At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Sheffield’s SEND service, focusing on dispute resolution and mediation.
- Company: Sheffield City Council, dedicated to inclusive education and community support.
- Benefits: Generous holiday entitlement, flexible working options, and commitment to equality.
- Other info: Join a team focused on continuous improvement and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
- Qualifications: Experience in SEND processes, strong leadership, and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Service Manager to lead Sheffield’s SEND Statutory Assessment and Review Service (SENDSAR) with a focus on dispute resolution, mediation and tribunal activity. This is a key leadership role within Sheffield’s SEND service, with responsibility for overseeing statutory processes where there is disagreement or challenge, ensuring the Local Authority meets its legal duties while working constructively with families and partners to achieve the best possible outcomes for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
About the role
- Lead the service’s approach to SEND disputes, mediation and SEND Tribunal activity
- Provide oversight and management of complex and high‑profile cases
- Ensure statutory processes are delivered in line with the Children and Families Act 2014, SEND Code of Practice and legal timescales
- Work closely with schools, families, health and social care partners to resolve concerns at the earliest opportunity
- Lead and support managers and staff across SENDSAR to ensure consistent, high‑quality decision making
- Coordinate responses to appeals, complaints and mediation, ensuring accurate and timely submissions
- Provide strategic advice to senior leaders and elected members on SEND dispute trends, risk and service development
- Use learning from complaints, mediation and tribunals to strengthen practice and improve outcomes across the service
- Support wider SEND transformation and continuous improvement activity across Sheffield
About you
- Significant experience of SEND statutory processes and legal frameworks
- Strong knowledge of mediation, SEND Tribunal processes and dispute resolution
- Leadership experience in SEND, education or children’s services
- A strong commitment to inclusive education and improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND
- Excellent communication, negotiation and relationship‑building skills
- Experience of working effectively across education, health and care
- Confidence managing complex situations and balancing competing priorities
- The ability to analyse information, assess risk and make informed decisions
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to lead teams through change and service improvement
Most importantly, you will be collaborative, solution‑focused and committed to working with families and partners to resolve issues constructively while maintaining a clear focus on children and young people’s needs. This is an exciting opportunity to lead an important area of Sheffield’s SEND service at a time of improvement and development. If you are passionate about inclusive practice, experienced in SEND statutory work and committed to building positive relationships that deliver better outcomes, we would love to hear from you.
We are investing in our workforce and are promoting opportunities to our under‑represented groups. We value equality, diversity and inclusion and are focused on increasing the diversity of our workforce, particularly the number of Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic, Disabled and LGBTQ+ people, so that our teams reflect the communities in the city we serve. We are also supporting staff with unpaid caring responsibilities to work flexibly.
Under the Guaranteed Interview scheme, applicants who are disabled, care leavers, or armed forces veterans will be guaranteed an interview if they meet the essential criteria and indicate their eligibility on the application form. Sometimes, if lots of people apply, we might not be able to interview everyone who qualifies for the Guarantee. In these cases, we’ll interview the candidates who best meet the essential criteria for the job.
Full‑time employees work 37 hours for 52 weeks of the year and we offer a generous holiday entitlement. We are open to discussions about a wide range of flexible working opportunities which benefit you and the Council, including reduced hour contracts, working part time or as a job share. If you are appointed to this role, your starting salary will be at the bottom of the grade. If you provide payslip evidence that your basic pay is greater than the bottom of the grade, we will consider starting you at the point of minimum advantage within the grade. Equality of pay is extremely important to us. All roles at Sheffield City Council are going through an evaluation process which may result in changes to some pay arrangements from 2026.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all individuals, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for everyone and where appropriate to the role the successful applicant will be required to undertake relevant safeguarding checks.
Service Manager - SEND in Sheffield employer: Sheffield City Council
Sheffield City Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that prioritises the well-being of its employees and the communities they serve. With a strong commitment to professional development, flexible working arrangements, and a focus on diversity, the Council provides a supportive environment for Service Managers in SEND to thrive while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. Join us in Sheffield, where your expertise will contribute to transformative change and improved outcomes for families.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Manager - SEND in Sheffield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the SEND sector, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Sheffield City Council’s SEND service. Understand their current challenges and successes, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who’s genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Service Manager, you’ll need to convey complex information clearly. Role-play common interview scenarios with a friend or mentor to boost your confidence and refine your responses.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re all about supporting diverse candidates, so make sure to highlight your unique experiences and perspectives.
We think you need these skills to ace Service Manager - SEND in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with SEND statutory processes and dispute resolution. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Service Manager, leadership is key! Use your application to demonstrate your experience in leading teams and managing complex situations. Share examples of how you've successfully navigated challenges in the past.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is crucial. Keep your language straightforward and avoid jargon. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the point while still reflecting your passion for inclusive education.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us directly and allows you to keep track of your application status. Plus, we love seeing applications come through our platform!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sheffield City Council
✨Know Your SEND Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the SEND statutory processes and legal frameworks. Familiarise yourself with the Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice, as these will be crucial in demonstrating your expertise during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience in SEND or children's services. Think about times when you've successfully led a team through complex situations or service improvements, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Your Mediation Mastery
Be ready to discuss your knowledge of mediation and dispute resolution processes. Share specific instances where you've effectively resolved conflicts or challenges, showcasing your ability to work collaboratively with families and partners.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, especially around complex topics like SEND disputes and tribunal activity. Strong communication skills are essential for this role, so consider doing mock interviews to refine your delivery and build confidence.
