At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage SEND Tribunal cases, prepare evidence, and represent the council in hearings.
- Company: Lancashire County Council, committed to inclusive and child-centred practices.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, 26 days annual leave, pension scheme, and staff discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your professional skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEND, strong communication skills, and a relevant qualification.
- Other info: Ongoing professional development and a supportive work culture.
The predicted salary is between 46142 - 51356 £ per year.
Salary: £46,142-£51,356 per annum. Permanent, full time, 37 hours per week. Inclusion Service. Lancashire, Hybrid/Countywide. Pay Award pending.
International Sponsorship: This role is not open to international sponsorship.
About The Role: As Tribunal Officer, you will manage and oversee SEND Tribunal cases from early resolution through to formal hearings. You will review complex case documentation, coordinate and prepare evidence, attend tribunal hearings and mediation sessions, and represent Lancashire County Council professionally and effectively. You will work closely with families, schools, SEND colleagues, legal services and multi‑agency partners to promote early dispute resolution and constructive problem‑solving wherever possible. You will provide expert advice on SEND legislation, tribunal procedures and statutory compliance, supporting colleagues to deliver consistent and well‑reasoned responses. In addition to case management, you will maintain accurate records, analyse tribunal trends and outcomes, and produce reports that inform service planning and improvement. You will also support the development of mediation skills across the SEND service, embedding reflective and child‑centred practice.
About You:
- Extensive experience working with children, young people and families, ideally within SEND.
- Strong understanding of the SEND Code of Practice, the Children and Families Act 2014 and tribunal processes.
- Confidence managing complex and high‑risk cases, analysing detailed evidence and presenting information clearly and persuasively.
- Excellent communication skills; able to engage a wide range of stakeholders including families, schools, legal professionals and internal teams.
- Skilled in mediation and conflict resolution.
- Organised, resilient, adaptable, with a balance of technical expertise and empathy.
- Committed to inclusive practice, fairness and continuous improvement.
- Holds a professional or degree‑level qualification or equivalent experience.
- Must provide a vehicle insured for business use; post is essential car‑user.
Why Join Us: 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. Additional benefits include the Local Government Pension Scheme, Employee Assistance Programme and a range of staff discounts and salary‑sacrifice benefits. Development: Ongoing CPD, reflective supervision, opportunities to deepen SEND, legal and mediation expertise. The service values learning, peer support and professional development.
How To Apply: Please submit your application demonstrating how you meet the criteria outlined in the job description and person specification. Include a supporting statement and resume. We look forward to welcoming a professional who shares our commitment to fair, lawful and child‑centred SEND practice.
Post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013). Successful applicants will need to apply to the Disclosure and Barring Service for a 'disclosure'.
SEND - Tribunal Officer employer: Lancashire County Council
Contact Detail:
Lancashire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SEND - Tribunal Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the SEND field, 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 brushing up on your knowledge of SEND legislation and tribunal processes. We recommend practising common interview questions with a friend or mentor to boost your confidence and ensure you can articulate your experience effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your mediation and conflict resolution skills during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've successfully navigated challenging situations in the past. This will demonstrate your ability to handle complex cases, which is crucial for the Tribunal Officer role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team and contributing to our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace SEND - Tribunal Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your extensive experience working with children, young people, and families, especially in SEND. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on those relevant examples!
Know Your Legislation: Familiarise yourself with the SEND Code of Practice and the Children and Families Act 2014. We’re looking for someone who can demonstrate a strong understanding of these laws, so weave that knowledge into your application.
Be Clear and Persuasive: When presenting your information, clarity is key! Use straightforward language to explain your case management skills and how you handle complex situations. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read.
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 the role. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lancashire County Council
✨Know Your SEND Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the SEND Code of Practice and the Children and Families Act 2014. Being able to discuss these in detail will show your understanding of the legal framework and how it applies to tribunal processes.
✨Prepare for Complex Case Scenarios
Think about some complex cases you've managed in the past. Be ready to discuss how you approached them, the evidence you reviewed, and how you engaged with families and other stakeholders. This will demonstrate your analytical skills and ability to handle high-risk situations.
✨Showcase Your Mediation Skills
Since mediation is a key part of this role, prepare examples of how you've successfully resolved conflicts in the past. Highlight your communication skills and how you fostered collaboration among different parties to reach a resolution.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the team. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the organisation's values align with yours, especially regarding inclusive practice and continuous improvement.