Principal Consultant – Children’s Services & SEND

At Channel 3, we are united by a clear sense of purpose: we exist to help the health and care sector improve lives by transforming models of care and support, putting digital and data at the heart of that transformation. We think about what comes Now, Next and in the Future to change public services. This is an exciting time for us at Channel 3 as we continue to grow our impact. We are on a journey to becoming the most sought‑after consultancy for talented individuals who want to make a difference in health, care and education. Our success is underpinned by the exceptional talent and passion of our team. We work hard to create an environment where everyone feels supported to learn, develop, and have fun!

The Role

We are looking for an innovative and analytical individual to lead delivery of tangible results working in partnership with our clients, with a particular focus on local authority Children’s Services and SEND (CS&E). You will be a committed team player with leadership ability to motivate, support and develop our people and inspire our clients. You will contribute to the growth of our CS&E practice and Channel 3 more widely by supporting our people to do what we do even better.

What would be expected of me as a Principal Consultant?

• Project Delivery: Leading transformation programmes/projects and complex consultancy engagements within Children’s Services and SEND, embedding digital at the heart of change. Managing multiple workstreams and teams to deliver improved outcomes and measurable return on investment. Overseeing the approach to client workshops, meetings and presentations, ensuring clarity and impact. Ensuring all deliverables meet or exceed client expectations and are aligned to strategic objectives.
• Client Engagement: Acting as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders within local authorities and partner organisations. Building and nurturing strong client relationships, proactively managing stakeholder expectations. Communicating confidently and effectively with stakeholders at all levels, including elected members and senior officers, and ensuring people who use services are at the heart of designing and implementing new ways of working.
• Knowledge and Innovation: Bringing skills, knowledge and expertise in Children’s Services and SEND to enhance delivery and shape innovative solutions. Maintaining awareness of sector developments, statutory requirements, and good practice in CS&E. Supporting the creation of new approaches and tools that leverage technological advances to improve experiences and outcomes for people who use services, practitioners and leaders.
• Business Development: Contributing to the development of new client relationships and opportunities within CS&E. Making significant contributions to proposals and bids, ensuring solutions reflect client needs and deliver value. Supporting senior leadership with key client partnerships and strategic growth initiatives.
• Quality Assurance and Practice Development: Ensuring robust quality assurance processes across all engagements. Driving practice improvement by sharing knowledge and mentoring colleagues. Acting as a role model for Channel 3 values and behaviours.

Who would we like to hear from?

We would like to hear from candidates who have:

• Extensive experience in delivering change in Children’s Services and/or SEND, ideally within local government or consultancy.
• A proven track record of leading complex change and transformation programmes.
• Strong consulting skills and the ability to influence senior stakeholders.
• Knowledge of local authority structures, statutory frameworks, and business processes.
• An interest in digital transformation and its role in improving outcomes for children and families.
• Highly effective written and oral communication skills, with the ability to produce high-quality reports and presentations.
• People management experience, with a passion for developing and mentoring colleagues.
• Strong ethics and integrity, acting as a role model to others.

Professional Development

The ongoing professional development of our employees is important to us, and we empower our teams to build learning and development experiences into their everyday rhythm – whether through on-the-job learning, working alongside talented colleagues, or accessing accredited training courses and internal programmes.

What are the perks of working at Channel 3?

In addition to offering a competitive salary, commission, and bonus package, we also offer:

• Home-based and hybrid working
• Part-time and flexible working opportunities
• 25 days holiday allowance + bank holidays (up to 28 days for long service)
• Contributory workplace pension
• Life insurance (death in service)
• Health cash plan
• Employee assistance programme
• Enhanced family leave and sickness policies
• Retail and lifestyle discounts
• Cycle to work scheme
• Regional office locations
• Company socials and team building activities

At Channel 3, we recognise that strength lies in valuing differences. We are committed to building a diverse team and providing equal opportunities to all employees. All appointments and promotions are based on performance and ability.