Yorkshire and Humber Sector Led Improvement Programme across Children’s Services The Yorkshire and Humber (Y&H) Sector Led Improvement (SLI) Programme is looking for a great project manager with experience in the Education, SEND and Alternative Provision sector to join its supportive and ambitious team. This is an exciting opportunity for a pro-active, ambitious candidate to utilise their strategic project management skills and be accountable for key workstreams across the Education/SEND portfolio within the Y&H SLI Programme. This programme is owned by the 16 Directors of Children’s Services (DCSs) within the 15 Local Authorities (LAs) and one Children’s Trust across Yorkshire and Humber. It is designed to promote innovative practice, champion peer-led support and continuously improve outcomes for children and young people across the region. As such, effective stakeholder management skills as well as a detailed understanding of national legislation and reform will be a critical part of the role. The Y&H SLI Programme, Hosted By City Of York Council, Delivers a Range Of Improvement And Innovation Projects Across Children’s Services Regionally. This Year, There Has Been a Significant Increase In The SEND Funding Available To Support Projects And Initiatives Which Develop Regional SEND data sets Diagnostic activities Universal Improvement offers, including mainstream inclusion and workforce strategies Targeted support offers, open to all local authorities, designed to improve priority areas of practice. The success of this wide-ranging work depends not only on effective project management but also on the ability to engage, influence, align, and collaborate with a diverse range of partners and stakeholders. Key Responsibilities Deliver high-impact SEND/Education projects on time and within budget Manage a delegated budget, consultants and reporting on delivery Support regional networks and represent at local/national forums Build strong partnerships with councils, health, parent forums, and the Department for Education Drive innovation in inclusive education and workforce development. About You The appointed person will work alongside, with and for the 15 LAs across Y&H, delivering the priority tasks within the regional delivery plan. This plan supports improvement and has a strong focus on the upcoming SEND reforms, due for publication in 2026. The SLI programme is closely aligned with the DfE's Change Programme and RISE initiatives and the successful candidate will work to develop these connections further. The Successful Candidate Will Have Degree or equivalent experience in project/leadership management Strong knowledge of SEND/Education and relevant legislation Proven project and stakeholder management skills Excellent communication and influencing abilities Flexible, resilient, and self-starting. Be required to travel across Yorkshire and the Humber. Your work will be guided by the regional network of DCSs and senior education leads. You will work with our SLI SEND Consultant on the development of our regional strategy and work to the SLI Programme Manager on the operational delivery of your portfolio. Interviews will consist of a panel interview with a 10-minute presentation related to the knowledge, skills and experienced required for the role. This role is suitable as a job share opportunity. Hybrid working arrangements are available for this role. Each role at CYC is different and your working arrangements will be determined based on the requirements of the role and in collaboration with you and your needs as part of the recruitment process. Your contractual location will be the designated council office for your team. Please note, we do not have a sponsorship licence to sponsor individuals for visas to work in the UK, therefore we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. The Council is committed to investing in the talent and wellbeing of our staff and can offer a generous annual leave allowance, access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, comprehensive Health & Wellbeing initiatives and a reward package which recognises your contribution. We can offer flexible working practices, community engagement and volunteer activities and, as part of our commitment to you, promote continuous Learning & Development. In addition we also offer a growing range of discounts, rewards and savings. Potential applicants can find out more about the Y&H SLI Programme and the role by contacting kate.gillan@york.gov.uk Closing date: Sunday 01 February 2026 at 12midnight Interview date: Monday 16 February 2026