Description
The job itself
Supporting high‑quality services for children, young people and families
This role sits at the centre of children’s services commissioning, supporting how vital services are planned, monitored and delivered across SEND, education, residential placements, safeguarding and therapeutic provision. As a Children’s Commissioning Assistant, you will play a key role in ensuring that commissioned services are well‑managed, financially sound and responsive to the needs of children and families.
The post offers a purposeful mix of data analysis, financial monitoring, panel support and multi‑agency working. Your contribution will directly support statutory processes, informed decision‑making and effective governance, helping to ensure children receive timely, appropriate and high‑quality support.
What makes this role distinctive
This is a varied and trusted role with responsibility for specialist commissioning support functions. You will work across the commissioning cycle, supporting placement searches, maintaining performance and financial data, assisting with panel processes and contributing to contract and market oversight.
You will hold responsibility for maintaining accurate and reliable datasets that inform forecasting, performance reporting and statutory decision‑making. This includes managing key information relating to commissioned packages, therapy spend and financial claims. The role offers the opportunity to build strong expertise in SEND systems, commissioning processes and financial governance, supported by experienced colleagues and clear operational structures.
Who you’ll be working with
You will report to a Children’s Commissioning and Quality Monitoring Officer and work closely with colleagues across SEND, education, social care and finance services. You will support Children’s Services and panels, working alongside officers and managers to ensure decisions are implemented promptly and effectively.
Externally, you will liaise with schools, parents and carers, commissioned providers, NHS colleagues (including Integrated Care Board partners), other local authority teams and voluntary and community sector organisations. The role involves regular communication with a wide range of stakeholders, often involving sensitive or complex information.
What your day‑to‑day work will look like
The role combines structured analytical work with operational coordination. On a day‑to‑day basis, you can expect to:
1. Maintain accurate data and information systems that support statutory processes, service planning and informed decision‑
2. Manage and input financial and commissioning data to support forecasting, performance monitoring and governance reporting.
3. Record and maintain information related to service delivery, outcomes and resolution activity to inform service monitoring and review.
4. Input and validate financial information, ensuring claims and invoices are accurate and align with approved funding and agreed provision.
5. Support the coordination of service placements and provision, issuing requests and tracking actions to ensure timely delivery of support.
6. Check and process invoices for commissioned services, ensuring accuracy and compliance with agreed budgets and contractual requirements.
7. Facilitate and support service panels and meetings, ensuring actions are followed through and outcomes are communicated clearly and promptly.
8. Prepare data summaries and performance information to support contract monitoring, service reviews and continuous improvement activity.
9. Support oversight of commissioned providers, helping to ensure quality standards and compliance are maintained.
10. Respond to enquiries from families, providers and partner organisations, managing sensitive information with professionalism and care.
What we’re looking for
We are looking for someone who is organised, analytical and confident working with data, systems and processes. You will be able to manage competing priorities; work using your own initiative and collaborate effectively with colleagues across different services.
You will bring a calm, respectful and non‑judgemental approach to working with families and partners, along with strong attention to detail and a commitment to quality public service delivery. Experience or understanding of children’s services, SEND or commissioning is beneficial, but the ability to learn, adapt and take ownership of key responsibilities is essential.