SENDIASS Manager in Manchester

About The Role

Working Hours: 35 Hours per week

Working Style: Hybrid (Employees split their time between working remotely and working on-site)

• Additional Payments: Essential car user allowance
• Interview Method: Face to Face

This role is subject to

• Legal right to work – successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment.
• Two references – where possible we require a 3‑year history.
• Casual car documentation – the successful candidate may need to use a car occasionally.

Drivers must hold a valid licence, provide their own car and necessary documentation, and will receive an allowance per mile of business use.

• DBS clearance – enhanced DBS check is required in accordance with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act. Confidentiality procedures will be followed.
• Qualification – must hold a Level 3 IPSEA SEND Law qualification, or complete it within 12 months of starting.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead Manchester’s SENDIASS team through a time of change.

The small, dedicated team offers free, confidential and impartial information, advice and support to families of children and young people who are disabled or have special educational needs (SEND).

As SENDIASS Manager, you will play a pivotal role in supporting families through the SEND reforms and contributing to workforce development across Manchester’s education, health and care services.

• About the Candidate
• Proven experience leading, managing and motivating staff to achieve performance and change.
• Strong commitment to shaping the service to support families through the SEND reforms.
• Ability to strengthen relationships with parent carer groups, schools, and education, health and care teams.
• Deep understanding of SEND legislation, the SEND Code of Practice, appeals and tribunal processes and ensuring statutory compliance.

Essential Requirements for the Role

• Understanding and experience of managing complex information systems.
• Ability to communicate complex information effectively to a wide audience.
• Ability to analyse patterns and trends.
• Excellent time management and prioritisation skills for self and team.
• Ability to formulate a range of options and make independent decisions.
• Ability to identify best practice and areas for improvement and communicate these to team and partners.
• Ability to inspire individuals across organisations.
• Level 3 IPSEA SEND Law qualification, or completion within 12 months of starting.
• Enhanced DBS clearance required.

Benefits we offer

• Generous holiday allowance – up to 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing to 31 days after five years. Optional purchase of up to two additional weeks.
• Local government pension scheme – enrolling in the UK’s largest scheme with life cover and top‑up options.
• Enhanced parental and carer leave – designed to provide ample time for new families.
• Perks – discounts on shopping, holidays, MCR+ days out, phone contracts, cycle to work scheme and free flu jab and eye tests.
• Learning and development – workshops, training sessions, apprenticeships and qualifications with a comprehensive onboarding process.
• Good Employment Charter membership – committed to secure, flexible work and fairness throughout the employment life cycle.
• Volunteering leave – up to three days pro‑rate of paid leave.
• Creating an Inclusive Team at Manchester City Council

Manchester City Council is dedicated to creating a workplace that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve.

We welcome applications from people of all ages and backgrounds, particularly from BAME communities, disabled people and young people.

• Support During the Process
• Interview adjustments – let us know if you need any adjustments to demonstrate your suitability.
• Accessible formats – texts can be accessed through the ‘Accessibility tools’ button on the careers page.
• Guaranteed Assessment Scheme

We guarantee assessments for applicants who meet the minimum shortlisting requirement and identify with at least one of the following criteria:

• Members of the armed forces or veterans
• Current or former care leavers
• Having a disability or long‑term condition
• When You Join Us
• Workplace adjustment hub – specialist support, advice and guidance for adjustments.
• Disabled Staff Network, Neurodiversity Staff Network and Mental Health Staff Network – inclusive spaces to share experiences and influence practice.
• Commitment to accessibility standards across all workplaces.
• What We Will Need From You If You're Successful

In accordance with Home Office guidance, successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment.

Pre‑Employment Checks

Pre‑employment checks depend on the role and are listed in the advert. These checks are an important part of our commitment to ensuring safety and security.

Other Relevant Information

We encourage individuals to request any necessary aids, adaptations or equipment to undertake the duties of the role.

Where a task is unachievable, we will consider redesigning parts of the role.

Legal and Equality Statements

Manchester City Council is an equal opportunity employer.

We do not consider this role eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route.

All applications are assessed fairly and without bias.

• Contact
• For an informal discussion, contact the current SENDIASS manager, Sue Fletcher, at
• #J-18808-Ljbffr