At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Experts At Hand programme to improve support for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
- Company: Calderdale Council, committed to innovation and inclusion.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, professional development, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team dedicated to transforming lives and promoting inclusion.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education and health services for young people in Calderdale.
- Qualifications: Experience in programme management and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Post Ref: CC975
Please note: Internal, at risk or redeployee applicants will be seen in the first instance.
Please note: Internal applicants applying for a secondment opportunity must have approval from their line manager before submitting an application.
This is a great opportunity to position the role as a high-profile transformation and system leadership post.
We're looking for an exceptional Programme Manager to lead the delivery of Calderdale's innovative Experts At Hand programme, a key part of the Government's SEND reform agenda.
This is a unique opportunity to shape how education, health and care services work together to improve outcomes for children and young people aged 0-25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
Working across Calderdale Council, NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, schools, early years settings, colleges, voluntary organisations and families, you will drive the development and implementation of a sustainable model that strengthens inclusion and provides earlier support for children and young people.
About the Role
As the senior operational lead for the programme, you will
- Lead the delivery of Calderdale's Experts At Hand programme.
- Bring together partners across education, health, social care and the voluntary sector.
- Manage a programme budget of approximately £2 million.
- Develop governance, performance management and evaluation arrangements.
- Drive system-wide change to improve inclusion and support in mainstream settings.
- Champion co-production with children, young people and families.
- Report to senior leaders, partnership boards and national stakeholders.
About You
We're looking for someone with
- Significant programme or project management experience.
- A proven track record of delivering complex multi-agency transformation programmes.
- Strong leadership, influencing and partnership-building skills.
- Knowledge of SEND, inclusion, education, health or public service transformation.
- Experience managing substantial budgets and resources.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
- A commitment to improving outcomes for children, young people and families.
Why Calderdale?
This is an opportunity to lead one of Calderdale's most significant transformation programmes, helping create a more inclusive system where children and young people receive the right support at the right time.
You’ll join a collaborative partnership committed to innovation, inclusion and improving lives, while benefiting from flexible hybrid working and the chance to make a lasting impact across the borough.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expect all staff to share this commitment.
Applicants to posts that are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act will require a DBS from the Disclosure and Barring Service before the appointment is confirmed.
Interview Date: Tuesday 8th September 2026
This role is based in the UK.
Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa.
If you do not have the right to work in the UK, you must consider your own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the Skilled Worker visa route before applying.
To be eligible for sponsorship you'll usually need to be paid the standard salary rate of at least £41,700 per year (unless exceptions apply) and meet the other eligibility criteria.
Ensure you are eligible before applying.
Calderdale will reimburse the post holders required professional membership, annually.
We may utilise digital interview methods.
As part of our Vision (https://www. calderdale. gov. uk/vision/) we aim to be a talented, resilient and inclusive community.
We welcome applications from all and offer a variety of flexible working / job share opportunities.
All applications are anonymised before being seen by the selection panel.
As part of our fair recruitment process, we ask that all applications are written by the candidate and that Artificial Intelligence (AI) use is limited, unless assistance is required as a reasonable adjustment for a disability.
Content should be truthful, accurate, evidence based and not embellished - see guidance.
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SEND Experts At Hand Programme Manager in Halifax employer: Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council
Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to enhancing the health and wellbeing of its community. With a strong focus on employee development, you will have access to extensive training opportunities and the chance to make a tangible impact in public health while working in the picturesque South Pennines. The council fosters a collaborative work culture that values diversity and inclusivity, ensuring that every team member can contribute meaningfully to improving health outcomes for all citizens.
Contact Details:
Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEND Experts At Hand Programme Manager in Halifax
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We think you need these skills to ace SEND Experts At Hand Programme Manager in Halifax
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council.
