Job Title: SEND Tribunal and Mediation Officer
Location: Swindon (Hybrid office attendance required as needed)
Rate: Competitive daily rate (dependent on experience)
Contract: Interim / Full-time
Overview:
We are currently recruiting an experienced SEND Tribunal and Mediation Officer to join a dedicated and high-performing SEND Team within Swindon Borough Council. This is a critical role supporting the local authority in ensuring statutory compliance and the effective handling of SEND disputes, particularly those progressing to mediation and tribunal.
Key Responsibilities:
* Lead on all aspects of SEND tribunal and mediation casework.
* Coordinate responses to appeals and disputes, ensuring compliance with statutory timescales.
* Liaise with legal teams, families, schools, and external professionals to gather evidence and represent the local authority's position.
* Prepare comprehensive tribunal documentation, including working documents and evidence bundles.
* Attend mediation meetings and tribunal hearings as required, ensuring professional and well-informed representation.
* Support colleagues across the SEND service in pre-emptive dispute resolution and case planning.
* Maintain accurate and timely case records and contribute to service improvement initiatives.
Essential Criteria:
* Extensive experience working within SEND services, ideally within a tribunal or statutory assessment role.
* Strong working knowledge of the Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice.
* Proven experience preparing and presenting cases for SEND tribunal and mediation.
* Excellent communication, organisation, and stakeholder management skills.
* Ability to manage competing priorities while meeting statutory deadlines.
Desirable:
* Legal training or experience in education law is advantageous.
* Familiarity with case management systems such as Capita ONE or Liquidlogic.
Why Apply?
* Join a supportive and forward-thinking SEND team.
* Opportunity to make a direct impact on positive outcomes for children and families.
* Flexible working arrangements available.
To Apply:
Submit your CV today for immediate consideration. Early applications are encouraged as interviews will be held on a rolling basis.
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