Resolution and Tribunals Manager - Redeployment

As a modern, flexible and effective organisation, we are driven to make a positive difference to Suffolk. That’s why, when you join us as a SEND Resolution and Tribunals Manager, you will be encouraged to share your fresh thinking and empowered to explore new ideas that will shape and improve our services.

Reimagine the possibilities.

Suffolk County Council has pledged its commitment to improve services for Children and Young People with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and features in the Suffolk corporate strategy as a key priority for Suffolk major programmes. Our plans and priorities - Suffolk County Council.

Your role and responsibilities

As a manager in Children and Young People’s Services you will be at the forefront of managing change, leading high quality and effective ways of working and managing staff, resources or projects to achieve the best possible outcomes for children, young people and their families in Suffolk. To act as a catalyst for change working directly alongside children, young people and their families. To support the early resolution of disputes involving children and young people with SEND and their families. Working in partnership with Suffolk County Council Legal and Family Services to represent the local authority during mediation and tribunals and ensuring that the LA meets all statutory requirements regarding the SEND code of practise and Children and Families Act 2014.

You will:

• act as a catalyst for change working directly alongside children, young people and their families
• support the early resolution of disputes involving children and young people with SEND and their families
• work in partnership with Suffolk County Council Legal and Family Services to represent the local authority during mediation and tribunals and ensuring that the LA meets all statutory requirements regarding the SEND code of practise and Children and Families Act 2014
• promote the principles of mediation and other forms of alternative dispute resolution in resolving complaints and concerns as close to the point of contact as possible
• represent the Local Authority at mediation meetings with families to resolve as far as possible disputes and disagreements specifically regarding SEND
• oversee the procedures and processes related to reviews for children within Suffolk
• ensure the team maintain high quality communication and engagement with families 
• have oversight and provide support for complex matters.

You will need: 

• a passion for improving the lives of children, young people and families in Suffolk
• comprehensive knowledge of SEND legislation, policies and safeguarding practices
• SEND experience
• experience of multi-agency working within social care, health and education
• the ability to inspire, empower and develop a high-performing team.

 If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application. 

The Team

The Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) team works closely with families, schools, and other professionals to assess children's needs and develop Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).

The Resolution and Tribunal Team make an important contribution to the work of Inclusion Services, to bring about the priorities within the Suffolk SEND Strategy, to do this they work closely with multiagency partners and stakeholders including education settings, SENDIASS and parent/carer forums. The team will focus on seeking early resolutions to disputes within the SEND system, to improve the experience of those accessing Inclusion services. The team oversee the coordination and representation of the Local Authority at SEND Tribunals and Mediation, working with SCC Legal as appropriate. 

We work alongside; Special Education Services, SEND Funding and Provider Services and Educational Psychology and Therapeutic Services, Social Care and Health and we are all dedicated to helping children and young people achieve their individual outcomes.

Empowering Everyone

We are big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We are always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.

For more information

Please contact Jen Beaton by calling 01473260529 or email: [email protected]

How to apply

Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (JPP) (word).

Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.

Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template. 

1. How have you supported the development of a high-performing team?  Can you give an example of how you motivated or mentored staff to improve performance? 
2. Describe a situation where you represented an organisation in a SEND Tribunal or mediation.  What was your approach, and what was the result?
3. How do you promote early resolution and alternative dispute resolution methods in your work? 
4. How do you demonstrate a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion in your leadership? 

Please note: Without a supporting statement, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.  

For guidance on completing your application, please see our How to Apply page. 

Planning to use Artificial Intelligence (AI)? Please ensure your application still reflects your own skills, experience and ideas. If used inappropriately, your application may not be processed. Please read our guidance for using AI to understand what’s acceptable. 

Do you need any reasonable adjustments to help you to apply? If you are disabled and/or have additional support needs, you can request reasonable adjustments. You can do this by contacting our Recruitment Team at [email protected] or 03456 014412.  You can find examples of possible adjustments on our Reasonable Adjustment pages

We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We ask you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process.

Please note: Without a supporting statement, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format. If you would like an adjustment to this process due to a disability, please contact us at 03456 014412 or: [email protected]

Closing date: 11.30pm, 16 August 2026.

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. #LI-Hybrid