Interim Opportunity: Tribunals & Dispute Resolution Manager (Maternity Cover)
Day Rate: £450 - £525 per day
Start Date: To Be Confirmed
Contract Type: Maternity Cover
Location: Bournemouth, 1 day working in office is preferred
Are you an experienced SEND professional with a strong track record in managing Tribunal and Mediation services? We are seeking a highly capable Tribunals & Dispute Resolution Manager to lead a small, high-performing team through a busy and rewarding maternity cover period.
This is a senior role for a confident leader with a deep understanding of SEND legislation and the strategic insight needed to guide complex cases through to resolution.
Key Responsibilities:
Manage a team of 3 Tribunal & Mediation Officers handling approx. 100 live appeals
Lead preparation and response to Education, Health, and Care (EHC) Plan appeals
Draft detailed case statements, legal submissions, and written responses
Represent the authority at Tribunal hearings and mediation meetings
Provide expert guidance on SEND legislation and the SEND Code of Practice
Collaborate with families, professionals, and schools to resolve disputes pre-Tribunal
Work closely with legal teams on complex or high-risk appeals
Drive service improvements based on Tribunal outcomes and learningEssential Skills & Experience:
Demonstrable experience managing a team handling SEND Tribunal and mediation work
Strong track record overseeing a similar volume of active Tribunal cases
Expert knowledge of the Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice (0-25)
Proven success managing cases through to Tribunal and/or resolution via mediation
Excellent legal literacy in SEND matters, bundle preparation, and statutory responsibilities
Confident communicator with strong stakeholder management and dispute resolution skillsWhy 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