Interim SEND Commissioning Officer (6-Month Contract)
Location: Hybrid – On-site and remote working
Contract: Interim, 6 months
Hours: Full time
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced SEND Commissioning Officer to join on an interim basis for six months. This role is a key opportunity for a skilled commissioning professional to shape and manage high-quality, value-for-money provision for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
Key Responsibilities
Lead on the commissioning and contract management of SEND and alternative provision placements, ensuring quality, value for money, and compliance.
Work with colleagues in education, health, and social care to forecast future demand and ensure sufficient local provision.
Monitor provider performance, safeguarding standards, and pupil outcomes through structured contract monitoring and review processes.
Negotiate placement fees and service contracts, ensuring best value and positive outcomes for children and young people.
Support the reduction of out-of-area and independent placements by developing strategies for more localised provision.
Collaborate with procurement, data, and SEND teams to plan and manage resources effectively.
Develop and maintain strong partnerships with schools, providers, parent carers, and other stakeholders to ensure placements meet children’s needs.
Produce reports, data analysis, and recommendations for internal panels and boards to inform strategic decision-making.
Contribute to continuous service improvement through reflective practice, professional development, and learning from data and feedback.About You
Essential skills and experience:
Proven experience in commissioning SEND, education, or children’s services.
Knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice (0–25) and related statutory frameworks.
Strong commercial and negotiation skills with experience of managing provider relationships.
Ability to interpret data and performance metrics to inform commissioning decisions.
Experience of joint commissioning or partnership working across education, health, and social care.
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with a collaborative and child-centered approach.
Understanding financial accountability and delivering value for money.Why Choose Ackerman Pierce?
Ackerman Pierce calls upon over 15 years' worth of experience in recruiting directly into the Social Work Sector. We can offer a unique experience within recruitment where you have your own personal consultant, a DBS and Compliance service with a quick and easy registration process. We pride ourselves on a guaranteed weekly payment process.
To discuss this vacancy further or any other opportunities, please contact Elise Revett or email in your updated CV to us at Ackerman Pierce