Head of SEND in Liverpool

Liverpool is home to vibrant, energetic, and engaged communities, people who take real ownership of their local area and are passionate about making our city a better place. We have ambitious targets to meet and we need people who are driven, dynamic and ready to deliver the very best for our communities. Public service is more important than ever, and this role represents a real opportunity to make a difference to our communities by transforming the way we work and placing our residents at the heart of everything we do.

Working at Liverpool City Council provides an opportunity to contribute to your community and make a positive impact on the lives of residents. Our values shape how we work to deliver public services, and how we communicate with the residents we serve. We care about the best outcomes for local people, through our public services. We are proud of our world-famous thriving city with its rich culture, as well as affordable housing, good schools, beautiful green spaces – there’s really something for everyone!

Our Practice Model – “Our City, Our Children, Together” – was chosen by colleagues, parents and carers, children, and young people to reflect our collective commitment to working collaboratively. It is more than just a practice model; it is a shared vision. Every part of this model has been co-produced with the people who access and deliver our services. It represents our values, our relationships, and our belief that, by working together, we can create the best outcomes for children, young people, and their networks. This is a model we can be proud of and one that truly belongs to all of us.

The role: Are you driven to improve outcomes for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) across an entire local area? Do you have the strategic leadership skills to shape vision, raise standards, and champion inclusive practice at a system level? We are seeking an experienced and inspirational Head of SEND to lead our SEND services in Liverpool. This is a pivotal opportunity to influence policy, strengthen partnerships, and ensure high-quality provision for children and young people aged 0–25 with SEND, enabling them to thrive and achieve their full potential.

Key responsibilities:

• The role of Head of SEND will provide high-quality services for children and young people aged 0–25 with SEND, working with partners to meet statutory duties and drive best practice across all provision.
• As Head of SEND, you will drive high-quality, collaborative practice across education, health, care, families and partners, using evidence of need to shape provision, improve outcomes and support effective transitions for children and young people 0–25.
• The post holder will provide strategic leadership for SEND, ensuring statutory duties are met, funding is well-managed, and services align with legislation, national policy and the SEND Code of Practice.
• The role of Head of SEND will strengthen partnerships and governance, maintaining strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring effective communication, reporting, and representation at local and regional levels to support continuous improvement.
• As Head of SEND, you will have demonstrable knowledge as a highly effective communicator and leader, able to motivate teams, influence stakeholders at all levels, navigate political environments, and build strong networks to translate strategic vision into high-quality delivery.
• The post holder will have proven strategic SEND leadership, with experience in senior management, driving large-scale improvement, understanding inspection frameworks, SEND reforms, funding, and delivering positive outcomes for children and young people through strong partnership working and effective budget oversight.

Our offer to you:

• At least 31 days holiday, plus bank holidays, rising to 35 after 5 years’ service (pro rata if part time).
• Agile working (role dependent) - a “Flexibility First” approach to agile working, where flexibility is the norm rather than the exception.
• Part of the Local Government Pension Scheme – option to join the AVC Scheme.
• Progression - opportunities and training through a wide range of high quality learning.
• Health and Wellbeing - offer including Employee Assistance Programme.
• Cycle to Work and Travel Pass Schemes.
• Drive Time – a salary sacrifice car lease scheme.
• Family friendly policies with enhanced leave.
• Discounted Gym Memberships.
• Employee Volunteering Scheme.

Next steps:

• Closing date: midnight on Friday 13 February 2026.
• Shortlisting date: W/C 16 February 2026.
• Interview date: Tuesday 24 February 2026.
• Interview type: face-to-face (including a presentation).

We reserve the right to close vacancies earlier than the specified date should we receive sufficient applications. If interested, please complete an application as early as possible.

Please note: this vacancy is classified as a politically restricted position. If you would like any further information or an informal discussion, please contact james.backhouse@liverpool.gov.uk.

Liverpool City Council is committed to fostering a workforce representative of the communities we serve. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we believe in appointing candidates based on their skills, experience, qualifications, and abilities. To support this commitment, we guarantee an interview to candidates from under-represented groups who meet the minimum essential criteria for the role.

If you require any reasonable adjustments in line with the Equality Act 2010, such as an application form in a different format or additional time to complete your application, please contact us at recruitment@liverpool.gov.uk.

Although we advertise on Jobs Go Public, and other websites, your application process will be directed to our Tribepad system. Please note that all communication regarding your application for this post will be sent to the email address that you have registered on Tribepad, including your invite to interview if you are shortlisted. Please check your emails regularly, including Spam/Junk, after the closing dates for notifications. Please ensure you complete your full profile, work and education history in Tribepad.

Eligibility to work in the UK will be verified in the final stages of the selection process. All candidates must either already have a right to work in the UK before commencing employment or meet the Home Office criteria for Visa sponsorship. Candidates who require sponsorship should evaluate the Home Office eligibility criteria for a Skilled Worker visa before applying. This is not legal advice, and we advise you to seek your own independent legal advice tailored to your own personal circumstances.