Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council,
Associate Director - Education, Inclusion and SEND
Salary: £108,015 - £118,680 (pay award pending)
Location: Dudley, West Midlands – hybrid
Contract: Permanent, full time
Are you an inspirational, values‑driven leader with a passion for improving the life chances for children and young people? Dudley Council is embarking on a bold and ambitious transformation journey, and we are seeking a visionary Associate Director – Education, Inclusion & SEND to play a central role in shaping the future of education and inclusion across our borough.
This is a pivotal senior leadership position at the heart of our Children and Young People service. You will drive Dudley’s strategic approach to education inclusion and SEND, ensuring that every child and young person, whatever their needs or background can access high‑quality education, support and opportunity.
In this strategic leadership role, you will:
* Champion inclusion and excellence by driving a bold vision for education inclusion and SEND ,improving outcomes for vulnerable learners and ensuring strong statutory compliance.
* Build powerful partnerships with schools, health, social care and parent carers, ensuring children, young people and families shape the services they use.
* Deliver timely, high‑quality support across SEND services, EHCPs, early help, transitions, admissions, transport and fair access.
* Modernise and transform services, leading innovation, integrated working, programme management, risk oversight and a data‑led performance culture.
* Influence and lead across the council, supporting transformation, digital change, commissioning and strong governance while managing significant budgets and upholding the highest ethical standards.
Who we’re looking for:
A strategic, politically astute leader with a track record of delivering transformation in complex organisations. Someone who inspires teams, builds strong partnerships, understands education/SEND legislation, and brings energy, integrity and ambition.
If you’re driven to make a real impact for children, families and schools across Dudley, we want to hear from you.
For an informal discussion please contact John Macilwraith, Director of Children & Young People, via Alia Siddique –Alia.Siddique@dudley.gov.uk
For more information and to apply, please visit https://www.childrenfirstdudley.org.uk/
Application Process
Applications close: Midnight Sunday 7th June 2026
Please submit your CV andsupportingstatement with your application. Your supporting statement should be arial 12 and no more than 4 pages.
The recruitment process consists of technical interviews with longlisted applicants to confirm the shortlist. Short listed candidates will be invited to assessment centres, stakeholder panels and attend final interviews. The final stage will be held w/c 20th July 2026. Please indicate any periods you are unavailable.
Please do visit Dudley Councils Children and Young People recruitment site for more information:-https://www.childrenfirstdudley.org.uk/Jobs
Workplace Attendance: Working in the office 3+ days a week (pro-rata) or Onsite full time
So that we can demonstrate Dudley’s commitment to diversity and inclusion and to improve bias in the recruitment process that could create barriers for candidates. Your personal data will be anonymised when you apply, to ensure that you comply with our anonymisation process, please ensure you have removed your name and date of birth from any attachments prior to uploading them to your application.
Online application forms will only be accepted for this vacancy, online facilities for jobs are available at public libraries within the Dudley Borough.
All applicants must be able to provide documentation to prove their right to work in the UK.
Please note: Dudley MBC does not currently offer sponsorship for candidates without the Right to Work in the UK.
If you require support completing an online or paper application form and or interview techniques, please contact Dudley Adult and Community Learning on 01384 818 143 or acl@dudley.gov.uk who can support with Digital Skills and Job Applications.
If you have a disability and require assistance in making an application please contact the HR Resourcing Team via HR.Resourcing@dudley.gov.uk
If you are experiencing a problem whilst applying for a position, please follow the link below to the WM Jobs Help Page in the first instance https://help.wmjobs.co.uk/
If the WM Jobs Help Page does not resolve your issue then please contact the HR Resourcing Team via HR.Resourcing@dudley.gov.uk
Dudley Council will check the information that you have provided against any details already held for accuracy and completeness. The Council will check, share and cross match your information both internally within the council and with external organisations to protect public funds and prevent or detect crime, only where the law allows us to do so.
The Council’s full Privacy and Disclaimer Statement can be accessed on the website at https://www.dudley.gov.uk/privacy-disclaimer-statement/
N.B. We reserve the right to close this vacancy prior to the advertised date should we receive a large number of applications
Attached documents
JD Associate Director - Education Inclusion and SEND (1).docx
Employee Benefits List.pdf
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