SEND Assistant Tribunal Officer in Wokingham

We have an excellent opportunity for a SEND Assistant Tribunal Officer to join our team within the Children's Services: Education & SEND Service here at Wokingham Borough Council, on a Full-time, 10 month, Fixed-Term Contract.

As SEND Assistant Tribunal Officer, you will support the SEND Tribunal Officer to meet Tribunal deadlines and timescales, working collaboratively with parents/carers, legal representatives, educational settings and other stakeholders to ensure strong management of appeal processes and timely delivery of case materials. You'll serve as the initial point of contact for the First-Tier Tribunal (SEND), responding to day-to-day enquiries while providing clear visibility and transparency across the Tribunal caseload.

This role involves compiling high-quality legal bundles in line with set deadlines, maintaining accurate records using Capita for reporting and forecasting purposes, organising calendars to ensure adherence to Tribunal requirements, and escalating complex or urgent matters to the Tribunal Team as needed. The post-holder will work independently and pro-actively, supporting training preparation for key stakeholders and championing the principles of corporate parenting throughout all aspects of service delivery.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a collaborative, motivated professional to join our team. You will receive an extensive range of employee benefits including:

• Generous Annual Leave– 28 days annual leave (rising by 5 days after 5 years of continued local government service), plus bank holidays
• GP Helpline - Available 7 days a week
• Employee Assistance Programme- Including a 24/7 Your Care Helpline
• Free Onsite Gym- Located at Shute End Offices, Wokingham
• Local & Lifestyle Discounts- Save on shopping, entertainment, dining out & more
• Move through Menopause Course
• Sports & Social Group Activities– Including running, football, cricket & more

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the SEND Tribunal Officer to adhere to Tribunal deadlines/timescales to ensure Tribunal Officers can participate fully in the appeal process and mitigate the risk of being barred from proceedings.
• Be the initial point of contact for the First-Tier Tribunal (SEND), parents/carers, legal representatives, educational settings and others in relation to live appeals.
• Ensure high quality bundles are compiled, in line with set deadlines, to support the SEND Tribunal Officer with their appeals.
• Maintain the Tribunal inbox and respond to and resolve (where possible) day to day enquiries received by parents/carers, legal representatives, educational settings and others.

Candidate Requirements:

• Educated to A level, HNC or equivalent, or able to evidence ability at an equivalent level.
• Basic understanding of SEND legal framework including Children and Families Act 2014 and SEND Code of Practice 2015.
• Ability to quickly assimilate information and make informed decisions under short time constraints.
• A methodical approach to tasks, recording and reporting.

Wokingham Borough Council has recently been ranked 2nd most productive council in England by the Impower Productivity Index, recognising our strong performance and efficient use of public money. Our Borough is set in the heart of Berkshire with excellent transport links to Reading and central London. Our area comprises of a vibrant and historical market town, attractive villages, and miles of beautiful countryside. We're home to a range of high performing schools, a host of international businesses and an incredible community. The borough has a strong local economy with accelerated growth, a range of excellent public facilities and low levels of crime, offering an exceptional quality of life.

Wokingham Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, other workers and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful candidates for this role will be subject to Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks along with other relevant employment checks.

Please note that all offers are conditional and subject to the satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks. We appreciate your interest in joining Wokingham Borough Council and thank you for taking the time to apply. Woking is an equal opportunities employer.