SEND Tribunal Officer

Job Description

SEND Tribunal Officer

Rate: £350 – £400 per day

Contract Length: 4 months with potential extension

Location: Mostly remote working. Occasional office attendance may be required but is unlikely to be more than once per term. Local offices are available for hot desking as well as County Hall.

We seeking an experienced SEND Tribunal Officer to support the management and preparation of SENDIST tribunal cases. This role will focus on leading tribunal casework, ensuring compliance with legal deadlines, and supporting schools and partners to meet statutory responsibilities under SEND legislation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage allocated cases within the SENDIST Tribunal process.
• Ensure all tribunal deadlines are met and case preparation complies with Tribunal rules and procedures.
• Prepare and submit high-quality legal documentation and evidence for tribunal hearings.
• Lead and attend Way Forward meetings, mediation sessions and pre-tribunal meetings where required.
• Represent the Local Authority at SEND Tribunals where necessary.
• Provide professional advice, support and challenge to Headteachers, SENCOs, Governing Bodies and Academy Trusts to ensure compliance with the SEND Code of Practice and Disability Discrimination legislation.
• Work closely with schools and partner agencies to ensure adherence to statutory timescales outlined in the SEND Code of Practice.
• Maintain effective communication with key statutory and voluntary sector partners.
• Attend multi-agency planning meetings and child protection case conferences when required.
• Ensure awareness of legislative changes, policy updates and new guidance, and communicate these changes effectively to relevant stakeholders.

Requirements

• Strong experience managing SENDIST tribunal cases.
• Excellent understanding of the SEND Code of Practice and relevant disability legislation.
• Experience working with schools, SENCOs, and education partners.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple cases and strict legal deadlines.
• Experience representing or supporting representation at SEND tribunals.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced SEND professional to join a supportive local authority environment on a flexible, mostly remote basis.

To find out more information please contact Lily at Lilye@4recruitmentservices.com

Recruitment is done in line with safe recruitment practices. We are an equal opportunity agency.