvement through reflective practice, professional development, and learning from data and feedback.About You Essential skills and experience: Proven experience in commissioning SEND, education, or children’s services. Knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice (0–25) and related statutory frameworks. Strong commercial and negotiation skills with experience of managing provider relationships. Ability to interpret data and performance metrics to inform commissioning decisions. Experience of joint commissioning or partnership working across education, health, and social care. Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with a collaborative and child-centered approach. Understanding financial accountability and delivering value for money.Why Choose Ackerman Pierce? Ackerman Pierce calls upon over 15 years\’ worth of experience in recruiting directly into the Social Work Sector. We can offer a unique experience within recruitment where you have your own personal consultant, a DBS and Compliance service with a quick and easy registration process. We pride ourselves on a guaranteed weekly payment process. To discuss this vacancy further or any other opportunities, please contact Elise Revett or email in your updated CV to us at Ackerman Pierce
SEND Commissioning Officer employer: Ackerman Pierce Ltd
Contact Detail:
Ackerman Pierce Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SEND Commissioning Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the SEND sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get your LinkedIn game on point! Make sure your profile is up-to-date and highlights your experience in commissioning SEND services. Join relevant groups and engage with posts to increase your visibility.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on the SEND Code of Practice and recent developments in the field. Be ready to discuss how your skills can help improve local provision and outcomes for children and young people.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities, and applying directly can give you a better chance of standing out. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way!
We think you need these skills to ace SEND Commissioning Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in commissioning SEND and related services. We want to see how your skills align with the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the SEND Commissioning Officer role. Share specific examples of your past successes in similar positions.
Showcase Your Collaboration Skills: Since this role involves working with various stakeholders, emphasise your ability to collaborate effectively. We love seeing examples of how you've built strong partnerships in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ackerman Pierce Ltd
✨Know Your SEND Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the SEND Code of Practice and any relevant statutory frameworks. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the role but also passionate about making a difference for children and young people with SEND.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully negotiated contracts or managed provider relationships in the past. This is crucial for the role, so having specific instances ready will demonstrate your capability and experience in delivering value for money.
✨Data is Your Best Friend
Be ready to talk about how you’ve used data to inform your commissioning decisions. Whether it’s interpreting performance metrics or producing reports, showing that you can leverage data effectively will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Build Those Relationships
Think about how you’ve collaborated with various stakeholders in previous roles. Be prepared to discuss your approach to building partnerships with schools, providers, and parent carers, as this is key to ensuring placements meet children's needs.