Tribunal, Mediation & Complaints Officer in Merthyr Tydfil

Enfield (Local Authority role) Contract role Hourly rate negotiable – indicate rate sought when applying 36 hours per week.

The SEN Tribunal, Mediation and Dispute Resolution Officer will oversee Enfield's Tribunal caseload, including all pre‑hearing work and attendance at hearings.

• Plan and organise work to ensure the delivery of the responsible service aspects with minimum supervision, balancing initiative with managerial guidance, meeting statutory deadlines, and maintaining good IT skills.
• Negotiate with outstanding written and verbal communication skills and a strong eye for accuracy and detail.
• Apply knowledge and understanding of the impact of SEND tribunals on children and young people’s educational outcomes.
• Lead on developments in disagreement resolution, mediation, and tribunal practice related to the SEND Reforms.
• Undertake/support consultation procedures, identify issues, resolve as appropriate and escalate complex problems if necessary.
• Oversee and manage all complaints (including Ombudsman, MP/member enquiries) efficiently, ensuring timely correspondence and high‑quality responses.
• Collate process and analyse complex information, ensuring all required records and information are correctly maintained.
• Ensure information is managed efficiently, accurately, and that data is recorded and stored in compliance with national standards, sharing with other agencies as appropriate.
• Represent the Local Authority at SEND Tribunal Appeal hearings and mediations, drafting pleadings and following up case work.
• Maintain accurate and up‑to‑date computerised information relating to the Tribunal and Mediation cases and provide written papers for service managers, councillors, or other bodies per LA policy and legislation.
• Use management information and data to develop frameworks and policies to improve service efficiency and consistency in decision‑making (EHC assessments, plans, and annual reviews), monitoring the amount and impact of all disagreement resolution activity through liaison with case managers and staff.
• Contribute to wider SEND service aspirations, identifying opportunities for integrated multi‑agency working, and work as an effective team member.
• Respond to FOI requests relating to Tribunals and Mediation in a timely and accurate manner.
• Prepare and present results, responses, reports, and recommendations with accurate, complete, relevant information for internal and/or external use, summarising issues, progress, implications, and council position.
• Provide specialist, expert advice, opinion, interpretation, guidance and support to colleagues, service users, and partner agencies on the legislative process and framework, including decisions on whether the council opposes Tribunal appeals.