At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Access to Resources Team to ensure children with SEND access quality provision.
- Company: Lancashire County Council, committed to improving outcomes for children and young people.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, flexible hours, 26 days annual leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive culture focused on inclusivity and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives while shaping a sustainable SEND provider market.
- Qualifications: Significant leadership experience in SEND or education and a degree-level qualification.
The predicted salary is between 46142 - 51356 € per year.
Inclusion Service – Lancashire County Council
Salary: £46,142 – £51,356 (Grade 10)
Location: Lancashire (Hybrid / Countywide)
Lead the System That Secures the Right Provision. Shape a Market That Works for Children.
If you are an experienced SEND or commissioning leader who thrives on complex decision‑making, market shaping and ensuring children access the right provision at the right time, this role offers a unique opportunity to make a county‑wide impact.
Lancashire’s Inclusion Service is committed to ensuring children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities access high‑quality, safe and sustainable provision that meets need and delivers positive outcomes. Central to this ambition is our Access to Resources Team (ART).
As SEND Access to Resources Manager, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for placement finding, contract monitoring and market intelligence — overseeing high‑risk, high‑cost provision and shaping a resilient provider market that supports both statutory delivery and long‑term sustainability.
This is a role where your leadership directly influences quality, value for money and outcomes for children and young people across Lancashire.
About the Role
You will lead the Access to Resources Team, providing clear direction, strong governance and professional oversight across placement finding, provider oversight and market management. You will ensure that children and young people access appropriate, high‑quality provision — including Independent Non‑Maintained Special Schools (INMSS) — in a timely, lawful and value‑for‑money way.
Your role will involve overseeing high‑risk and high‑cost placements, leading quality assurance and improvement activity, and escalating concerns appropriately, including engagement with the Department for Education and Ofsted where required. You will resolve complex provider issues, complaints and placement challenges, working closely with Inclusion, Education, Commissioning, Finance and Legal colleagues.
You will play a key role in shaping the SEND provider market, using intelligence and data to inform sufficiency planning, mitigate risk and support sustainable provision that meets current and future need. This is a highly collaborative role requiring strong leadership, sound judgement and the confidence to operate in high‑pressure environments.
About You
You will bring significant leadership experience within SEND, education, commissioning or Children’s Services, alongside a strong understanding of the SEND legal framework, including the Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice.
You are confident managing complex, high‑risk and high‑cost provision and working with external providers within financial, governance and regulatory frameworks. You understand market management, contract monitoring and provider sustainability, and you are comfortable analysing intelligence to inform strategic decision‑making.
As a leader, you are calm, resilient and values‑driven. You communicate clearly, influence effectively and work collaboratively across organisational boundaries. You bring professional integrity, strong judgement and a relentless focus on quality, outcomes and value for money.
You will hold a degree‑level qualification or equivalent relevant professional experience. This is an essential car user post and you must be able to provide a vehicle insured for business use.
Why Join Us?
A workplace built on trust, balance and flexibility. We offer hybrid working, flexible hours and a culture that prioritises wellbeing. You’ll receive 26 days’ annual leave (rising to 32 with service), 10 bank holidays and the option to purchase additional leave. You will also benefit from the Local Government Pension Scheme, access to our Employee Assistance Programme and a wide range of staff discounts and salary‑sacrifice benefits.
Development that grows with you
You’ll be supported with ongoing professional development and opportunities to influence system‑wide improvement across SEND and education services. We value reflective leadership, learning and continuous improvement at every level.
A culture grounded in inclusivity
We work collaboratively, support one another and stay focused on what matters most — improving outcomes for children and young people. You’ll join a service that values integrity, innovation and shared responsibility.
How to Apply
Please use your application to demonstrate how you meet the criteria outlined in the Job Description and Person Specification. Attach your supporting statement and resume. We look forward to welcoming a leader who shares our commitment to high‑quality, sustainable SEND provision.
Closing Date: TBC
Interviews: TBC
The post you are applying for is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013). If successful you will be required to apply to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) for a 'disclosure'. Further information can be found on the 'Our Recruitment Process' tab.
You will be required to provide a car for use in connection with the duties of this post and must be insured for business use. However, we may consider you if you cannot drive because of a disability.
SEND Access to Resources Manager | Inclusion Service employer: Lancashire County Council
Lancashire County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and flexible work environment that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With a strong commitment to inclusivity and collaboration, employees benefit from generous leave entitlements, access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, and ongoing development opportunities that empower them to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities across the county.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEND Access to Resources Manager | Inclusion Service
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the SEND and education sectors. Attend local events or webinars to meet people who can give you insights or even refer you to opportunities. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the latest trends in SEND provision and be ready to discuss how you can shape a resilient provider market. Show them you’re not just a candidate, but a future leader who can make a real impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you stand out. Plus, applying directly means you’ll be in the best position to showcase your skills and experience tailored to what we’re looking for.
We think you need these skills to ace SEND Access to Resources Manager | Inclusion Service
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for SEND and improving outcomes for children shine through. We want to see how your experiences align with our mission and how you can make a difference in Lancashire.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences meet the specific criteria outlined in the job description. We love it when candidates connect their background directly to what we’re looking for!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and focus on communicating your ideas effectively. Remember, less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details 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 Lancashire County Council
✨Know Your SEND Framework
Make sure you brush up on the SEND legal framework, especially the Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice. Being able to discuss these confidently will show your understanding of the landscape and how it impacts decision-making.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience in SEND or commissioning. Think about specific situations where you’ve led teams through complex challenges or improved outcomes for children and young people. This will demonstrate your capability to lead the Access to Resources Team effectively.
✨Understand Market Management
Familiarise yourself with market shaping and provider sustainability. Be ready to discuss how you would use data and intelligence to inform strategic decisions and mitigate risks in high-cost placements. This knowledge is crucial for the role and will set you apart.
✨Communicate Clearly and Collaboratively
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Since this role requires collaboration across various departments, be prepared to discuss how you’ve successfully worked with others in the past. Highlight your ability to influence and engage stakeholders effectively.
