Head of Service Inclusion and SEND

Head of Service Inclusion and SEND - 37 HoursApplication Deadline: 5 January 2026Department: Childrens ServicesEmployment Type: PermanentLocation: Torbay CouncilReporting To: Divisional/Assistant DirectorCompensation: £66,227 - £70,323 / yearDescription Job Description & Person Specification >We have an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic, dedicated and progressive professional to lead the SEND team at Torbay Council. As a Head of Service for SEND and Inclusion you will work collaboratively with parents, social care, health colleagues and wider partner agencies, providing expert knowledge and taking a lead role in improving outcomes for children and young with SEND across the local area. To be successful in this role, we are seeking a confident and experienced person who will be able to establish trust with leaders from early years, mainstream, post 16 and special school settings, providing advice and challenge to the SEND system whilst driving forward the change agenda that our children and families need to see. You must have a comprehensive understanding of the SEND legislation and an ability to lead change across multi agency departments. The SEND system in Torbay is changing, we are delivering a rapid improvement plan, which will provide the right candidate with the framework and ability to lead change with support. At the heart of all improvements and service reform is the implementation of change through co-production.This post meets the requirements for an Enhanced Criminal Record Check. This will show spent and unspent convictions and adult cautions which have not been filtered in line with legislation, plus any information held by local Police that is considered relevant to the role. If you are viewing this advert on a job board, you can access the full job description by placing the below URL into your browser:For an informal chat please contact Hannah Baker on or  Interviews are expected to be conducted during the week commencing 12th January 2026. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.Our adverts do sometimes close early - even where there's a published deadline - so if you're keen, please apply as soon as possible.Skills Essential:Evidence of applying innovative and analytical approaches to solving complex and challenging problems. Evidence of effective written, oral and inter-personal skills, including presentation, advocacy, negotiation and consultation skills. Ability to build and maintain collaborative and effective working relationships with colleagues and partners across agency boundaries. Significant decision-making skills – the ability to analyse information, draw conclusions and effect judgements based on outcomes and risk. Evidence of management skills, including managing staff and budgets.  This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.Knowledge Essential:Knowledge of statutory requirements and national guidance in relation to SEND. A clear and thorough understanding of the operational context within which Local Government services are intended to operate and how to apply the dynamics of working within a political environment with elected members. Significant knowledge and understanding of the SEND agenda and Green Paper, current social policy, good practice and legislation. Including Working Together to Safeguard Children and the relevant Ofsted Inspection Frameworks. Significant understanding of effective inclusive practice within education provisions. Understanding of the funding mechanisms and conditions of the Higher Needs Block of the Dedicated Schools Grant. Experience & Qualifications Essential:A proven track record and significant experience of working at a senior leadership and management level within the field of Inclusion and SEND. Substantial experience as a senior leader in a school or a statutory agency delivering responsibilities for SEND. Demonstrable evidence of resolving conflicts between stakeholders, including parents and carers. The planning, controlling and monitoring of complex budgets. The management of change and performance improvement.