At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and transform SEND services to improve education for all children and young people.
- Company: Dudley Council, dedicated to enhancing life chances for children and families.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team committed to safeguarding and promoting welfare.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education and inclusion in a supportive and ambitious environment.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in SEND, strategic thinking, and a passion for education.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 € per year.
Are you an inspirational, values‑driven professional with a passion for improving the life chances for children and young people? Dudley Council is embarking on a bold and ambitious transformation journey, and we are seeking an exceptional Principal Lead – SEND to play a vital role in shaping the future of education and inclusion across our borough. This is a pivotal position at the heart of our Children and Young People service.
With your Associate Director and colleagues, you will drive Dudley’s strategic approach to education inclusion and SEND, ensuring that every child and young person, whatever their needs or background can access high‑quality education, support, and opportunity.
In this strategic leadership role, you will:
- Provide high quality strategic and operational leadership and management to Special Educational Need and Disabilities (SEND) services
- Lead and manage inclusive teams, fostering high performance and ensuring services are compliant, meet legal, statutory and governance requirements
- Translate strategic intent into effective and high-quality operational delivery, either through direct delivery or through robust commissioning arrangements across Education, Health and Social Care and in partnership with relevant services
- Support the development and delivery of the Children’s Services Improvement Plan and the SEND Improvement Plan, embedding a culture of financial responsibility, a children and family focus and service excellence
Who we are looking for: You will be a strategic, politically astute leader with a track record of delivering transformation in complex organisations; someone who inspires teams, builds strong partnerships, understands education/SEND legislation, and brings energy, integrity, and ambition. If you are driven to make a real impact for children, families, and schools across Dudley, we want to hear from you.
The closing date for applications is Midnight, Sunday 7th June 2026. The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable groups and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults; therefore, the post is subject to medical clearance and an enhanced DBS check.
Principal Lead – SEND employer: Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council
Dudley Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to transforming the lives of children and young people through inclusive education. With a strong commitment to professional development, our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and high performance, ensuring that every team member can contribute meaningfully to our ambitious goals. Located in a vibrant community, we offer unique opportunities to make a lasting impact while enjoying a supportive environment that prioritises the welfare of both staff and the families we serve.
Contact Detail:
Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Lead – SEND
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the education and SEND sectors, attend relevant events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Dudley Council and their current initiatives. Show them you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for improving life chances for children and young people. Tailor your responses to reflect their values and mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've driven transformation in previous roles. Highlight your strategic thinking and ability to inspire teams, as these are key qualities they’re looking for.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Lead – SEND
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for improving the life chances of children and young people shine through. We want to see how your values align with our mission at Dudley Council.
Be Specific About Your Experience:Highlight your previous experience in leading SEND services or similar roles. We’re looking for concrete examples of how you’ve driven transformation and made a real impact in complex organisations.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the job description. Use the language from the posting to demonstrate that you understand the role and its requirements. This shows us you’re genuinely interested!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest SEND legislation and best practices. Familiarise yourself with Dudley Council’s strategic goals and how they align with your vision for education inclusion. This will show that you’re not just a candidate, but someone who genuinely understands the landscape.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach and how you inspire teams. Think of specific examples where you’ve successfully led inclusive teams or driven transformation in complex organisations. This is your chance to demonstrate your political astuteness and ability to build strong partnerships.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific challenges related to SEND services. Prepare scenarios that highlight your problem-solving skills and your ability to translate strategic intent into effective operational delivery. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Safeguarding
Since safeguarding is a key focus for Dudley Council, be prepared to discuss your understanding of safeguarding practices and how you’ve implemented them in previous roles. Show that you prioritise the welfare of children and vulnerable adults in all aspects of your work.
