SEN Tribunal Officer

Rate: £390 per day (Inside IR35, via umbrella company)

Duration: Initially until August 2026

Working pattern: Hybrid

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced SEN Tribunal Officer to help handle a high volume of complex SEND tribunal cases. This role focuses on managing and delivering end-to-end casework for children and young people (aged 0–25) where an appeal to the SEND Tribunal is open.

You will play a critical role in coordinating and leading complex tribunal casework, representing the Local Authority, and working collaboratively with families, schools and multi-disciplinary professionals to achieve timely, defensible outcomes.

Main Areas of Responsibility

• Deliver high-quality, reactive casework for SEND tribunal appeals, with a focus on early resolution and reconciliation where possible

• Represent the Local Authority at SEND Tribunal hearings, defending the appropriateness of assessment decisions and provision

• Coordinate and lead complex multi-agency casework for children and young people with active tribunal appeals

• Develop and manage the Local Authority’s tribunal response, including chronologies, position statements and evidence bundles

• Chair and arrange multi-agency meetings and conferences to ensure robust and coordinated tribunal preparation

• Work closely with parents, schools, health professionals and internal teams, using strong negotiation and influencing skills

• Support the continuous improvement of SEND practice by contributing to policy, procedures and tribunal-related guidance

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of SEND legislation, including the Children and Families Act 2014, SEN Code of Practice and Equalities Act 2010

• Input and maintain accurate case records and documentation on SEND databases and systems

• Participate in quality assurance, monitoring and statutory compliance activity within the SEND service

Key Requirements

• Proven experience managing SEND tribunal appeals, including representing a Local Authority at hearings

• 2–3 years’ experience working within or closely aligned to a SEND service

• Strong knowledge of SEND legislation, statutory processes and tribunal procedures

• Experience working within complex SEND systems and managing competing deadlines

• Exceptional stakeholder management skills, with the ability to negotiate and influence positively

• Experience working directly with families, carers and young people

• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to work independently and to tight timescales

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including report writing and evidence preparation

• Confident IT skills, including case management systems, reporting and data analysis

• Ability to liaise effectively with multi-disciplinary partners across education, health and social care

If you have the relevant experience, please apply today!