At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate Hackney's Locality Inclusion Teams to transform SEND support.
- Company: Dynamic local authority committed to equity and community values.
- Benefits: Flexible working, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a diverse team dedicated to anti-racist principles and community empowerment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives through proactive support and collaboration.
- Qualifications: Experience in leadership and a passion for inclusive education.
The predicted salary is between 37035 - 45265 £ per year.
Fixed Term Contract / Secondment Opportunity until 31/03/2028 with opportunity to extend.
Hackney is one of the most dynamic and progressive local authorities in the UK. We are a resilient, vibrant, and creative borough in the heart of London, with strong, diverse communities and a powerful set of shared values. Over the past twenty years, the Council has built up first-class services, outstanding public infrastructure, and a reputation for excellence, innovation, and ambition. We are leading the way on essential work such as our fight for equity in Hackney with a particular focus on becoming an actively anti-racist borough. But the work doesn’t stop there; we are proactive in our approach to bringing fairness to all aspects of life including gender, neurodiversity and across the poverty divide.
Experts at Hand (Locality Inclusion Teams)
Hackney’s Locality Inclusion Teams (LIT) form our innovative “Experts at Hand” service, bringing together a dedicated multi-disciplinary network of Educational Psychologists, Speech & Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and Specialist Teachers to transform local SEND provision and build capacity. Designed to shift the system away from reactive statutory assessments, our LIT workforce delivers early, proactive, and data-driven support directly to schools, early years settings, and community hubs across four borough localities. By offering readily accessible advice, targeted interventions, and strategic guidance, our “Experts at Hand” build workforce capacity, strengthen inclusive environments, and ensure children, young people, and their families receive seamless, high-quality support at the earliest possible stage.
Experts at Hand Service Lead
The Experts at Hand Service Lead will hold a pivotal system-leadership role, responsible for operationally launching, scaling, and evaluating Hackney’s Locality Inclusion Teams (LITs) to deliver our innovative “Experts at Hand” offer. Reporting to the Principal Educational Psychologist and working closely with the SEND Reform Programme Manager, you will direct a transdisciplinary workforce across education and health specialisms, driving a shift from statutory-led assessments toward a proactive, data-driven, early-intervention model. Across Hackney’s four localities, you will build workforce capacity in mainstream settings, establish streamlined single-point-of-access pathways, oversee joint-commissioning partnerships, and deploy targeted support menus grounded in systemic, trauma-informed, anti-racist principles to ensure every child with additional needs thrives without unnecessary statutory escalation.
If you would like to find out more information, please email Ed.chilton@hackney.gov.uk.
As a Council, our most outstanding asset is our staff, who are highly dedicated to serving our residents and committed to our goals as an organisation. We operate a fair and open anonymous selection process. Therefore, we do not accept supporting statements or CVs. This application process replaces a supporting statement.
Closing date for applications: 20 September 2026 (22:59)
Interview date: W/c 05 October 2026
Please note, we reserve the right to close applications early if we receive a high volume of applications. We are also working towards our vision, which is to be a place for everyone; where residents and staff can be proud. In order to achieve this, we are seeking individuals who embody our “PROUD” values: Purpose and Respect, where we foster belonging through active inclusion, kindness, and open dialogue; Ownership, where we champion proactive collaboration and accountability for our shared success; and Unity and Diversity, where we work as one Council to break down silos and champion anti-racist behaviour.
Hackney Council works to eradicate discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. We also recognise that people can be disadvantaged by their social and economic circumstances, so we will also work to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage caused by social class. We also welcome those interested in flexible working. We particularly welcome applications from disabled people, as this group is currently underrepresented in our workforce.
The Council has a dedicated employment support service (Hackney Works), which offers Hackney residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you are thinking about applying for a job, please contact the Hackney Works team to find out what support is available: hackneyworks@hackney.gov.uk.
Service Lead – Experts at Hand employer: Hackney Borough Council
Hackney Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for its staff. With a strong commitment to the welfare of children and young people, employees benefit from professional growth opportunities, a culture of collaboration, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the community. The Council's PROUD values promote respect, ownership, and unity, ensuring that all staff feel valued and empowered in their roles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Lead – Experts at Hand
✨Get Engaged in Local Politics
Dive into your local council meetings or community boards. These spaces are packed with people who are already in the public sector and might have insider tips on upcoming temporary roles. Plus, you can connect directly with key decision-makers.
✨Stay Alert for Seasonal Recruitment
Many public sector jobs ramp up during certain times of the year, especially around election seasons or local budget planning periods. Keep your eyes peeled for recruitment drives during these windows, as they're prime times for temporary positions.
✨Leverage Online Job Portals
Don’t forget to check government job boards or websites like the local council's site for temporary postings. This is where many roles first get advertised, and applying directly here can speed things up.
✨Tap Into Your University Resources
If you're at university, make the most of your career services to discover opportunities in the public sector. They often have connections with local government employers who are looking for temporary staff and can help you polish your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Service Lead – Experts at Hand
Some tips for your application 🫡
Emphasise your understanding of public policy:In your application, make sure to highlight any knowledge or experience you have related to public policy, governance or community engagement. Show us how you can contribute to the public sector’s mission, especially if you've worked on relevant projects or initiatives before!
Tailor your CV to the sector's expectations:When crafting your CV, focus on including experiences that showcase your ability to work within government structures or similar environments. Use clear, concise language and consider adding any volunteer work or internships that reflect your commitment to public service.
Show flexibility and willingness to learn:Since this is a temporary role, it’s crucial to convey your adaptability and eagerness to pick up new skills quickly. In your cover letter, let us know how you plan to make the most of this short-term experience and what you hope to learn from it.
Include relevant certificates and training:If you've completed any training or have certifications that are relevant to the role (like public administration, project management, or data analysis), don't forget to mention them. These can really make you stand out in the application process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hackney Borough Council
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Public Service
In the government and public sector, showing that you're genuinely passionate about serving the community is key. Get ready to share examples where you've contributed to social good or tackled community issues, as this will resonate with interviewers from Hackney Borough Council.
✨Prepare for Policy and Regulatory Questions
Expect questions about policies, regulations, or recently implemented government initiatives. Brush up on the latest news relating to public sector developments—being informed will help you demonstrate that you're ready to hit the ground running, especially in a temporary role.
✨Flexibility is Your Best Friend
Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly. Share examples where you've successfully taken on new challenges or adjusted to different team dynamics, that'll show Hackney Borough Council that you’re reliable and can effectively support various projects without a long onboarding process.
✨Prepare to Showcase Teamwork Skills
In the public sector, collaboration is vital. Be ready to discuss past experiences working in teams, especially in diverse environments. Highlight how you've contributed positively to group settings—this could really set you apart from other candidates in this temporary role.
