Resolution and Tribunal Officer in Ipswich

Suffolk County Council Address: Endeavour House, Ipswich IP1 2BX - Hybrid

Salary: £40,777 per annum (pro rata for part time)

Hours: 37 hours per week, flexible working options available

Contract: Permanent

As a modern, flexible and effective organisation, we're driven to make a positive difference to the environment, the communities we serve and the careers of our people. That's why, when you join us as a Resolution and Tribunals Officer, you'll be encouraged to share your fresh thinking and empowered to explore new ideas that will shape and improve our services as well as your career.

Your role and responsibilities:

• Work with children, young people and their families to find a solution which will provide the most appropriate outcome for the child or young person.
• Represent the Local Authority at mediation meetings with families to resolve as far as possible disputes and disagreements specifically regarding SEND.
• Take responsibility for all actions and processes relating to SEND Tribunal appeals allocated to you, up to and including attending hearings to represent the local authority where required.
• Follow up on all Tribunal Orders to ensure full compliance with the Children and Families Act 2014 and the Tribunal Procedure (First-tier Tribunal) (Health, Education and Social Care Chamber) Rules 2008.
• Liaise with colleagues and professionals in Health, Social Care and Education teams to ensure effective joint working.
• Challenge and support professionals, settings and services to ensure compliance with statutory guidance and the SEND Code of Practice.

Qualifications you will need:

• A passion for making a positive difference in Suffolk.
• A strong commitment to fairness, equality and diversity.
• Creativity and openness to change, bringing innovation to your work.
• A commitment to listening to children and their families and working collaboratively with them.
• The ability to clarify risks and concerns and focus on solutions to create a climate in which change can happen.
• In-depth knowledge of relevant legislation, regulations and guidance as appropriate to the role.
• Experience of working in a complex statutory, safeguarding or SEND related environment is desirable.

We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation.

Benefits:

• Up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days.
• Membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
• Travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits.
• Performance‑related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost‑of‑living pay increase.
• Training and encouragement to expand your knowledge.
• A variety of career development opportunities across the organisation.
• Diverse and active staff networks.
• Flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day.

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.

Closing date: 11.30 pm, 19 May 2026.