We are looking for a Programme Manager who will focus on supporting SEND reform and wider system improvement within Durham’s Children and Young People’s Services. The post is temporary for 12 months. WHAT IS INVOLVED? You will lead and coordinate a programme of improvement activity to support the council’s response to national SEND reforms, strengthening practice, governance and assurance, and improving outcomes for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. Working closely with senior leaders across Children and Young People’s Services and wider council and partner services, you will translate national policy, inspection findings and emerging best practice into practical, deliverable improvement activity. This will include designing and delivering workplans, coordinating improvement projects, supporting service change, and ensuring progress is effectively monitored and reported. You will have strong political awareness and the ability to build trusted relationships in complex environments. You will work with a wide range of stakeholders including senior leaders, operational managers, SEND practitioners, elected members, and partners across education, health and social care, as well as engaging with national bodies such as Ofsted, the Department for Education and sector-led improvement partners where required. You will have a high level of autonomy, flexibility and initiative. Priorities will evolve in line with national SEND reform, inspection outcomes and local need, and you will play an active role in shaping, coordinating and driving Durham’s SEND improvement and reform agenda. WHAT WILL I NEED? For this role you will need a degree level qualification in a relevant subject and experience of: SEND service improvement, including working with SEND systems, processes and stakeholders to deliver reform, improved practice or improved outcomes for children and young people. Working in a political environment with a number of different stakeholders in a challenging area of business. Representing a local authority at SEND tribunals and dispute resolutions. You can read more about the experience, skills and personal qualities we are looking for in the attached person specification. INTERESTED? If you are keen to find out more about the role please contact Hazel Ostle, our workforce development manager by email at hazel.ostle@durham.gov.uk. INTERVIEWS Interviews are expected to be held on 1 April 2026. We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran. OUR OFFER TO YOU We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years’ continuous local government service), membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme, and a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable. Explore the full range of rewards and benefits on our website Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions. EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled and neurodivergent people and offer support throughout the recruitment process. HOW TO APPLY Please note, we do not accept CVs. All applications must be submitted online via the Northeast Jobs portal. Use the ‘Person Specification’ section of the form to clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential (and where possible, desirable) criteria. Applications that do not evidence the essential requirements will not be shortlisted. Please visit our website to understand our position on using AI to support your application and for guidance on completing your application. If you require assistance when applying for this role, please contact our Recruitment Helpdesk on 03000 26 27 27, or via email RecruitmentCYPS@durham.gov.uk All correspondence relating to your application will be sent from donotreply@northeastjobs.org.uk. Kindly check your spam/junk folder regularly to ensure you don’t miss any updates. CONNECT WITH US Follow us on Instagram Like us on Facebook Visit our website VPRS/161