At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead projects to enhance SEND services for children and young people.
- Company: Join Lancashire County Council's dynamic Children and Families Commissioning Service.
- Benefits: Supportive environment, competitive pay, and flexible working arrangements.
- Other info: Opportunity for contract extension and professional growth in a meaningful role.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
- Qualifications: Experience in SEND commissioning and strong collaboration skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Lancashire County Council is seeking an experienced SEND Commissioning Officer to join its Children and Families Commissioning Service. Based at County Hall, Preston, this is an exciting opportunity for a skilled commissioning professional to support the development and delivery of high-quality SEND services across the local area.
The successful candidate will play a key role in commissioning services that improve outcomes for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Working closely with education, health, and social care partners, you will support the delivery of strategic priorities, develop effective commissioning arrangements, and contribute to service improvements across the SEND system.
This role requires attendance at County Hall, Preston, for a minimum of two days per week, with additional office attendance as required. The initial contract is for 3 months, with the potential for extension through to 31st December 2026.
Main Duties:- Manage and support SEND commissioning projects across Children and Families Services
- Work collaboratively with health, education, and social care partners to develop and deliver commissioned services
- Support the implementation of SEND commissioning strategies and service improvement initiatives
- Analyse service needs, performance data, and outcomes to inform commissioning decisions
- Develop and maintain positive working relationships with key stakeholders and partner organisations
- Monitor commissioned services to ensure quality, value for money, and positive outcomes for children and young people
- Contribute to contract management, performance monitoring, and service reviews
- Prepare reports, briefings, and commissioning documentation for senior leaders and partnership boards
- Support the delivery of strategic SEND priorities within agreed timescales
- Work effectively within a multi-agency environment to drive continuous improvement
- Ensure commissioning activity complies with relevant legislation, policies, and statutory guidance
- Support market development and engagement with providers across the SEND sector
- Experience working within SEND commissioning, SEND transformation, or a related commissioning role
- Strong knowledge and understanding of SEND legislation, policy, and commissioning frameworks
- Experience working collaboratively with health and education partners
- Excellent stakeholder management and partnership-working skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver work to tight deadlines
- Experience producing reports, business cases, and commissioning documentation
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Experience supporting service development, transformation, or improvement programmes
- Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a wider commissioning team
- Availability to attend County Hall, Preston, a minimum of two days per week and as required by the service
With over 10 years’ experience in SEND and public sector recruitment, Ackerman Pierce provides a dedicated and supportive service throughout your placement. Each candidate is assigned a consultant for full support from registration through to completion of assignment. We offer a fast and efficient onboarding process, DBS assistance, and weekly pay.
To discuss this SEND Commissioning Officer (Lancashire) role, please contact Ella Hajittofis or send your updated CV today.
SEND Commissioning Officer employer: Ackerman Pierce Ltd
Lancashire County Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises the development of high-quality services for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). With opportunities for professional growth and a commitment to continuous improvement, employees can expect to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a flexible working environment at County Hall in Preston. The council values its staff, providing comprehensive support throughout their roles, ensuring a rewarding and fulfilling career path.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEND Commissioning Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the SEND sector on LinkedIn or at local events. Building connections can lead to insider info about job openings and even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in SEND commissioning. We want you to show that you're not just knowledgeable but also passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of SEND Commissioning Officer. Highlight your collaborative skills and ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. 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 is tailored to the SEND Commissioning Officer role. Highlight your experience in SEND commissioning and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm, so let your personality come through!
Showcase Your Collaboration Skills:Since this role involves working closely with health, education, and social care partners, make sure to highlight your teamwork experience. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others to achieve common goals.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ackerman Pierce Ltd
✨Know Your SEND Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of SEND legislation and commissioning frameworks. Being able to discuss specific policies and how they impact service delivery will show that you're not just familiar with the role, but genuinely passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Since this role involves working closely with health, education, and social care partners, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past. Highlight any projects where you’ve built strong relationships and achieved positive results through teamwork.
✨Prepare for Data Discussions
Analytical skills are key for this position, so be prepared to discuss how you've used data to inform commissioning decisions. Bring examples of how you've analysed performance data or service needs to drive improvements, as this will demonstrate your ability to make data-driven decisions.
✨Practice Your Reporting Skills
You'll likely need to prepare reports and briefings for senior leaders, so practice summarising complex information clearly and concisely. Think about how you can present your past experiences in a way that highlights your ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
