Commissioning and Brokerage Officer

Are you passionate about commissioning and improving outcomes for children and young people? Do you thrive in a collaborative, data-driven environment where your work directly shapes inclusive, high-quality services? If so, we want to hear from you. The Borough of Hillingdon is investing in commissioning, and needs a team that will deliver innovation and value for money.

As a SEND Commissioning & Brokerage Officer, you will play a pivotal role in delivering Hillingdon's ambitious SEND and Alternative Provision Strategy 2023–2028. Working closely with the Head of Education and SEND Commissioning, you will ensure that commissioned services are responsive, inclusive, and aligned with our five strategic ambitions—especially our commitment to delivering the right support, at the right time, in the right place.

You will:

• Lead on commissioning and contract management for Independent and Non-Maintained Special Schools (INMSS), Independent Specialist Providers (ISPs), and other education providers.
• Analyse placement trends and data to inform strategic planning and ensure value for money.
• Support the development of local provision to reduce reliance on out-of-borough placements and improve local sufficiency.
• Collaborate with families, young people, and partners across education, health, and social care, working together to co-produce and co-design creative solutions to ensure seamless transitions and high-quality outcomes for learners.
• Contribute to the Safety Valve programme, SEND Improvement Plan, and SEND sufficiency planning.

What We're Looking For

We're seeking someone who is:

• Enthusiastic, personable, dynamic, and an excellent communicator and negotiator
• Experienced in commissioning, contract management, and data analysis.
• Knowledgeable about SEND legislation, policy, and inclusive education practices.
• Financially astute, with the ability to assess commercial viability and negotiate effectively.
• Able to build strong relationships with providers, families, partners, and internal teams.
• Committed to co-design, co-production, and continuous improvement.

Why Join Us?

At Hillingdon, we are:

• Ambitious for all children - we believe every child deserves to thrive in their local community.
• Investing in early intervention - to close gaps before they widen.
• Expanding local provision - to ensure children can access the support and education they need close to home.
• Championing inclusion - so that every child feels they belong.
• Driving innovation in commissioning - to deliver creative, flexible, responsive services that are value for money, and meet the real needs of children and young people.

This is your opportunity to be part of a forward-thinking team that is reshaping SEND services in one of London's most diverse and dynamic boroughs.

Please contact Gary Binstead ) for further information or if you have any queries regarding this fantastic opportunity.

We value our employees and are committed to ensuring that they enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding career with us. We understand that a happy and motivated workforce is essential for the success of our organisation. That is why we offer a wide range of employee benefits to enhance your work-life balance, financial wellbeing, health, and professional development.

Here's a comprehensive overview of the fantastic benefits we provide:

• Flexible Working Hours – We recognise the importance of flexibility in managing your work and personal life.
• 36 Hour Week – Enjoy a standard 36-hour workweek for all full time staff.
• Generous Holiday Entitlement – increasing with length of service (for non-casual roles).
• Hillingdon Sports & Leisure – Stay active and healthy with discounts at council owned leisure centres and swimming pools across the borough.
• Salary Sacrifice Schemes – option to join schemes for cycle purchase, electric vehicle leasing and additional voluntary pension contributions (subject to scheme rules).
• Cycle to Work – Eco-friendly commuting with our cycle purchase scheme. We also provide bicycle parking, lockers, and showers at the Civic Centre.
• Local Government Pension Scheme – access to Local Government Pension Scheme and membership to the Credit Union.
• Vivup Benefits – Access a variety of offers and discounts through our Vivup Benefits.
• Mental Health Support and Counselling Services – Our mental health first aiders are trained to identify, understand, and help employees experiencing mental health issues. Access free 24-hour confidential advice and counselling as well as a legal advice service for you and your immediate family.
• Travel Support – Make your daily commute easier with our season ticket loans and free car parking.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

At the London Borough of Hillingdon, we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. This commitment means that all employees, job applicants and others who work for us will be treated fairly.

The aim is for our workforce to be representative of all sections of society and Hillingdon residents so we welcome applicants from a wide variety of backgrounds. We strive to ensure that our recruitment process is free from discrimination and bias, and we are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments to applicants with disabilities.

Join us in building a workplace where everyone feels respected, able to give their best and be themselves at work, whilst contributing meaningfully to our organisation's success.

Recruitment Information

Hillingdon Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities that meet the essential criteria for the role and wish to be considered under this scheme. We believe in the option to choose, so candidates declaring a disability have the choice to opt in for consideration under this scheme, on a 'per application' basis.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable groups and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Some posts are subject to The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2019 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

In addition to verifying Right to Work in the UK and a new starter health questionnaire, the post is subject to the following pre-employment screening:

• Enhanced DBS Check
• 3 years of Referencing

Please note: Priority will be given to those at risk of redundancy within Hillingdon Council. Current employees who are part of the redeployment pool must meet the essential criteria for shortlisting to be prioritised.

It may be necessary due to a high volume of applications to close this role early. We therefore recommend you apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.