Head of Disability Services in Bradford

We are seeking an inspiring and strategic leader to join us as Head of Disability Services, driving forward an outstanding, inclusive support provision that enables every student to thrive. This pivotal role offers the opportunity to shape and deliver high-quality, student-centred services, ensuring that learners with additional needs are fully supported to achieve their potential and progress into further study or employment. As a key member of our leadership team, you will champion equality, diversity and inclusion, lead on statutory SEND provision, and work collaboratively across the college and with external partners to create a truly inclusive environment where all students can succeed. The postholder will also be the College’s expert on all aspects of SEND and Disability provision and will fulfil the role of Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead. This is a full-time role working 37 hours per week.

Responsibilities include:

• Implement the Bradford College vision for an outstanding service aligned to the 4-year strategy and informed by market research, staff, student and parental feedback, feeder schools and the wider community needs.
• Support curriculum in the delivery of the College strategy and strategic action plans and departmental business plan for Disability Services.
• Work with all relevant local authorities to ensure that place‑planning and funding arrangements allow the college to deliver an outstanding student experience.
• Implement College policies on Equality, Diversity & Inclusion to ensure compliance in all areas of the curriculum and ensure it meets statutory requirements.
• Ensure robust planning for and delivery of all Education Health & Care Plans (EHCP), leading to improved outcomes and individualised support for students.
• Support the effective implementation of quality assurance activities relating to Disability Services.
• Implement and review staff development processes to improve the understanding of learner needs.
• Constantly strive to improve the student experience to further extend their opportunities and progression to further study or employment.
• Respond to national, regional and local policies by developing innovative models of delivery and monitoring their effectiveness.
• Work in partnership with the Quality team to identify, develop and implement appropriate quality initiatives.
• Identify best practice and disseminate this to staff to maximise student experience.
• Provide assurance that resources identified to support students are used for high-quality, evidence-based interventions that support the development of student independence, achievement and progression.
• Define and deliver the departmental budget.
• Identify and monitor resource requirements to maintain and improve Disability Services across the College.
• Identify and implement opportunities to increase revenue streams and maximise funding.
• Ensure the overall distribution of funds to students in accordance with the funding criteria and categories relating to such funds, ensuring that all funds are maximised.

The Ideal Candidate

Our ideal candidate will be a learner and quality-focused with a commitment to our vision of working together to transform lives. You should be able to contribute to our journey to Outstanding, creating a positive working and study environment, and Equity, Diversity & Inclusion should be embedded within your core values. We particularly encourage applications from candidates who identify as Black, Asian or from an ethnic minority background, as these groups are currently underrepresented within our management roles. As part of the hiring process, all shortlisted candidates will be required to complete a psychometric test, which will provide valuable insight into your potential fit within Bradford College.

Education & Training

• GCSE 4 – 9 or equivalent level 2 qualification in Maths, or be prepared to pass a test before the interview to demonstrate level 2 ability, and then, if appointed, achieve within an agreed timescale.
• GCSE 4 - 9 or equivalent level 2 qualification in English, or be prepared to pass a test before the interview to demonstrate level 2 ability, and then, if appointed, achieve within an agreed timescale.
• Relevant degree or Level 5 professional qualification. A Level 3 Safeguarding Qualification is desirable but not essential.

Experience

• Demonstrable experience of leading a student support agenda in an academic environment.
• Sound knowledge of learning support funding mechanisms.
• Ability to lead partnerships to develop curriculum and funding opportunities.
• High level of understanding of external inspection frameworks and Academic Regulations.
• Experience in managing people and resources, including a budget.
• Evidence of commitment to high standards of student attendance, punctuality and performance.
• Excellent understanding of Equality legislation and the legal requirements of institutions concerning this.
• Understanding of external auditing bodies and regulatory inspections.
• Experience in curriculum design and development within discrete SEND provision.
• Demonstrable experience of implementing an Equality and Diversity strategy.

Benefits of working at Bradford College

• Generous annual leave entitlement – equivalent to 30 days of holidays, plus bank holidays.
• Additional college closure days, including a 2-week Christmas closure.
• West Yorkshire Pension Scheme, with a generous 18% employer contribution.
• Annual salary reviews.
• Career progression opportunities – 54% of all vacancies are filled internally.
• Free sports and gym facilities.
• Free wellbeing initiatives and access to our exclusive staff indoor and outdoor wellbeing space.
• Confidential employee assistance service and on-site mental health first aiders.
• Access to Bradford College benefits hub, offering retail, travel, leisure and dining discounts and cashback.
• Discounts on greener travel – cycle to work scheme & local MetroCard and Northern Rail discounts.
• Access to hair and beauty treatments in our student‑led Signature Spa.
• On‑site dining facilities, including our award‑winning Grove restaurant.
• A host of training development opportunities.
• Fantastic campus facilities, a short walk to public transport links in the heart of the City of Culture 2025.
• The opportunity to work for an organisation that is truly committed to creating a better future for all through education and training.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults and expect staff and volunteers to share this commitment. In line with our statutory safeguarding requirements detailed in Keeping Children Safe in Education legislation, this role is subject to an enhanced DBS check, employment references, health screening and social media search. Please be aware that it is a criminal offence to apply for this post if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity in connection with children and vulnerable adults.