Job Description:

SEND Tribunals Officer

📍 Croydon (Hybrid Working) 💷 £26.68 per hour PAYE / £35.48 per hour Umbrella ⏰ 36 hours per week, Monday to Friday 📅 Initial 12-Month Contract

Our client, Croydon Council, is seeking an experienced SEND Tribunals Officer to join their Children, Families and Education Service on a long-term contract basis. The successful candidate will play a key role in managing SEN Tribunal and mediation cases, representing the Local Authority and ensuring compliance with statutory SEND processes.

The Role

As a SEND Tribunals Officer, you will take lead responsibility for managing and responding to appeals lodged with the Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal (SENDIST). You will work closely with families, schools, legal representatives, health professionals and internal stakeholders to achieve the best outcomes for children and young people with SEND.

Key duties include:

• Managing a caseload of SEND Tribunal appeals from initial review through to hearing.
• Preparing detailed written submissions, evidence bundles and Tribunal documentation.
• Representing the Local Authority at SEND Tribunal hearings and case management meetings.
• Leading on mediation requests and supporting dispute resolution processes.
• Assessing legal, financial and reputational risks associated with Tribunal and mediation cases.
• Working collaboratively with education, social care, health professionals and legal services.
• Providing advice and guidance on SEND legislation and Tribunal processes.
• Monitoring outcomes, maintaining accurate records and producing management reports.
• Contributing to service improvement through analysis of trends, outcomes and lessons learned.

About You

To be considered, you will have:

• Degree-level education or equivalent experience.
• Strong knowledge of SEND legislation, including the Children and Families Act 2014 and SEND Code of Practice.
• Experience working within a Local Authority, education, legal, public sector or SEND environment.
• Experience managing complex casework, appeals, complaints, mediation or Tribunal processes.
• Excellent written communication skills with the ability to prepare high-quality reports and submissions.
• Strong analytical, organisational and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience working with multiple stakeholders, including families, schools and professionals.
• Confidence managing sensitive and potentially challenging situations professionally.

Additional Information

• Hybrid working arrangement with 2-3 days per week in the office at Bernard Weatherill House, Croydon.
• 36 hours per week, Monday to Friday.
• Enhanced DBS required.
• Initial 12-month contract with potential for extension.

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