SEN Tribunal Officer

SEN Tribunal Officer Rate: £400 per day (Inside IR35, umbrella) Duration: 3 months initially Working Pattern: Flexible hybrid Enhanced DBS Required Start: ASAP About the Role We are seeking an experienced SEN Tribunal Officer to manage complex SEND casework for children and young people aged 0–25 where an appeal is currently open with the SEND Tribunal. This is a key role requiring an experienced SEND professional with a strong background in tribunal appeals and hearings . You will coordinate and lead complex cases, work closely with families and multi-agency partners, and represent the Local Authority at Tribunal where required. The successful candidate will be able to take ownership of an active caseload, work to tight deadlines and confidently manage complex, contentious and high-risk cases. Key Responsibilities Manage complex SEND casework for children and young people aged 0–25 where appeals are open with the SEND Tribunal Deliver high-quality casework that supports resolution and reconciliation wherever possible Represent the Local Authority at SEND Tribunal hearings and defend the appropriateness of proposed provision Coordinate robust multi-agency responses to Tribunal appeals Develop case chronologies and coordinate Tribunal documentation and evidence Arrange and chair conferences and multi-agency meetings as required Work closely with parents, carers, schools and education, health and care professionals Use strong negotiation and influencing skills to manage complex and contentious cases Maintain accurate and comprehensive case records and database information Contribute to quality assurance, policy development and improvements to SEND casework processes Maintain up-to-date knowledge of SEND legislation, case law, policies and procedures Support work to minimise the Local Authority's exposure to Tribunal appeals, litigation, judicial review and complaints Key Requirements Proven experience managing SEND Tribunal appeals, including representing a Local Authority at hearings At least 2–3 years' experience working within or closely aligned to SEND services Experience managing complex SEND casework and statutory processes Strong knowledge of the Children and Families Act 2014, SEND Code of Practice and Equality Act 2010 Experience working with families, parents, carers and children and young people Strong multi-agency working experience across education, health and care Excellent negotiation, influencing and stakeholder management skills Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities to tight statutory and Tribunal deadlines Excellent written communication skills, including the ability to prepare high-quality reports and Tribunal documentation Strong IT and database management skills Enhanced DBS