Evaluation and Improvements Officer

Nottinghamshire County Council is launching two pivotal roles as part of a strategic initiative to enhance the quality, efficiency, and value for money of SEND Home to School Transport services. These positions are ideal for dynamic individuals who excel in communication, negotiation, and influencing processes across complex systems.

The role is designed to challenge existing practices and deliver innovative, cost-effective solutions that improve outcomes for children and families. You'll be expected to engage confidently with diverse stakeholders - schools, families, operators, and internal teams - while driving operational change.

Whilst the role will report to the Commissioning and Contracts Manager in Transport, reporting progress in cost-mitigation against Key Performance Indicators.

One post will be embedded within Education, Health and Care (EHC) teams, predominantly working from Meadow House, whilst the other will work closely with Home to School Transport teams based at County Hall.

Role 1: Embedding Transport within EHCP Processes

This role will focus on integrating transport considerations into the EHCP journey, ensuring early Transport planning and forecasting are supported by robust data. You will:

• Work with staff, schools and families to problem solve home to school travel, promoting graduated and proportionate assistance.
• Co-produce guidance and training materials for staff, families and schools to shape understanding and expectations around travel options.
• Review and improve operational processes and documentation to integrate transport consideration.
• Represent transport considerations in multi-agency discussions and placement decision-making.
• Develop the data that supports Place Planning decision-making when developing placements.

Role 2: Reviewing Existing Provision

This role will focus on reviewing transport provision and promoting graduated, proportionate and cost-effective travel solutions for those already accessing transport. You will:

• Analyse transport data, identifying high-cost packages and scrutinising provision to ascertain opportunities to work differently to reduce cost.
• Lead negotiations with staff, families, schools and operators to identify and implement cost-saving activities.
• Promote Direct Travel Assistance Payments to families accessing organised transport.
• Identify re-commissioning opportunities and/or promote and implement new, alternative ways of commissioning.
• Identify where new processes/practices require introduction and facilitate the embedding of these, developing guidance and supporting staff through change.
• Implement identified solutions, measuring impact and reporting against this.

What We're Looking For

We're seeking persuasive communicators and strategic thinkers who can:

• Build trust and consensus across varied stakeholder groups.
• Influence processes and practice through clear, confident engagement.
• Use data to challenge assumptions and drive service improvement.
• Navigate complex projects independently while reporting impact against KPIs.

Knowledge of SEND, EHCP processes or home to school transport planning and policy is helpful, but not essential - we value adaptability and drive above all.

Why Join Us?

At Nottinghamshire County Council, we are committed to delivering high-quality services that make a real difference. You'll be part of a supportive team, developing the sustainability of services and delivering value for money.

If you're passionate about improving services and making a difference for children and families, we'd love to hear from you.

For an informal discussion about the roles, please contact Angela Cole , Commissioning and Contracts Manager.