Deputy Manager

• Suffolk County Council
• Address: Endeavour House, Ipswich, IP1 2BX - Hybrid 
• Salary: £60,135 per annum (pro rata for part time)
• Hours: 37 hours per weeks, flexible working options available 
• Contract: Permanent

We're focused on making a meaningful difference to communities across Suffolk. How? By listening to our people learning from what they say and creating a culture of mutual respect, where everyone works together to achieve great things. As a Deputy Manager, in Statutory SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) Services you'll be as keen to collaborate and build a bright future as we are. 

Reimagine the possibilities.

Your role and responsibilities 

You will:

• Support the Head of Service with strategic and operational management, driving a positive culture aligned with the WE ASPIRE Values and 'Ideal Worker' principles.
• Work with the Head of SEND Services to set the culture, values, and well-being of the team.
• Represent the Head of SEND Services and make key decisions in their absence. 
• Work in partnership with key strategic partners such as Social Care, Health, Education, and co-producing children and young people with families and parent carer networks to strengthen multi-agency collaboration.
• Provide operational leadership to SEND Service teams, focusing on statutory operations.
• Oversee the effective implementation of new systems and ensure these are embedded in services.

You will need 

• Comprehensive knowledge of relevant legislation, policies, safeguarding practices, SEND code of practice, EHCPs, and assessments in children's services. 
• Proven leadership experience in managing children's services, driving change, improving performance, effective resource/budget management, and introducing innovative ideas. 
• Ability to critically analyse complex information, solve problems collaboratively, present written material clearly, manage risks/priorities under pressure, and make difficult decisions. 
• Understanding of the significance of equality, diversity and inclusion in service provision. 
• Substantial SENCO leadership experience combined with diverse SEND roles and multi-agency working knowledge of social care, health, and education sectors. 
• Proven ability to lead complex cases, seek solutions, advocate for SEND rights, and improve experiences for children, young people, and families. 

You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (Word). 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). 

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're big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We're 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 Lucy Doherty for a casual conversation. You can reach them by calling or emailing  

How to apply

Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (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. Describe a time when you led a team through a significant change in children's services. What strategies did you use to ensure a positive culture and successful outcomes? 
2. Tell us about a situation where you worked in partnership with social care, health, and education to improve outcomes for children with SEND. What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them? 
3. How have you used data and quality assurance processes to drive service improvement in your previous roles? 
4. Describe how you have chaired decision-making panels or represented services at forums. What skills did you use to ensure person-centred decisions? 

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. If you require any reasonable adjustments to the application process before the next selection stage, please contact our Recruitment Team by emailing calling If you are invited to the next stage of selection, you will have another opportunity to request adjustments for the next stages of the process. 

Closing date: 11.30pm, 17 December 2025

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