At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead SEND initiatives, improve services, and collaborate with diverse teams across Berkshire.
- Company: Join Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, rated ‘outstanding’ for care quality.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous leave, career development, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Inclusive environment with a commitment to diversity and equal opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and young people with SEND.
- Qualifications: In-depth knowledge of SEND legislation and experience in system-level leadership.
The predicted salary is between 68852 - 79638 £ per year.
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. Facilitating internal Berkshire Healthcare SEND meetings. Championing co-production and engagement with families, children and young people ensuring their voices have an impact on development of services.
Working with business and performance leads, to ensure the SEND dashboard and any other required reporting is maintained and reports submitted within required timeframes. Line-managing the CFAA EHCNA (education, health and care needs assessment) coordinators. Coordinating and reporting on quality audits and mandatory EHCNA performance targets, taking a lead on any improvement action required.
Acting 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, coordinating and overseeing 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
- 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.
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 helen.alderman@berkshire.nhs.uk or Louise Noble via louise.noble@berkshire.nhs.uk who’ll be delighted to help.
This advert closes on Wednesday 29 Jul 2026.
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme.
Strategic Lead - Special Educational Needs and Disabilities in Bracknell employer: Allscreens Nationwide Ltd
Allscreens Nationwide is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive team culture where employees are valued and encouraged to thrive. With access to state-of-the-art training facilities and opportunities for career progression, our Automotive Glazing Technicians in Birmingham can expect not only competitive bonuses but also the chance to work with the latest technology in the industry. Join us and be part of a company that prioritises both employee well-being and customer satisfaction.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Lead - Special Educational Needs and Disabilities in Bracknell
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Allscreens Nationwide Ltd!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Allscreens Nationwide Ltd.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Lead - Special Educational Needs and Disabilities in Bracknell
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Allscreens Nationwide Ltd. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Allscreens Nationwide Ltd and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Allscreens Nationwide Ltd. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Allscreens Nationwide Ltd's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Allscreens Nationwide Ltd
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Allscreens Nationwide Ltd.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Allscreens Nationwide Ltd will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Allscreens Nationwide Ltd and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
