SEND Commissioning Officer (Lancashire)
Lancashire County Council is seeking an experienced SEND Commissioning Officer to join its Children and Families Commissioning Service. Based at County Hall, Preston, this is an exciting opportunity for a skilled commissioning professional to support the development and delivery of high-quality SEND services across the local area.
The successful candidate will play a key role in commissioning services that improve outcomes for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). By working closely with education, health, and social care partners, you will support the delivery of strategic priorities, develop effective commissioning arrangements, and contribute to service improvements across the SEND system.
This role requires attendance at County Hall, Preston, for a minimum of two days per week, with additional office attendance as required. The initial contract is for 3 months, with the potential for extension through to 31 December 2026.
Main Duties
* Manage and support SEND commissioning projects across Children and Families Services
* Work collaboratively with health, education, and social care partners to develop and deliver commissioned services
* Support the implementation of SEND commissioning strategies and service improvement initiatives
* Analyse service needs, performance data, and outcomes to inform commissioning decisions
* Develop and maintain positive working relationships with key stakeholders and partner organisations
* Monitor commissioned services to ensure quality, value for money, and positive outcomes for children and young people
* Contribute to contract management, performance monitoring, and service reviews
* Prepare reports, briefings, and commissioning documentation for senior leaders and partnership boards
* Support the delivery of strategic SEND priorities within agreed timescales
* Work effectively within a multi‑agency environment to drive continuous improvement
* Ensure commissioning activity complies with relevant legislation, policies, and statutory guidance
* Support market development and engagement with providers across the SEND sector
Requirements
* Experience working within SEND commissioning, SEND transformation, or a related commissioning role
* Strong knowledge and understanding of SEND legislation, policy, and commissioning frameworks
* Experience working collaboratively with health and education partners
* Excellent stakeholder management and partnership‑working skills
* Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver work to tight deadlines
* Experience producing reports, business cases, and commissioning documentation
* Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
* Experience supporting service development, transformation, or improvement programmes
* Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a wider commissioning team
* Availability to attend County Hall, Preston, a minimum of two days per week and as required by the service
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