Policy & Practice Development Team Manager
Inclusion Service – Lancashire County Council
Salary: £51,356 – £55,612
Location: Lancashire (Hybrid / Countywide)
The Lancashire SEND Service is currently recruiting to a number of new and existing roles following a service redesign aimed at strengthening capacity and improving support for children and young people with SEND. This has created additional posts across teams, resulting in more opportunity to join the team. This period of growth is a positive and intentional step toward building a skilled, resilient and high‑performing service. We are looking for motivated, committed individuals who are ready to contribute to our improvement journey and make a real difference to families across Lancashire.
Shape the Policies That Shape Children’s Lives. Lead Change That Lasts.
If you’re a strategic thinker who thrives on influencing practice, driving improvement and shaping systems that make a genuine difference — this is your opportunity to lead at a county‑wide level.
Lancashire’s Inclusion Service is transforming how it supports children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). We are committed to building a service that is evidence‑informed, forward‑thinking and unified under a clear, ambitious vision for SEND.
As our new Policy & Practice Development Team Manager, you will sit at the heart of this transformation — leading policy design, driving system improvements, overseeing data and digital processes, and supporting the development of a skilled and confident workforce.
This is a role where your strategic leadership will directly strengthen how children, families and professionals experience SEND services across Lancashire.
About the Role
Working across the Inclusion Service, you will lead the development, implementation and review of policies, procedures and service‑wide frameworks that ensure consistency, compliance and high‑quality practice.
You will oversee system administration, data analysis and performance reporting, ensuring leaders have the insight they need to make informed decisions. You will contribute to strategic planning, lead aspects of workforce development — including induction, SEND Academy activity and continuous learning — and support cross‑service projects aligned to local and national priorities.
Your work will ensure the Inclusion Service operates with clarity, coherence and shared purpose. From Local Offer content to government returns, from process design to project oversight, your leadership will be felt across the whole SEND system. Above all, you will champion child‑centred, inclusive practice in everything you influence.
This is the perfect role for someone who enjoys both strategic thinking and practical implementation, and who wants to deliver meaningful, sustainable improvement.
About You
You will bring significant experience of shaping policy, leading projects or driving service development in education, health, social care or a related environment. You understand SEND legislation, statutory responsibilities and local authority processes, and you’re confident translating complex information into clear, practical frameworks.
You are a strong communicator who can influence, negotiate and bring people with you — whether you’re working with senior leaders, schools, families or multi‑agency partners. You analyse data intelligently, think critically and make sound, evidence‑informed decisions.
As a leader, you are values‑driven, adaptable and solution‑focused. You manage competing priorities effectively and maintain high standards of accuracy, clarity and strategic alignment. Above all, you believe in inclusive practice and in improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND.
A degree‑level qualification or equivalent experience is required. This is an essential car user post and you must be able to provide a vehicle insured for business use.
Why Join Us?
A workplace built on trust, balance and flexibility
We offer hybrid working, flexible hours and a culture that prioritises wellbeing. You will benefit from 26 days’ annual leave (rising to 32 with service), 10 bank holidays and the opportunity to purchase up to 20 extra days. You’ll also have access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, our Employee Assistance Programme and a wide range of staff discounts and salary‑sacrifice options.
Development that grows with you
As a strategic leader, you’ll have access to ongoing CPD, professional qualifications, strong peer networks and opportunities to influence improvement at a county‑wide level. We prioritise reflective practice, supervision and continuous learning — including project management and leadership pathways.
A culture grounded in inclusivity
We value flexibility, celebrate diversity and empower our teams to bring forward ideas that strengthen services. You’ll be part of a collaborative service that is ambitious, improvement‑focused and dedicated to delivering excellent outcomes for children and young people.
How to Apply
Please use your application to show how you meet the criteria outlined in the Job Description and Person Specification. Attach a supporting statement and resume. We look forward to welcoming someone who shares our commitment to delivering high‑quality, inclusive services.
Closing Date: Sunday 29th March 2026
Interviews: TBC
The post you are applying for is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013). If successful you will be required to apply to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) for a 'disclosure'. Further information can be found on the 'Our Recruitment Process' tab.
You will be required to provide a car for use in connection with the duties of this post and must be insured for business use. However, we may consider you if you cannot drive because of a disability.
Job Description and Person Specification
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