Quality Assurance Officer (SEN)
Cheshire East Council
Contract – Inside IR35
Cheshire East Council is seeking an experienced Quality Assurance Officer (SEN) to support commissioning assurance activity across Children and Young People’s Services, with a specific focus on SEND independent provision and Children’s Social Care, including residential and supported accommodation.
This is a predominantly desk‑based role centred on audits, compliance reviews, intelligence‑led monitoring and assurance activity. There will, however, be a requirement to undertake and/or support provider visits across the borough where risk, concern or improvement needs are identified, working closely with operational colleagues.
The postholder will play a key role not only in providing assurance, but also in working collaboratively with providers and internal teams to drive quality improvement, embed consistent QA approaches and strengthen market oversight.
Key Responsibilities
* Undertake planned and responsive QA activity across commissioned provision, including residential children’s homes and independent/non‑maintained SEND provision.
* Carry out desk‑based audits, provider visits, compliance checks and reviews in line with agreed QA frameworks and standards.
* Work collaboratively with Commissioning, Placements, Brokerage and operational teams to coordinate QA activity and share intelligence.
* Review policies, procedures, records and practice evidence to assess quality, safeguarding, outcomes and contractual compliance.
* Identify, assess and escalate safeguarding concerns, quality risks and contractual non‑compliance in line with governance arrangements.
* Contribute to provider risk assessments, ratings and embargo decisions using a robust, evidence‑based approach.
* Monitor provider improvement actions and progress against agreed action plans.
* Produce clear, timely and constructive QA reports outlining findings, strengths, risks and required actions.
* Maintain accurate QA records and audit trails to support scrutiny and decision‑making.
* Provide QA evidence to support Ofsted ILACS inspections, SEND area inspections and other regulatory activity.
* Work professionally with providers to communicate findings and expectations, supporting improvement while maintaining appropriate challenge.
* Support the ongoing development and embedding of consistent QA processes across the provider market.
Pay Rate
* Please submit your CV with the rate you are seeking
* Inside IR35