Overview
Project Leader SEND Centre for Excellence
Location: All sites Salary: £39,338 per annum pro rata Post Type: Part Time Hours per Week: 28 Contract Type: Fixed Term - Ends 30/04/2026 Closing Date: 15 September 2025 (23:59 BST) Reference: 0640-25
About EPNE
About Education Partnership North East (EPNE)
At EPNE our ‘purpose’ is our north star. It is what we expect of ourselves every single day and why we ask all staff to keep our purpose front and centre in all that they do.
Our Purpose is to “unlock potential, create opportunities, and transform lives through outstanding education, skills and training”. Rooted in our transformative power, it communicates our work in tackling inequalities, removing barriers, and improving the life chances of the people and communities we serve.
We nurture our very special culture. Our unifying values framework “The actions we take the choices we make - The actions I take the choices I make” represent the character of our college group, and are grounded in the belief that every action, by every individual, contributes to our success. This why we encourage empowered individuals, personal accountability and growth.
Building on our remarkable past, creativity and pioneering spirit, we are moving forward with courage into the future, improving what we do, remaining action-orientated, and innovating to make an exceptional difference for the world we live in. Shaping futures for a better tomorrow, join our changemaking community now.
Please see the following link to our 2024 Ofsted Report, in which EPNE was graded as being Outstanding across all areas - Ofsted-Report-Outstanding
Our Journey & Values
As an employer, we prioritise cultivating a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, where our staff can thrive and grow. We recognise that our employees are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to investing in their professional development and overall wellbeing.
About The Candidate
We are seeking a forward-thinking, highly motivated individual who demonstrates resilience, adaptability, and a genuine commitment to inclusion. The successful candidate will be an excellent communicator and collaborator, able to build strong relationships and inspire confidence across diverse networks. With curiosity and a drive for continuous improvement, they will embrace innovation, problem-solving, and creative approaches to challenges.
As a Changemaker, this person will champion our values by placing learners at the heart of their work, fostering collaboration, and ensuring that best practice is shared widely to influence positive change across the sector. They will embody integrity, empathy, and courage—leading with vision to make a lasting impact in SEND.
The Role
This role offers an exciting opportunity to lead and shape the work of the Centre for Excellence in SEND, with a particular focus on coordinating a national SEND project and Community of Practice. As part of this high-profile project, you will play a key role in driving collaboration, innovation, and the sharing of best practice across the sector.
This is a unique chance to contribute to a nationally recognised initiative while developing your own leadership, project management, and strategic skills. You will gain experience working with sector-leading organisations, government agencies, and national partners, providing valuable professional networks and insights into cutting-edge approaches in SEND.
The role also offers opportunities to work with new tools, digital platforms, and communication channels to raise visibility locally, nationally, and internationally. For a candidate with ambition and a passion for making a difference, this position represents a career-defining opportunity to become a true changemaker in SEND.
Role Responsibilities
* Provide coordination and project management for the SEND Centre for Excellence.
* Coordinate and grow the national SEND project and Community of Practice, ensuring effective collaboration and impact.
* Manage communication, marketing, and engagement activities to raise the profile locally, nationally, and internationally.
* Produce high-quality reports, briefings, presentations, and resources to support projects and stakeholders.
* Build and maintain strong partnerships with key organisations and sector bodies, including ETF, NASEN, AoC, and DfE.
* Support the Associate Principal for SEND & Inclusion with strategic processes, reporting, and delivery of key objectives.
Qualifications
* Degree-level qualification or equivalent experience.
* Evidence of continued professional development in leadership, management, or SEND-related areas.
* Strong literacy, numeracy, and digital skills to support effective communication and project delivery.
Essential Skills & Experience
* Proven experience in leading and managing projects or initiatives.
* Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and respond quickly to emerging issues.
* Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with experience producing high-quality reports, presentations, and resources.
* Demonstrated ability to build and sustain effective partnerships with a wide range of stakeholders.
* Experience of working within SEND, education, or a related sector with a clear understanding of inclusive practice.
* Confidence to work independently, use initiative, and make informed decisions.
Desirable Skills & Experience – (Optional)
* Experience using digital platforms and tools for collaboration, communication, and knowledge sharing.
* Familiarity with national SEND frameworks, policy, and best practice guidance.
* Experience in marketing, communications, or raising organisational profile.
* Knowledge of project management methodologies and tools.
* Previous experience working with national or regional educational networks, agencies, or professional bodies.
What’s in it for you?
Join EPNE and you’ll be part of a culture that prioritizes your development and wellbeing, which is why all employees receive an extensive benefits package.
* Generous holiday allowance (35-48 days per year, plus public holidays).
* Generous family leave and flexible working options (dependent on role).
* LGPS or Teacher Pensions Scheme, (dependent on role 15.7% - 28.68%).
* Access to myLifestyle benefits platform providing retail discounts and more.
* We offer dental, eye care & health cash plans.
* Extensive wellbeing support through a digital Wellbeing Hub that offers a broad range of support for physical, mental, and financial wellbeing.
* Free parking on most campuses.
* Free Gym access available at Bede Campus
Due to the nature of this post, you will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure Check.
We believe in equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community.
We are committed to PREVENT and safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.
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